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Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences

A new sport and exercise department that has already established itself as an outstanding place for excellence in research, teaching and employability of our students.
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Welcome to the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Durham

We're a welcoming, collegiate, and vibrant community of world-leading academics, delivering a cutting-edge curriculum in the sport and exercise sciences.

Our taught programmes are consistently ranked in the Top 10 best sport-related degrees in the country and our department has also been ranked in the Top 100 in the QS World Rankings for 2023 for sport-related subjects. Our students benefit from studying at a globally renowned University, including gaining key employment skills identified as important by potential employers. 

Find out more about us
Sports University of the Year Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
5th for Sports Science Complete University Guide 2024
Ranked World Top 100 QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Consistently ranked Top 10 for sport degrees in the UK, across all major rankings

Study with us

  • Undergraduate Study

    We offer high-quality teaching across two unique sport and exercise science programmes; our BA in Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity, and our BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences.

    Someone at a lectern giving a lecture to a group of students

  • Postgraduate Study

    Join our vibrant community of national and international postgraduate taught (MSc) and postgraduate research students.

    A sports team in a huddle

Undergraduate Study

We offer high-quality teaching across two unique sport and exercise science programmes; our BA in Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity, and our BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences.

Someone at a lectern giving a lecture to a group of students

Postgraduate Study

Join our vibrant community of national and international postgraduate taught (MSc) and postgraduate research students.

A sports team in a huddle

What's new?

Filter:

Learn about our MSc in Physical Activity, Health and Society with Dr Katie Di Sebastiano

Ever wondered about what a MSc in Physical Activity, Health and Society is about? Find out more from an interview with PGT Programme Director, Dr Katie Di-Sebastiano.

Durham news
Students using treadmills in human performance lab

Innovative Research in Collaboration with Applied Monitoring Ltd

The Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences have led on an exciting research project driven by Dr Lindsay Macnaughton (PI) investigating an innovative, non-invasive technology to measure blood lactate conducted in partnership with Applied Monitoring Ltd (AML).
Research news
A number of individuals taking part in experimental lab work

‘Is Football Sexist?': Project wins award for best project from the Ogden Trust.

Congratulations to Stacey Pope who was part of a project which has won an award for best project (nationally) for engaging with schools from the Ogden Trust.
Research news
headshot of Stacey Pope

DSES at the 9th International Conference on Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise (QRSE2024)

Dr Hester Hockin-Boyers reflects on the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences engagement with the conference and shares her reflections as a first-time attendee
Research news
Dr Toni Williams (right) and Professor Martin Roderick (left) smiling in front of a Durham University banner

How exercise can support eating disorder recovery

Research led by Dr Hester Hockin-Boyers (Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences), suggests that combining seemingly opposing approaches to health management could support eating disorder recovery.
Research news
Gym class lifting handheld weights with smiling woman in foreground

Making waves in Team GB's rowing squad

Following alumna Lauren Irwin’s selection as part of the Team GB rowing squad, she has been training intensively for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Alumni news

Prof. Brett Smith: International Keynote Speaker

Professor Brett Smith will be delivering several international keynotes and workshops to audiences around the world.
Durham news
Two male athlete's participating in wheelchair basketball
More news

Innovative Research in Collaboration with Applied Monitoring Ltd

The Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences have led on an exciting research project driven by Dr Lindsay Macnaughton (PI) investigating an innovative, non-invasive technology to measure blood lactate conducted in partnership with Applied Monitoring Ltd (AML).

A number of individuals taking part in experimental lab work

‘Is Football Sexist?': Project wins award for best project from the Ogden Trust.

Congratulations to Stacey Pope who was part of a project which has won an award for best project (nationally) for engaging with schools from the Ogden Trust.
headshot of Stacey Pope

DSES at the 9th International Conference on Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise (QRSE2024)

Dr Hester Hockin-Boyers reflects on the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences engagement with the conference and shares her reflections as a first-time attendee
Dr Toni Williams (right) and Professor Martin Roderick (left) smiling in front of a Durham University banner

Student updates

Find out what our graduates and current students are getting up to on our Durham blog.

Highlights

Sport in Action

Geography student Emma tells us about her experience in Zambia with Sport in Action.
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Why I chose to study Sport

Matt tells us what it's like to study Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity at Durham.
Matt holding a football

People

Our academic team brings together psychologists, physiologists, nutritionists, sociologists and political scientists, enabling the Department to be at the forefront of developing multi- and interdisciplinary approaches to study and research.

Martin Roderick

Professor Martin Roderick

Professor

The Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Durham University has an outstanding reputation for student-centred teaching, linked with innovative and applied research across the natural and social sciences.
Martin Roderick
Head of Department
Meet our people

Our research

We aim to make a positive impact on people’s lives through research.

Our research addresses inequalities, promotes social justice, and ensures better health and wellbeing.
Discover more about our research
Model head
Two boxers practising boxing

Equality and diversity

We are committed to supporting all of our students and promoting a departmental culture based on dignity, courtesy and respect. Our Equality and Diversity lead and student committee keep equality, diversity and inclusion issues at the forefront of the department's agenda.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Get in touch

If you have any questions about our department, please get in touch.

Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences

Durham University
Green Lane 
Durham
DH1 3LA
UK

Telephone: +44 (0)191 334 2000

Questions about studying here?

Check out our list of FAQs or submit an enquiry form.

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