Everything you need to know...
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How long will I study?
2 Years
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
September 2025
Course summary
- Enhance your knowledge of complex theories, concepts and principles.
- Develop research proficiency through cutting-edge projects and insights.
- Gain high-level employability skills as a practitioner in sport and exercise science.
- Develop skills for needs analysis, intervention design and interactive communication.
- Learn from industry-leading researchers and consultants in the field.
You’ll develop your professional skills in sport and exercise, including specialist skills in biomechanics, performance analysis, physiology, nutrition, strength and conditioning. You’ll access state-of-the-art research and teaching labs, as well as excellent facilities at the English Institute of Sport. You’ll graduate with a respected qualification and portfolio for various roles in sports science.
Top 10 in the UK
Teaching quality
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
This course provides the theoretical, philosophical and practical underpinnings of applied sport and exercise science. You’ll gain a better understanding of the role and function of sport and exercise science graduates – in both the sport and physical activity sector, and the working world at large.
You learn through:
- Lectures, seminars and workshops
- Our virtual learning environment
- Work-based learning experiences
- Placements and field trips
- Practical activities in simulated and in-situ environments
- Research
- Industry-relevant projects
Course topics
You’ll enhance your employability skills and develop in-depth knowledge of sport and exercise science. You’ll learn to devise and implement evidence-based solutions in areas such as biomechanics, physiological assessment and performance analysis. The course offers a balance of practical experience – through optional industry placements – and robust theoretical training from our experts, in state-of-the-art facilities like the English Institute of Sport.
You'll delve into the essential theories and practices of sport and exercise science, becoming proficient in a variety of specialised areas. Core modules include testing and monitoring, movement analysis, and performance analysis – equipping you with the skills to evaluate and enhance athletic performance effectively. You'll also explore physiological assessment to understand the physical demands on athletes, and the psychological skills to boost mental resilience and focus.
Interdisciplinary approaches will introduce you to the integration of various scientific disciplines in sports contexts, enhancing your ability to work across specialisms. You’ll also develop practitioner skills – essential for real-world applications in sports settings – supported by rigorous training in research methods and data analysis.
Course support
Our high ratio of staff to students means you’ll always be able to receive the support you need on your learning journey. You’ll be supported towards highly skilled, graduate-level employment through a number of key areas. These include:
- Access to specialist support services to help with your personal, academic and career development.
- Access to our Skills Centre for support with one-to-ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments and assessment preparation.
- Support and guidance from your course and module leaders, and you’ll have a named academic adviser and employability advisers.
- Access to our central services such as counselling, Library and IT services.
Course leaders and tutors
Mohsen Shafizadeh
Senior lecturerMohsen Shafizadeh teaches motor control and movement analysis on the sport and exercise science related degrees and cover both sport and clinical settings
Applied learning
Work placements
One of the main features of this course is providing practical opportunities for you to enhance your vocational skills – with both work-based learning and short or long-term internships. The Academy of Sport and Physical Activity is in close contact with many local and national partners who are interested in working with our students to support their professional development.
Live projects
Live projects offer crucial hands-on experience, enabling you to apply your skills in real-world settings. Guided by industry professionals, these projects help you develop consultancy skills across various areas – from performance analysis to physiological assessment.
Field trips
Trips to locations such as St George’s Park offer a practical perspective on sport and exercise science, demonstrating real-world applications of your studies.
These visits are crafted with insights from industry professionals and employers – meaning you'll engage directly with experts at leading sports facilities and research institutions. This exposure connects theoretical knowledge with practical experience, enriching your understanding and enhancing your readiness for a career in the field.
Networking opportunities
The course offers networking opportunities through our strong connections with sports organisations and professionals. These include guest lectures from leading figures with both academic and professional backgrounds, offering you direct access to industry insights, contemporary practices and real-world examples. They’re invaluable for building your professional network – further supported by careers fairs, workshops, and dedicated employability advisers.
You’ll have the opportunity to engage with experts and alumni through seminars and events, gaining a deeper understanding of the field while developing relationships that may lead to future collaborations or employment opportunities.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in:
- Sport and exercise science
- Research in sport and health settings
- Academia and college or university tutoring
- Sport and exercise technician roles
- Sport and exercise consultancy
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for:
- GB Swimming
- GB Boxing
- Leicester City FC
- Notts Forest FC
- The England national football team
Where will I study?
You study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
Collegiate campus
Collegiate Campus can be found just off Ecclesall Road, a bustling student district.
Collegiate Campus map | Campus facilities
Collegiate library
Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
You’ll access a range of facilities and equipment that help you in the delivery and analysis of sport and exercise science. These include:
- Sport-specific training facilities at the UK Sports Institute and the Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park
- Physiology and biomechanics laboratories, equipped with equipment to capture and analyse movement and physical activity data
- A bespoke strength and conditioning teaching laboratory
- Physical activity suites
- A performance analysis suite, equipped with a range of equipment to analyse sport performance, such as video analysis software and motion capture systems
- An environmental chamber
- Sport psychology consultation rooms
Entry requirements
All students
We designed this course to continue specialist studies at masters level for students who already possess a relevant first degree. You may also have an appropriate combination of other subject specific qualifications and relevant practical experience.
Normally you need one of the following
• a good first or upper second honours degree in sport or exercise science
• a good honours degree in a relevant science discipline with suitable content
• an alternative qualification with a suitable concentration of relevant science (at the discretion of the course leader)
• a qualification in science or sport or exercise science at a level lower than first degree coupled with relevant practical experience
The course leader interviews applicants with non-standard qualifications. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent. If your level of English language is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider an appropriate Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve the required level of English.
Additional information for EU/International students
This course is not open to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK. If you are an international applicant but do not require a student visa, email our Admissions Team to find out whether you’re eligible to apply.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Advanced Assessment And Evaluation In Sport And Exercise Science
Applied Interventions In Sport And Exercise Science
Final year
Compulsory modules
Applied Project In Sport And Physical Activity
Professional Practice In Sport And Exercise Science
Research Methods In Sport And Physical Activity
Fees and funding
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £12,858 is available in 2025/26 for home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sport and Physical Activity (PDF, 144.2KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
