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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 2025 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
Top 10 The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
4th for Sports Science Complete University Guide 2025
Ranked World Top 100 QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
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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Third-Year Student Alan Edwards Runs 100km for Charity

At the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, we are proud to celebrate not just the academic achievements of our students, but also their incredible personal pursuits and contributions beyond the classroom! Final-year student Alan Edwards is a perfect example of this spirit in action.

Student news
Student Alan Edwards posing for a photograph in front of a fireplace

Sport and exercise scientists contributing to the critical post humanities and post qualitative inquiry

Guest edited by Javier Monforte and Brett Smith, a new special issue on the critical post humanities and post qualitative inquiry is out now.
Research news
Prof Brett Smith

How to make the most of your time as a Sport and Exercise Sciences student at Durham

Read about Jodie Newman's experiences as a student in Sport and Exercise Sciences and how to make the most of your student experience.
Student news
Jodie Newman posing with Paralympian in a gym

Do the effects of interventions aimed at the prevention of childhood obesity reduce inequities?

Recently published: Do the effects of interventions aimed at the prevention of childhood obesity reduce inequities? A re-analysis of randomized trial data from two Cochrane reviews - eClinicalMedicine
Research news
staff headshot

Department Research Newsletter

View the department's latest research newsletter, issued March 2025.
Research news

My experience at the Cricket World Cup

Read about student Rosie Speedy's experience at the U19 T20 Women's World Cup in Malaysia!
Student news
Student Rosie Speedy posing in a Team photo at the Cricket World Cup

Durham Global Awards Success!

Congratulations to three of DSES’ own, Professor Brett Smith, Professor Stacey Pope, and Adam Dickson (PhD candidate), who were all nominated for Durham Global Awards this week at an evening reception at the Oriental Museum.
Global research
A group photo of Adam Dickson, Stacey Pope and Brett Smith at the Oriental Museum
More news

Sport and exercise scientists contributing to the critical post humanities and post qualitative inquiry

Guest edited by Javier Monforte and Brett Smith, a new special issue on the critical post humanities and post qualitative inquiry is out now.

Prof Brett Smith

Do the effects of interventions aimed at the prevention of childhood obesity reduce inequities?

Recently published: Do the effects of interventions aimed at the prevention of childhood obesity reduce inequities? A re-analysis of randomized trial data from two Cochrane reviews - eClinicalMedicine
staff headshot

Department Research Newsletter

View the department's latest research newsletter, issued March 2025.

Student updates

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

Highlights

My experience at the Cricket World Cup

Rosie Speedy tells us all about her time at the T20 Women’s World Cup, which was held in Malaysia in January 2025
/media/durham-university/departments-/sport-and-exercise-sciences/Josie-Newman-Blog-Placement-photo-e1743435859425.jpg

How to make the most of your time as a Sport and Exercise Sciences student at Durham University

Josie passes on her advice on how to make the most out of your time as Sport and Exercise Sciences student at Durham
Jodie Newman posing with Paralympian in a gym

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.

Mark Stoutenberg

Professor Mark Stoutenberg

Co-Director

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.
Mark Stoutenberg
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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