Sports and exercise
We are the No.1 Sports University in South of England and Wales*
We are proud of our hard-earned reputation for sporting excellence at Exeter, but our constant focus is on ensuring every student has the opportunity to get involved, regardless of ability or interest. Whatever your ambitions, you’ll have every chance to take part in sport and fitness activities. Perfect your skills, learn something new or just have some fun.
*BUCS Sport rankings 2023/24 rankings
Over 100 sports clubs to choose from
Whether you’re an elite athlete or a complete novice, the University of Exeter offers a huge variety of sports clubs and societies. Choose from over 100 sports clubs across our campuses, our social sport programme, and various wellness initiatives offering the chance to get involved in activities throughout the region. If you’re interested in coaching, volunteering, or enhancing your CV then you can get involved in our coach education programmes too.
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Facilities
We have invested heavily in superb facilities across all our campuses, allowing us to offer a large variety of participation opportunities for all students.
Facilities on the Penryn Campus, Cornwall
Watersports feature strongly in Cornwall; it’s one of the best places in the country for surfing and sailing, and the Penryn Campus has great links with local water sports providers and clubs, including traditional Cornish gig-rowing clubs.
The Penryn Campus has a £4 million Sports Centre which includes a four-court sports hall, a large, versatile studio offering classes, and a spacious, 90-station gym equipped by leading UK experts Pulse Fitness. Away from the gym, the campus has easy-to-use outdoor gym equipment and a multi-use games area, which offers an all-weather, floodlit facility for five-a-side football and other sports.
Facilities on the Exeter campuses
Our £8.6 million Russell Seal Fitness Centre houses an extensive range of equipment including a free weights room, Synrgy 360, Wattbike area and HIIT zone. The centre is also home to a range of fitness classes, personal training and workshops. We also have an international standard water-based hockey pitch, 3G rubber-crumb, Tennis Centre, Cricket Centre, outdoor pool, short-course golf practice area, squash courts and many more facilities.
St Luke’s Sports Centre is home to our indoor pool, sports halls and gym. Off campus, we also have two large grass sports grounds and a boat house on the canal.
Performance Programme
Our Performance Programme offers assistance to top level student athletes in our Performance sports: Rugby Union, Hockey, Cricket, Golf, Netball, Tennis, Lacrosse and Sailing. Performance Sports athletes receive elite professional coaching, sports science services, physiotherapy, athlete lifestyle support and strength and conditioning training.
The Science of Movement
At the University of Exeter, we’re pushing the boundaries of human performance and transforming public health through pioneering research. From elite sport to rehabilitation and lifelong wellbeing, our work is helping people live healthier, more active lives.
This film features entirely authentic footage from our labs, facilities, and fieldwork. Voiced by David, a first-year student, this is a story of research impact we’re proud to tell. Find out more at www.exeter.ac.uk/research/science-of-movement
What our students say
"The sports facilities at Exeter are second to none. The tennis courts in particular are exceptional. Being able to play no matter what the weather, has really helped me to train as much as I have wanted to this year. To say my tennis has improved whilst being here is an understatement."
Megan
Sports and exercise Science
