5 reasons to study sport and exercise science
Whether you're analysing a footballer's sprint technique or helping someone recover from surgery, sport and exercise science is becoming increasingly relevant across healthcare, fitness and public health sectors.
Keep reading this blog to find out more about the top reasons to study sport and exercise science and how you can begin your journey at Leeds Beckett University International Study Centre.
What is sport and exercise science?
Sport and exercise science is the study of how the human body moves, performs and reacts to physical activity. The subject is a mixture of multiple disciplines such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and psychology, working to improve athletic performance, prevent injury and promote better health.
Here are the top 5 reasons to study sport and exercise science:
1. It’s an evolving, future-focused discipline
As sport and health sciences evolve, technology plays a bigger role than ever. From GPS tracking to performance wearables and biomechanics software, cutting-edge tools are used every day to collect data, fine-tune training and prevent injury.
Behind the scenes, researchers in areas like sports psychology and rehabilitation are pushing the field forward. So if you’re wondering “is sports science a good degree?”, the answer lies in its ability to adapt, grow and lead in both elite sport and public health – the answer is yes!
2. It’s the science behind human movement and performance
Sport and exercise science helps us understand how the body works during physical activity. It explores how muscles move, fatigue builds, and how training leads to improvement. From analysing running technique to designing training plans, this science gives you the tools to enhance performance and reduce injury. In short, it’s about helping people move better, train smarter and live healthier.
You’ll study topics such as biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, and physiology and will then apply your knowledge in practical, real-world settings.
3. It opens doors to a variety of career paths
If you’ve ever wondered, “What can you do with a sports science degree?” the answer is: a lot. Graduates can go on to careers such as:
- Sports scientist
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Exercise physiologist
- Rehabilitation specialist
- Performance analyst
- Physical education teacher
- Community health advisor
This variety means you can shape your career around your personal interests. Whether that’s elite sport, healthcare, public health, or education, there’s a role for all ambitions and interests in sport and exercise science.
4. It increases understanding of mental health in sport
Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of ourselves physically, especially in sport, where losing a match or performing less than your best can have a serious impact. No matter which level of sport someone is competing in, it’s invaluable to have a good understanding of how emotional wellbeing can play a huge role in performance and recovery.
When you study sport and exercise science, you’ll gain a deep understanding of sports psychology and its role in supporting mental health. This might include learning how to build resilience in athletes, helping individuals cope with performance pressure, or promoting physical activity as a tool for managing stress and anxiety.
You’ll also explore mindset coaching techniques that empower individuals to set goals, stay motivated and build confidence. These skills are increasingly valued in both competitive sport and community health programmes.
5. You can make a real difference
Sport and exercise science is a subject that will positively impact lives. As a sport and exercise science graduate, you might help someone regain mobility after an injury, reducing the risk of disease or design exercise plans to improve physical fitness.
If you were to go down the route of a community health advisor or physical education teacher, your work could have a positive impact on your community through sport opportunities that may not have been accessible otherwise. Through this work, you can create opportunities for everyone, no matter their age, ability or background.
You could also support mental health, promote inclusion in sport, or design community health projects.
So, if you’re still wondering “why is exercise science important?” the answer is quite simple: it improves health and can create lasting social impact.
Study sport and exercise science at Leeds Beckett University
Leeds Beckett University is a leading destination for students passionate about sport and health. The Carnegie School of Sport is:
- Ranked in the world top 100 for sport-related subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
- Ranked 6th in the UK and in the top 75 globally for Sport Science Schools and Departments (GRAS 2022)
With expert academics, industry partnerships, and innovative facilities, you’ll gain the knowledge, experience and connections to succeed.
Begin your sport and exercise science study at Leeds Beckett University International Study Centre. Here you will find pathway programmes expertly designed to help you thrive at university in the UK. All programmes have core modules that boost your academic, English language and study skills, and subject-specific modules to build your knowledge and practical skills.
If you would benefit from additional support before beginning your undergraduate degree, the International Foundation Year in Business, Law and Social Studies or the International Foundation Year in Science, Engineering and Computing are excellent places to start. Completing either programme and achieving the required grades allows you to progress to the first year of a sport and exercise science-related degree at Leeds Beckett University.
If you are ready to begin your undergraduate degree, but would like additional academic and English language support, the International Year One in Sport and Exercise Science is the perfect choice for you. Once you have successfully completed the programme, with the required grades, you can progress directly into year two of your undergraduate degree at Leeds Beckett University.
Discover more about the fees, entry requirements and visa information for your chosen pathway at Leeds Beckett University International Study Centre.
FAQs
Why is it important to study exercise?
Studying exercise helps us understand how physical activity benefits our overall health, enhances performance, and prevents chronic diseases. It also teaches how to improve fitness levels and maintain long-term wellbeing.
What does sport and exercise science do?
Sport and exercise science examines how physical activity affects the human body, covering biomechanics, physiology, psychology, and nutrition. This field is essential for optimising performance, improving health, and helping individuals achieve their fitness goals.
Where to study sports science in the UK?
Leeds Beckett University offers top-tier sport and exercise science programmes, ranked in the world’s top 100 for Sports-related subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). With cutting-edge facilities and industry connections, it's an excellent choice for anyone passionate about sports science.