Sport and Exercise Sciences

Year 1 is a common course year, which will introduce you to the core concepts of sports science, including biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control and sport and exercise psychology. This is supported by additional professional and academic skills modules, where there are opportunities to take coaching awards or short work placements.

In Year 2 you’ll build on the knowledge and skills from year one, taking specialist modules in areas such as the mechanics of sport and exercise science, while further developing your practical skills in our state-of-the art laboratories.

The degree offers the opportunity to apply for an industrial placement or study abroad year at the end of Year 2, which will help broaden your experience, enhance your skills and improve your employment prospects.

In Year 3 alongside advanced topics in sport and exercise science, you’ll undertake a research project in an area that interests you. Recent examples of third year research projects include ‘Acclimatisation and the endurance athlete’ and ‘Does winning at all costs help the athlete cope better with stress?’

You’ll graduate with the skills and attributes sought by employers in numerous areas.

Integrated Masters (MSci)

Years 1 and 2 are the same as for the BSc and provide you with a foundation in the subject.

In Year 3 of the MSci, you will take compulsory and optional modules from the BSc alongside preparing for Masters-level study.

In Year 4 your main focus will be on an extended research project in your area of interest. Recent topics include ‘Influence of footwear on knee joint kinetics’ and ‘Biomechanical characteristics of the delivery steps in cricket fast bowling’.

As an MSci graduate, you’ll leave with the advanced-level skills and knowledge that should set you apart in the graduate job market.

Examples of MSci projects include:

• Refining animal models of exercise training – matching genes with function
• Indirect muscle stimulation – a complementary therapeutic intervention?
• Eccentric exercise – effective intervention for exercise intolerance?
• The kinetics and kinematics of painful knees in women over 40
• Influence of footwear on knee joint kinetics
• Biomechanics of delivery in fast bowling
• The effect of an acute bout of exercise on motor skill learning
• Compensatory mechanics for disruption to normal locomotor tasks
• Minimalist footwear: do they do ‘what it says on the tin’?
• Vascular shear in exercise: the impacts of differing exercise intensities
• Endothelial function and rheumatoid arthritis: exercise training and sedentary behaviour
• Markers of cardiac electrical instability in athletes or aged individuals – differences and similarities
• Modelling cardiac adaptation to stress – what is the basis for an increasing risk of sudden death?

Find out more about choosing between an integrated Masters and a BSc degree

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to Physiology 20 credits
• Motor Control: Foundations of Control and Learning 10 credits
• Functional Anatomy for Sports Scientists 10 credits
• Tutorial and Practical Skills in Sport and Exercise Science 20 credits
• Fundamentals of Mathematics 10 credits
• Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology 10 credits
• Introduction to Biomechanics 10 credits
• The Physiology of Exercise Testing and Performance 10 credits
• Exercise Bioenergetics 10 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Professional and Research Skills: Working as a Sport and Exercise Scientist 20 credits
• Exercise Physiology in Sport, Health and Disease 20 credits
• Mechanics of Sport and Exercise 2 20 credits
• Skill Acquisition, Motor Learning and Rehabilitation 20 credits
• Social and Applied Psychology of Sport and Exercise 20 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Inter-disciplinary Issues in Sport and Exercise Science 20 credits
• Research Project 40 credits

Year 4

Compulsory modules

• Personal Development and Employability for Sport and Exercise Scientists 30 credits
• Extended Research Project 90 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Sport and Exercise Sciences MSci, Bsc in the course catalogue

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. On this course you broaden your learning through core and/or optional modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching.

You’ll have access to the very best learning resources and academic support during your studies