MSc Sport and Exercise Science

The importance and appeal of sport and exercise is universal. From improving physical and mental health and wellbeing, to working with professional athletes, there are many specialisms and career opportunities out there. And when it comes to jumping higher, swimming faster, burning more calorie or living longer, understanding the science of sport and exercise matters.

On this course you will gain an advanced, scientific understanding of the impact of sport and exercise. As part of the Institute of Sport, you’ll have opportunities to draw on the expertise of our academics and sport professionals from many disciplines. And you’ll benefit from being part of a large and diverse sporting community actively learning and researching specialist areas.??

Based in Manchester, you’re in the heart of a city that is a major hub for sport, home to many leading sports clubs and national sporting bodies – many of which we hold strong, long-standing partnerships with.?

In addition to core units, you'll have the opportunity to study two option units dedicated to the main sciences within sport and exercise; psychology, physiology and biomechanics. Whatever you choose, you’ll be gaining strong skills in all aspects of carrying out and evaluating scientific research.?

You’ll advance your knowledge on a wide range of topics, for example, the role of our metabolism, of the cardiovascular system, biomechanics and the impact of trauma. You’ll be taught by experts and have access to specialist clinical equipment and advanced sport and exercise facilities.??

And if you’re seeking further professional experience, we’ve got that covered with a work placement unit. You might shadow a senior researcher, a hospital clinician, or work with a coach at a professional sports club.?

Whatever your ambition within sport and exercise science, this course gives you a strong set of transferable skills to help you take the next step.

Features and benefits

• Learn alongside world-leading researchers – We are 6th in the UK for the power of our research in Sport and Exercise Science. Plus, 95% of our research outputs in Sport and Exercise Science are rated world-leading or internationally excellent. (REF 2021).
• Focus on what interests you – You’ll have the freedom to choose an area of specialism that aligns with your interests and career aspirations, diving deeper into physiology, biomechanics or psychology.
• Study in world-class sporting facilities – We’ve invested heavily in Institute of Sport building – our Manchester-based hub for all-things sport. Our teaching spaces house specialist facilities for sport students, athlete scholars and researchers, including a 3D motion analysis laboratory, environmental chamber, and 3 Tesla MRI scanner for advanced imaging.
• Gai professional experience - Bulk up your CV and industry contacts with a work placement, giving you the opportunity to get an insight into the sport science career path that most interests you.
• Be at the centre of sport - You'll be part of the Manchester Graduate School of Sport, the UK's only graduate school of sport, home to a large and diverse sporting community that gives you the springboard you need to launch your career.
• Cutting-edge research facilities - In the 2021 Research Excellent Framework (REF), 100% of our research in sport and exercise science is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. Our researchers are addressing some of the biggest challenges in the sporting world today from genetics in elite performance, injury prevention and heathy ageing.

You’ll need a UK honours degree - at least a 2.2 - typically in a related area or in an area of study accompanied by professional or personal experience. Applicants with relevant extensive professional experience in this field will be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Accredited Prior Experience (APE) entrance, even if they do not have the required qualifications.