Sports Science degrees
Our programmes offer an innovative and holistic scientific approach to understanding sporting performance, exercise and health, combined with an excellent general education and exceptional track record for student satisfaction.
Study Sports and Health Sciences at the University of Exeter
The Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences ranks as one of the top departments in the UK to study sport and exercise sciences, with an excellent reputation for both teaching and research.
You will study at the historic St Luke’s Campus, which provides extensive facilities including purpose-built laboratories for sport and exercise physiology, sports biomechanics, health and performance psychology research, and a virtual reality lab. You will benefit from our highly supportive environment that incorporates the latest research findings and methodologies, to place you at the cutting-edge of the field.
Many of our students represent the University in their chosen sport and have achieved regional, national and international sporting success.
Our Sports Science degrees and courses
Our Sports Science courses are taught on our St Luke's Campus in Exeter.
Undergraduate degrees
Masters degrees
Related subjects
You can search a full list of subject areas taught at the University of Exeter.
Top 5 in the UK for Sports Science
5th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 and the Complete University Guide 2026
1st in the UK for world-leading research in Sports Science
REF 2021, based on research submitted to UoA24 Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism
Dedicated laboratories for sport and exercise physiology, biomechanics and performance psychology
155th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 170th in the THE World Rankings 2026
Frequently asked questions about studying Sports Science
As a student in Public Health and Sport Sciences you will be welcomed into a friendly, intellectually stimulating and highly supportive learning environment. You’ll benefit from programmes enhanced by the past and current research of our academic staff who collaborate with industry, clinical populations, national and international organisations and professional athletes to advance knowledge within the discipline.
We've answered some of our most frequently asked questions below to help you decide if a Sports Science degree is right for you.
What career prospects would I have with a sports science degree from Exeter?
Sport and Exercise Science and Nutrition are dynamic, interdisciplinary fields focused on enhancing physical performance, promoting health, preventing injury, and understanding the impact of nutrition and physical activity on the body. Graduates can apply their expertise across elite and grassroots sport, healthcare, education, research, and the wider health and fitness industry.
Typical career paths include roles such as sport scientists, exercise physiologists, strength and conditioning coaches, nutritionists, health promotion specialists, and performance analysts. Opportunities also exist within the pharmaceutical and medical/sports technology industries, where graduates may contribute to product development, testing, or the communication of scientific knowledge to varied audiences.
Find out more about your future career in sport and exercise science.
Can international students apply to study Sports Science?
Yes. Our international student community is part of what makes Exeter a top worldwide university. International students are welcome to apply for Bachelors (undergraduate) and Masters (postgraduate taught) degrees with us, as well as for postgraduate research opportunities.
For more information, visit our international students webpages.
Our alumni share their career journeys
"The St Luke’s Campus has a great community feel and you get to know everyone very quickly and see lots of familiar faces. I found the different modules available very interesting, I liked how the first year was full of variety so I was able to find out what my interests were."
"Personally, I loved biomechanics and it was something I hadn’t really done before at school, so having the opportunity to do it this year was really exciting.
The teaching is great. All of the staff are enthusiastic and want to help as much as possible. Tutorials are offered all year to help with understanding and coursework. I found Daryl Wilkerson’s tutorial particularly useful as he offered assistance with our biomechanics lab report. Lee Wylie also offered lots of support with our sport physiology coursework. I wasn’t very confident with coursework as I didn’t do any during my A-Levels so having that help available was such a relief!
After my degree I think I’ll do a master’s degree, either in physiotherapy or biomechanics."
Georgia
Studying BSc Sport and Health Sciences