Program Overview

How can athletes optimise their training and performance? How can individuals and communities improve their physical activity, health and well-being? Our inter-disciplinary team of scientists and practitioners will help you understand the role of physiology, psychology, biomechanics and nutrition in sports and exercise science.

Our BSc Sports and Exercise Science course will give you a new and exciting perspective on the world of sport, exercise, health and physical fitness.

Your study topics include:

• How and why different energy systems are deployed at different exercise intensities
• Biomechanical principles behind acute and chronic sporting injuries, and how these can be applied to prevent injuries
• The role of ergogenic aids in improving athletic performance
• How physical activity and nutrition can reduce the risk of cardio-metabolic disease
• The design and implementation of psychological skills training programmes

Practical work in your first two years provides you with the professional and scientific skills you need to conduct your own research project in your final year, and to make the transition to postgraduate study or on to a fulfilling career in a range of industries, especially sport, health and education.

As part of our School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences you’ll have an exciting opportunity to join a community specifically focused on sports and exercise science, sports therapy and physiotherapy. We bring together internationally recognised research, share knowledge, and enhance placement and vocational opportunities for our students and graduates.

Study abroad

Your education extends beyond the university campus. We support you in expanding your education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of our partner universities. The four-year version of our degree allows you to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course.

Studying abroad allows you to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised.

If you spend a full year abroad you'll only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year. You won't pay any tuition fees to your host university