Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences

BA Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity

On our BA Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity programme, you will constantly engage in applying your developing academic understanding to real-world examples, practices and issues that are relevant to various sport and exercise sectors and careers. The course includes a variety of core and optional modules in the social science disciplines of sport sociology, sport policy and sports development. The flexible design of the programme also allows you to select and experience modules associated with other areas of the sport and exercise sciences, including physiology, psychology, and physical activity, nutrition and health.

On the BA Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity course you will explore a wide range of topics from grassroots to high performance sport, as well as other forms of physical activity. You’ll also investigate some of the connections between sport and physical activity with issues such as discrimination and inequalities, the environment, sedentary lifestyles, and obesity.

Course Structure

The following information provides a list of core modules for each year of study and is indicative of the range of subjects covered by the course. Further detail can be found on the Apply for BA Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity page:

Year One

Critical Skills for Sport and Exercise Sciences
Introduction to Sociology of Sport
Plus a choice of optional modules covering a range of topics or an optional module provided by other academic departments.

Year Two

Contemporary Research in Sport and Exercise Sciences
Advanced Sociology of Sport
Sports Development
Plus a choice of optional modules covering a range of topics

Year Three

Dissertation
Applied Sociology of Sport
Plus a choice of optional modules covering a range of topics

Additional pathways include the possibility to complete a Year Abroad or with Placement pathway. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four or four to five depending on your course.

The best thing about my course is the opportunity to study and apply different topics to real life scenarios in high quality facilities.

Georgia Massey

Level 3 BA Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity (2025)

The best thing about my course is firstly the array of module types and topics that we’ve covered throughout my time here at Durham. It really offers you a chance to expand your knowledge in areas of sport that previously you wouldn’t have considered. Plus, the overall support offered to students is endless. Whether this be support around your academic studies or around general life issues you may be struggling with, every member of staff has been approachable and are always there for you when required.

Adam Beeken

Level 3 BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences (2025)

BA Sport and Exercise Sciences

Do you have a passion for sport and a concern for social issues within sport and exercise? Are you keen to play a part in reducing inequalities, promoting social justice, and improving health and wellbeing through sport? Our BA course is for you

Apply to BA Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity

Student Life

As a student at Durham University you will have unrivalled opportunities to play and compete in sport at whatever level you wish! Students will also have the opportunity to volunteer in the community, making a difference through participating in sport!

Student Life in Sport and Exercise Sciences

Student Jack with hocky stick over his shoulder facing away from camera

Placements and Study Abroad Opportunities

Our students can participate in a range of fantastic study and work abroad schemes. From a Year in Industry, a placement year providing invaluable work experience to studying at another University abroad. Find out more about what our students have been up to whilst on their placements.

Placements Study Abroad

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