Sport and Exercise Science

Sport and exercise play a powerful role in shaping healthier lives – from improving physical and mental wellbeing to enhancing elite performance and supporting rehabilitation. This MSc Sport and Exercise Science course gives you the advanced scientific knowledge to make a real impact in these areas.

You’ll explore how the body responds to sport and exercise across key systems like metabolism, biomechanics, cardiovascular function and responses to trauma. With a wide range of optional modules, you can tailor your learning to suit your career ambitions – whether that’s working with athletes, clinical populations, or driving public health initiatives.

You’ll also gain hands-on experience through a work placement module, which could see you shadowing a senior researcher, supporting a hospital clinician, or working with coaches at a professional sports club.

Whichever path you take, this course equips you with the research, analytical and practical skills to thrive in the ever-evolving field of sport and exercise science.

Features and benefits

• 6th in the UK for sport research power: From injury prevention to healthy ageing, you’ll learn alongside world-leading researchers and experienced practitioners whose work is transforming sport and healthcare (REF 2021).
• Tailored to you: You’ll have the freedom to study an area of specialism aligned with your own interests and career aspirations, diving deeper into physiology, biomechanics or psychology.
• World-class learning environment: Progress in the modern workplace with hands-on experience using specialist facilities in our Institute of Sport – from 3T MRI and 3D motion analysis to an environmental chamber.
• Stand out with professional experience: Graduate with the experience employers value most. Hone your practical skills, connect with industry and put theory into practice on a work placement.
• Research that matters: Develop advanced research skills, apply theory in real-world settings, and lead your own project to create meaningful impact in an area you care about.
• A global sports city: Home to elite teams, grassroot clubs and top sports organisations, you’ll join Manchester’s vibrant sporting community and grow your professional network.