SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCE at Canterbury Christ Church University

This engaging programme offers you the opportunity to explore the science behind physical activity and sports performance.

Under the guidance of a dynamic team of research-active staff, you will study biomechanics, physiology, psychology and sociology, with an emphasis on practical application.

You will have access to well-equipped laboratories where you will gain valuable experience in measuring and assessing physical activity relevant to competitive sport and recreational exercise, fitness and health.

You will also have the opportunity to work within our consultancy unit, SportsLab, using your expertise to help athletes improve their performance.

You can opt to follow a broad pathway through the sport and exercise sciences, or focus more specifically on competitive sport performance or exercise and health outcomes .

You will explore areas including:

• sport exercise and fitness
• applied sport psychology
• physical activity and health. 

Why Sport and Exercise science?

This engaging course offers you the opportunity to explore the underpinning science associated with physical activity and sports performance. You will have access to a range of resources and equipment such as our student focused laboratories, which include aerobic, flexibility, strength and power testing, blood, gas and body composition analysis, cardiac and vascular ultrasound, pressure mat,  force platform, 3D high speed filming, muscle function and eye tracker hardware. Your learning experience will combine theoretical understanding contextualised with practical participation. You will be taught by a passionate, research active and highly-qualified team of academics and supported by an exceptional team of technical and administrative staff. Our wealth of expertise and dedication to student success means we are committed to helping you achieve your full academic potential.

Sport and Exercise Science is extremely well established at Christ Church with sport related academic courses having been successfully delivered for over 35 years, making us one of the longest standing sport and exercise science providers in the UK.

What will i study?

Sport and Exercise Science provides you with the opportunity to study the academic disciplines of biomechanics, physiology, psychology and sociology underpinned by research methods. You will experience a research and consultancy informed teaching approach in:

• Sport and Exercise Biomechanics – the analysis of human movement during sport, exercise and rehabilitation
• Sport and Exercise Physiology – the study of the energy provision, system physiology, physiological responses and adaptations
• Sport and Exercise Psychology – the cognitive, emotional and behavioural consequences of participation in sport or physical activity, the ways in which physical, motor and perceptual skills are learned and coached
• Sport and Exercise Sociology – sociocultural relations, historical development of sport, sport media relations, sport in stratified societies, sport subcultures and global sport development. 

What can i do next?

The Sport and Exercise Science degree opens up routes into teaching, through the PGCE (e.g. Physical Education), and prepares you for further postgraduate study at all levels through to PhD. It also qualifies you for roles in sport, physical activity and health administration and research, health and fitness publishing, as well as the expanding leisure industry.

In addition, it provides an excellent foundation for careers in the public sector, including the medical professions (cardiac rehabilitation, physiotherapy, health promotion and medical sales), whilst both the armed and police forces have looked favourably upon our graduates.

Wherever your career aspirations lie, a successfully completed Sport and Exercise Science degree will equip you with both the specific and generic knowledge and skills that may provide that essential ‘edge’ when trying to make a mark in today’s competitive job and postgraduate degree market.