Skip to main content

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.
Alternative text

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 2023
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:

DSES staff visit the University of Copenhagen to help train the next generation of qualitative researchers in sport, exercise and health.

Dr Toni Williams and Professor Cassandra Phoenix visited the Department of Nutrition Exercise and Sports at the University of Copenhagen this week. They delivered workshops as part of a 5-day course designed to provide PhD students with more in-depth knowledge about cutting edge qualitative research methods in sport and exercise sciences.

Research news
DSES Copenhagen

NINE DTP Studentship Competition

The Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences is delighted to invite high quality applications to be considered for entry into the prestigious NINE DTP scholarship competition.
Student news
Studentship

What have 6 million dead people got to do with football?

Emma Poulton’s recent publication poses the pertinent and poignant question, ‘What have 6 million dead people got to do with football?’ Her article is based on life-story interviews with Jewish supporters of Tottenham Hotspur about their experiences of antisemitism.
Research news
Football crowd

Cardiotoxicity - Breast Cancer Research

Chelsea Penny is currently an MA by Research student in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Chelsea's research project is looking at cardiotoxicity. Cardiotoxicity occurs when heart function is compromised due to chemotherapy or other cancer treatments such as radiotherapy.
Student news
Chelsea Penny

Professor Brett Smith delivering a Keynote at the World Abilitysport Conference

Professor Brett Smith will be giving a keynote address at the World Abilitysport Conference on Physical Activity for Health for People with Cerebral Palsy and other Neurological Conditions at the University of Edinburgh (Oct 20-21).
Research news
Prof Brett Smith

Dr. Jachyra invited to speak at 2023 Convocation hosted by Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Professor Karen O’Brien

Dr. Patrick Jachyra has been invited to speak at the 2023 Durham University Convocation hosted by Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Professor Karen O’Brien. Dr. Jachyra will be a part of a cross faculty panel identified as eminent academics at Durham to discuss “How Durham researchers are preparing us for the future: Health, well-being and fitness on a changing planet"
Research news
Patrick Jachyra

Professor Cassandra Phoenix talks to BBC Radio 4’s Inside Health about physical activity in older age.

Tune in to BBC Radio 4s Inside Health programme this week, to hear Professor of Physical Activity and Health, Cassandra Phoenix contribute to a discussion on promoting healthier ageing through physical activity.
Research news
Inside Health
More news

DSES staff visit the University of Copenhagen to help train the next generation of qualitative researchers in sport, exercise and health.

Dr Toni Williams and Professor Cassandra Phoenix visited the Department of Nutrition Exercise and Sports at the University of Copenhagen this week. They delivered workshops as part of a 5-day course designed to provide PhD students with more in-depth knowledge about cutting edge qualitative research methods in sport and exercise sciences.

DSES Copenhagen

What have 6 million dead people got to do with football?

Emma Poulton’s recent publication poses the pertinent and poignant question, ‘What have 6 million dead people got to do with football?’ Her article is based on life-story interviews with Jewish supporters of Tottenham Hotspur about their experiences of antisemitism.
Football crowd

Professor Brett Smith delivering a Keynote at the World Abilitysport Conference

Professor Brett Smith will be giving a keynote address at the World Abilitysport Conference on Physical Activity for Health for People with Cerebral Palsy and other Neurological Conditions at the University of Edinburgh (Oct 20-21).
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.
/media/durham-university/departments-/sport-and-exercise-sciences/Matt-cover.png

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

Head of Department

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.

Ask Us

Your Durham prospectus

Order your personalised prospectus and College guide here.

Order Now