The course – which includes work placement – will equip you with the underpinning knowledge and skills essential to become a sport and exercise scientist. UWS is the only university in the West of Scotland currently offering this programme. Sport and exercise science is concerned with supporting athletes and sports clubs, improving health, preventing illness and helping recovery from illness through programmes of physical activity. The course focuses on the application of scientific principles to the study of human responses and adaptations to sport participation, training and sports performance. You will study human physiology, psychology and biomechanics. Other key subjects covered include physical activity and health, strength and conditioning, and exercise in chronic disease. In addition, optional pathways will be offered to supplement the core disciplines. You will gain up-to-date practical and professional skills underpinned by academic theory, current best practice and national and international agendas in sport and exercise science. We aim to produce graduates with skills valuable to future employers and you will develop practical techniques, and be able to analyse and present results from the outset. In Year 3 you will have the opportunity to undertake a work placement with a relevant employer. Practical work and tutorials will be undertaken in smaller groups.

The course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to provide support in the sport, exercise and health, and science industries, with opportunities for employment in local authorities, education, professional sport, and the healthcare and science professions. Whilst graduates will be well-prepared for a career in sport, leisure and education settings, you will find UWS Sport and Exercise Science graduates employed as research scientists, primary and secondary teachers, sport coaches, medical reps, health and well-being officers and even police officers. This is because the course has been developed to ensure that all graduates develop the necessary employability attributes to undertake a diverse range of career paths upon graduation.