Sport and Exercise Science

Why study Sports and Exercise Science at Aberystwyth University?

• Our degree focuses on scientific analysis of how the human body moves, exercises and performs sport.
• You will have the opportunity to explore sciences of biomechanics, physiology and psychology.
• You will learn how to maximise the performance of an individual athlete or team.
• Our degree will help you develop your understanding of the ways in which we can enhance general health and well-being through exercise.
• You will be able to use and learn through the state of the art research facilities accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science.
• You will have access to excellent sport facilities on campus.
• There is a range of sports in which staff and student engage, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills in athlete support.

Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry.  The Institute has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

What career options are available to me?

The skills and knowledge that you acquire from studying Sport and Exercise Science are applicable to a range of different careers.

Previous graduates from our degree have developed careers in:

• Professional sports;
• Personal coaching;
• Governing Bodies of Sport;
• Health care;
• Physical Education;
• Ministry of Defence.

What skills do I acquire from my degree?

During your degree you will develop many graduate skills that employers value:

• Communication skills developed through writing and oral presentations;
• Team work and the ability to work independently;
• Analytical skills;
• Mathematical skills;
• Effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills;
• Information technology skills;
• Self-motivation and Self-reliance.

What work experience opportunities exist whilst studying? 

Click here to find out about the various opportunities that our Aberystwyth University Careers team offer.

Enhance your employability prospects with GO Wales and YES (Year in Employment Scheme) managed by our Careers department. 

Learning outcomes
All modules you will take as part of the Sport and Exercise Science degree have been developed to contribute to the learning outcomes of the degree. Each module will contribute to particular degree learning outcomes and you will gain more advanced knowledge and skills as you progress. During the final year, you will have the opportunity to opt for specific modules that are closest to your area of interest, and complete a research dissertation on a topic of your choice.

Contact time and self-study
You will be taught through a series of lectures and seminars by our vibrant and experienced staff, but also through student-centred projects, workshops, problem-solving sessions and tutorials. Laboratory classes feature extensively and you will become skilled in using scientific equipment for sophisticated fitness testing and motion analysis. All modules are backed up by electronic resources to help you study beyond the classroom.

Assessment is based on a combination of essays, coursework, laboratory reports, quizzes, case studies, portfolios, posters, presentations and examinations.

A very enjoyable and challenging course. Great members of staff who are always approachable, and assignments are specific to what we are doing in each module. The equipment and laboratories are up-to-date and there are many additional opportunities from doing this course that you can't get if you are on other degree schemes such as free first aid courses. Aaron James Francis Cross

The Sport and Exercise Science programme at Aberystwyth University provides students with the best possible opportunity to develop a future career in professional sport. The programme offers a strong education, combining the best scientific knowledge with practical situations. I really like the facilities that the Department of Sport and Exercise Science provides. There are different laboratories such as: physiology, psychology, biomechanics and research methods. You have a fantastic opportunity to study human motion and muscle dynamics as well as to work with exercise scientists. I thoroughly enjoyed my first semester during my undergraduate degree; I acquired transferable skills such as: oral and written communication, teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making. Rostislav Revako

Sport and Exercise Science is a very interesting course, where you are constantly tested in engaging ways. The staff are amazing and are always ready to share their expertise and help you in any way they can. The course covers physiology, psychology and biomechanics. This is a massive advantage as there is something for everyone and it keeps the course fresh and interesting. The wide range of assessments is also a plus, enabling you to still do well whether your strength is exams and essays or group work such as posters and video presentations. Overall, it is just a really fun course. Ryan Edward Roscoe