Sport, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences

We deliver an inspirational, challenging and ultimately rewarding learning experience at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Our unrivalled academic opportunities to work alongside world-leading academics on essential scientific research are complemented by wide range of extra-curricular activities.

We pride ourselves on linking our teaching with application and industry. Our strong links with local, national and global organisations including the NHS, leisure clubs, schools, the food industry and the government, as well as private sectors, provide excellent placement, research and employment opportunities.

We are one of the foremost Sport and Health Sciences research departments anywhere in the UK. Our academics are recognised as being world-leading experts in their chosen fields.

We continue to pursue research of international excellence across the discipline, as recognised in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), in which we ranked 1st in the UK.¹ 100% of our research has international impact¹ and 99% is internationally excellent.² REF is the UK government’s main measure of the quality of universities’ research.

This research-intensive environment is crucial to our continued success, with the knowledge, expertise and skills of our academic staff underpinning the study experience of all our students and researchers.

<sub>1. Based on research impact rated 4* in REF 2021. Submitted to UoAA2 Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism.
2. Based on research rated 4* and 3* in REF 2021</sub>

Our specialist facilities are among the very best anywhere in the UK. Located on the picturesque and historic St Luke’s Campus, we have purpose-built teaching and research laboratories for sport and exercise physiology, biomechanics, health and performance psychology and qualitative research.

These state-of-the-art facilities ensure we provide the very best opportunities to not only develop a deep understanding of the very latest studies, but also develop the next generation of globally-crucial research.

Our expert staff work with individual sports performers, sports teams and squads, as well as individuals in the local community. Within the field of sports biomechanics we undertake technique and gait analysis, to identify possible causes of injury occurrence and the effects of footwear and shoe inserts. Sport and exercise physiology work includes testing of endurance, lactate, strength and lung function as well as dietary analysis. Sport, exercise and health psychology services include performance profiling and planning, goal setting, concentration skills and team building. 

The University of Exeter is one of the UK’s top sporting universities, consistently ranking top 10 in BUCS championships. Sports scholarships are available to support talented individuals in their chosen sport while they study.

The University of Exeter recognises the global importance of scientific research. An investment of £230 million investment in science, engineering and medicine supports five themes of interdisciplinary research tackling some of the biggest global problems of the 21st century. Our researchers play a central role in one of these themes: Translational medicine, personalised healthcare and public health.

Our researchers are active in studies to improve health and wellbeing through physical activity, from depression, anxiety and addiction to diabetes and obesity. We work with various organisations including the NHS, local hospitals, health charities, Kellogg’s, Unilever, Glaxo Smith Kline, the Sports Council for Wales and the Rugby Football Union.