Manchester Metropolitan University
MSc in Sports and Exercise Science
Manchester, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 21,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU and non-EU international students full-time fee
Key Summary
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 sports 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 a meaningful impact in an area you care about. - A global sports city
Home to elite teams, grassroots clubs, and top sports organisations, you’ll join Manchester’s vibrant sporting community and grow your professional network.
Course information
Sport and exercise is a dynamic, fast-growing sector. Our MSc Sport and Exercise Science course equips you with the scientific knowledge, critical thinking skills and professional experience required for a career in health promotion, sport education and exercise intervention.
Designed for current graduates and professionals in sport and exercise science or related fields, this masters course offers a flexible and applied learning experience. You’ll study across a wide range of subjects, learning alongside our expert academics at two outstanding facilities – the Institute of Sport and Platt Lane Sports Complex.
You’ll experience cutting-edge equipment, including MRI scanners, a climate chamber, and virtual reality systems used in elite sport. From investigating how the body responds to extreme temperatures to tracking eye movement in ball sports, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in real-world scenarios.
Through option modules, you’re able to specialise in one of three core disciplines. You’ll delve into physiology, biomechanics or psychology – all while developing your ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
You’ll explore important issues such as equality, diversity and inclusion in sport and exercise contexts, preparing you to address key challenges in professional practice. A work placement, supported by our industry partnerships, also offers direct insight into your chosen career path. You could work with clinical populations, elite athletes or research institutions.
Finally, since we’re based in Manchester, you’ll be studying in the heart of a major sports city. You’ll benefit from our close ties to many leading sports clubs and organisations that work at both a local and national level.
Year 1
You'll study five core modules and one option module over this one-year course, including an independent research project.
Please note: Option modules are yet to be confirmed for 2026 intake.
Core modules
- Advanced Laboratory Skills in Sport and Exercise Science
- Interdisciplinary Approaches to Working in Sport and Exercise
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity in Sport and Exercise
- The Applied Practitioner in Sport and Exercise
- Research Project in Sport and Exercise Science
Sport and exercise is a dynamic, fast-growing industry, with around 400,000 people working in the physical activity sector in England alone (Sporting Future Strategy, UK Gov). High-profile events like the UEFA Women’s Euros and the Olympics, Paralympics, and Commonwealth Games continue to elevate the profession and drive demand for highly qualified experts in psychology and performance.
Our MSc opens the door to a wide range of career paths, including:
- Elite sport
- Academic research
- Public health and wellbeing
- Education
- Consultancy
Previous graduates have gone on to work with:
- Professional football clubs
- Schools
- The NHS
- National sport governing bodies
- Their own coaching or digital fitness businesses
Whether you're supporting athletes, driving health initiatives, or influencing policy, this course gives you the specialist knowledge, applied skills, and confidence to make a meaningful impact. You'll graduate with the tools to shape a successful, dynamic career in this evolving field.
Study
- Full-time 25% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 75% independent study
- Part-time 25% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 75% independent study
Assessment
- Full-time 70% coursework; 30% practical; 0% examination
- Part-time 70% coursework; 30% practical; 0% examination