51ÊÓƵ

The importance and appeal of sport and exercise is universal. From improving public physical and mental health and wellbeing, to working with professional athletes, there are many specialisms and career opportunities out there. And when it comes to jumping higher, swimming faster, burning more calories or living longer, understanding the science of sport and exercise matters.   On this course you will gain an advanced, scientific understanding of the impact of sport and exercise. As part of the Institute of Sport, youll have opportunities to draw on the expertise of our academics and sport professionals from many disciplines. And youll benefit from being part of a large and diverse sporting community actively learning and researching specialist areas.   Based in Manchester, youre in the heart of a city that is a major hub for sport, home to many leading sports clubs and national sporting bodies – many of which we hold strong, long-standing partnerships with.  In addition to core units, you'll have the opportunity to study two option units dedicated to the main sciences within sport and exercise psychology, physiology and biomechanics. Whatever you choose, youll be gaining strong skills in all aspects of carrying out and evaluating scientific research.  Youll advance your knowledge on a wide range of topics, for example, the role of our metabolism, of the cardiovascular system, biomechanics and the impact of trauma. Youll be taught by experts and have access to specialist clinical equipment and advanced sport and exercise facilities.   And if youre seeking further professional experience, weve got that covered with a work placement unit. You might shadow a senior researcher, a hospital clinician, or work with a coach at a professional sports club.  Whatever your ambition within sport and exercise science, this course gives you a strong set of transferable skills to help you take the next step.

Career prospects

Sport and exercise is a growing and exciting industry, with around 400,000 people working in the physical activity sector in England alone (Sporting Future Strategy, UK Gov). Hugely popular and successful events like the UEFA European Women's Championship and the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games are having a big impact and driving the demand for ever more highly qualified professionals to work in this field.   

Our MSc could lead to a wide range of possible career opportunities and professions. These include academic research, elite sport, public health and wellbeing or employment in major businesses, sporting bodies or clubs. You might even decide to work for yourself, perhaps in the fast-growing digital fitness sector or running your own coaching or consultancy business. 

Previous graduates from the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences have worked with professional football teams, become personal trainers, gone on to take a teaching qualification and worked in schools, or go into sport administration. Some have also worked for sporting governing bodies, in higher education and in health settings within the NHS. 

Whatever career path you choose, with a strong and solid grounding in the science behind sport and exercise, youll have a lot to offer and many possibilities to explore.