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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?

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Professor Brett Smith appointed to Qualitative Inquiry editorial board

Qualitative Inquiry is a prestigious journal that provides an interdisciplinary forum for qualitative methodology and related issues in the human sciences.

Durham news
Student carrying out study with monitoring equipment

Physical activity insecurity is stopping youngsters from getting active, study finds

New research suggests that feelings of discomfort and unsafety are preventing some young people from being physically active.
Research news
The feet of a person wearing bright trainings walking along a path

Welcoming our new Head of Department Professor Mark Stoutenberg

We are delighted to welcome Professor Mark Stoutenberg who joined us in the new year as of Head of Department for Sport and Exercise Sciences.
Durham news
Head of Department

WoMaHN Inaugural Symposium and Key Members Meeting

This week Professor Cassandra Phoenix will join a group of international scholars at the University of Tilberg for the inaugural symposium and Key Member meeting of the Women’s Marginalised Health Network (WoMaHN), where she will present work from the programme of research she is leading within the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences on movement through menopause.
Global research
An image of an artwork called Hope II by Gustav Klimt

A thank you to Professor Martin Roderick as he ends his term as Head of Department.

January 2024 marks a big change for the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences as Professor Martin Roderick ends his five year term as Head of Department.   
Durham news
A headshot of Prof Martin Roderick against a neutral background

Professor Brett Smith: keynote address on narrative theory

Professor Brett Smith is invited to deliver a keynote address at the Physical Activity conference later this month.
Research news
Prof Brett Smith

Professor Cassandra Phoenix Inaugural Lecture: “Use it or lose it”: Thinking critically with moving bodies over time

Inaugural Professorial Lecture: Cassandra Phoenix of the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences. We welcome you to join us on 24 January at 4pm in the Teaching and Learning Centre (room TLC113) for Professor Phoenix’s Inaugural Lecture. In this celebratory event, Cassandra will provide an overview of her research on ageing and physical activity in relation to experiences of health and wellbeing. The talk will be followed by drinks reception.
Research news
Professor Cassandra Phoenix
More news

Physical activity insecurity is stopping youngsters from getting active, study finds

New research suggests that feelings of discomfort and unsafety are preventing some young people from being physically active.

The feet of a person wearing bright trainings walking along a path

Capturing fans’ memories of Sunderland football club

A new research project will capture fans’ memories of Sunderland football club going back to the 1950s, 60s and 70s.
Black and white photo of Ian Porterfield's winning goal for Sunderland Football Club in the 1973 FA Cup Final

Professor Brett Smith: keynote address on narrative theory

Professor Brett Smith is invited to deliver a keynote address at the Physical Activity conference later this month.
Prof Brett Smith

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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