Sport, Exercise and Health Science
Unlock human potential through sport, science and innovation. Study by hybrid learning and help shape the future of health and performance.
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc/BA (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students; for example if the BSc/BA (Hons) course takes three years, you can expect to study over six years, though for some courses the part-time length may differ.
in the UK for Sports Science.
Source: subject ranking for Sports Science, Guardian University Guide 2026
This flexible course blends online study with in-person residential sessions at ARU in Cambridge.
You’ll explore physiology, psychology, biomechanics and nutrition, working with athletes and the public. Build your scientific, practical and research skills for careers in sport and health, using accredited labs.
In your final year, choose between a research project or an industry placement to solve real-world challenges.
This course is endorsed by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES), the professional body for sport and exercise sciences in the UK. You can read about the benefits of choosing a CASES-endorsed degree course on the CASES website.
-
Designed to fit around your lifestyle and career goals, you’ll online study with practical residential sessions in Cambridge.
-
Gain experience through a research project or an industry placement, solving real challenges and building your professional portfolio.
-
Prepare to impact lives across all levels, from improving public wellbeing to enhancing elite athlete performance on the global stage.
-
Attend residentials in our CASES accredited sports labs and develop practical skills using advanced equipment in elite-level sports science environments.
Study at an award-winning university
We've received a Gold award for the quality of our education in a UK-wide review of teaching standards. We were also proud to be named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023.
Careers
Sport professionals are increasingly in demand. After graduating, you’ll possess a range of skills that are highly valued in the sport and health sectors.
You’ll have a strong understanding of physiology, psychology, biomechanics, and nutrition, with the ability to apply this knowledge in both athletic and public health settings. You’ll be skilled in conducting scientific assessments, analysing data and delivering evidence-based programmes. Your communication, ethical practice and problem-solving abilities will enable you to work effectively with diverse populations. You’ll also be confident in research, critical thinking, independent learning, time management and digital literacy.
These skills prepare you for successful careers in sport science, health promotion, and performance coaching.
Teaching and modules
You’ll learn physiological profiling for strength, power and endurance, and psychological profiling of athletes. Nutrition for health and exercise is covered alongside biomechanics focusing on motion analysis, training design, exercise medicine, sport psychology and physiological adaptations. You’ll explore applied skills like nutrition strategies, training programming, psychological interventions and health-related exercise.
Throughout this course, you’ll develop critical employability skills like collaborative work, data analysis, research, communication and applied practice.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Multidisciplinary Sport and Exercise Science 1 (30 credits)
- Measurement and Evaluation in Human Performance (15 credits)
- Introduction to Sport Coaching and Development (30 credits)
- Multidisciplinary Sport and Exercise Science 2 (30 credits)
- Sport-Specific Athlete Testing (15 credits)
- Professional Development - Level 4
- Into ARU
- Practical Competencies in Biomechanics (15 credits)
- Physiological Profiling for Strength and Power (15 credits)
- Applied Research Skills (15 credits)
- Nutrition for Health and Exercise (15 credits)
- Advanced Topics in Sport Psychology (15 credits)
- Physiological Profiling for Endurance (15 credits)
- Biomechanics: Analysis of Motion (15 credits)
- Professional Development - Level 5
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
- Performance and Exercise Nutrition (15 credits)
- Physiological Basis of Training (15 credits)
- Exercise Medicine (15 credits)
- Applied Sports Psychology (15 credits)
- Physiological Responses to Training (15 credits)
- Contemporary Issues in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology (15 credits)
- Advanced Work Placement (30 credits) *
- Undergraduate Research Project (30 credits) *
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as BSc/BA (Hons) students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students; for example if the BSc/BA (Hons) course takes three years, you can expect to study over six years, though for some courses the part-time length may differ.
At ARU, you’ll learn from expert staff including practising sport therapists, coaches, psychologists, nutritionists and conditioning specialists. There’s the chance to hear from world-leading guest speakers too, through our Excellence in Sports seminars.
-
Dr Andrew MorrisonSenior Lecturer
-
Professor Dan GordonProfessor in Exercise Physiology
-
Dr Francesca CavallerioSenior Lecturer
-
Dr Sanjoy DebAssociate Professor
-
Dr Matt JewissSenior Lecturer
-
Dr Ash WillmottAssociate Professor
Facilities
For Cambridge residentials, you’ll be based in our Cambridge Centre for Sports and Exercise Sciences, with facilities accredited by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES).
The Centre includes:
- five dedicated laboratories (cardio-respiratory physiology, metabolic and anaerobic physiology, body composition, biomechanics and strength and conditioning)
- electrocardiography (ECG)
- icon Motion analysis system and Kistler force plates
- Wireless Electromyography (EMG)
- near infrared spectroscopy for monitoring of blood oxygenation
- body composition systems
- isokinetic dynamometer for the assessment of muscular strength
- heat chambers
- an array of ergometers: treadmills, cycles and rowers
- GPS monitoring technology
- breath-by-breath oxygen-analysis systems
- haematology suites
- accelerometers.
-
Learn how to measure fitness and performance at the Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences.
-
Learn how to interpret fitness and performance test results.
-
Learn how to work safely, effectively and professionally.
-
Collect, analyse, draw conclusions and make recommendations from data.
-
We'll always provide you with opportunities to become the best you can be.
