See what we do in Sports and Exercise Science

Performance. Perfected.

Lancaster’s BSc (Hons) in Sports and Exercise Science is one of the first in the UK to be delivered by a medical school. Read on to find out more about Glenn, Joanna and Isaac’s experiences on the course. 

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Joanna Wootton

"I've always loved sport and knew I wanted to go into a sport industry. I always enjoyed biology but I didn't want to study a straight science. I think combining sport and science was quite a natural thing for me to do.

"I'm very passionate about rowing. I've been rowing for seven years now. I've always loved it. You can do it individually but you do it as a team. It's highly competitive and those who are stubborn, and never give up, can thrive in it. I now compete with Lancaster University Boat Club – the University’s rowing club."

"I chose to study at Lancaster University because the course was a small cohort. I've always preferred having smaller classes at school and I knew that would suit me at university. You get to know the lecturers so quickly and everyone wants to help you, which is just really nice.

"On the course there’s a big sense of community. Lancaster's a very community-based university, because it’s a campus university, you're very much within a small community, you get to know people quickly. I never feel isolated.

"On the course we study biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, digital technology and public health. There is quite a range of subjects in the first year, which is really nice to give us a good basis.

"The sciences within the course give you a wider understanding of how the body works and how the different systems of the body work together. I’ve really enjoyed it because it gives you better background knowledge.

"Gaining extra fitness qualifications alongside the course is really useful. We can begin to gain work experience whilst we study and over the holidays.

"In the future, I really want to work in elite sport. I'd love to do performance analysis or something in that area. I find it quite inspiring to know that, in the future I could have an impact on an athlete's performance."

Joanna Wootton, BSc Sports and Exercise Science
Joanna Wootton, BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Science

Glenn Sherwin

"Sport has always been a big passion of mine, I've always wanted to know that bit extra. It was natural for me to want to come into this degree and take the next step. Sport and exercise science really inspires me because it allows me to look at how we can improve performance, and how I can help people.

"I chose Lancaster University because when I came to visit and spoke to the lecturers, they were all so passionate about what they were teaching. I'd say that you couldn't be in a better place, in terms of what you'll learn, how you'll get supported, and your experience at University as a whole. Being part of the medical school is also beneficial. We get access to facilities, resources and lecturers with a wide range of expertise."

"The facilities at Lancaster include the Human Performance Laboratory, the Strength and Conditioning Room, the life science labs, and the sport centre and wider campus as well. These are all really valuable for learning because we get to put what we learn in the lectures into practical experience. All the equipment that we've got access to is highly specialised, cutting-edge technology.

"The course covers a wide range of topics. We learn about nutrition and how to optimise your diet for health or for performance. We learn how to prescribe exercise to an individual and about the skills you need to be a sport scientist. You've also got biological aspects, a bit of physics in looking at how force is produced by muscles to make movement. You've also got social science - the psychological aspect of how we get people to exercise and how to get elite performers in the mind set to perform.

"In first year, we have the opportunity to do a certificate in gym instructing and a diploma in personal training. Gaining these additional qualifications is a massive advantage to your employability.

"The sense of community Lancaster University is really strong. All the accommodation is split into colleges, so you're part of a college as well your flat or house. It really helps bring together different groups of people in different ways. There’s also a really strong community on the course, you all get to know each other really well.

"What inspires me is people, and how I can help people through sport and performance or health. I hope to make a difference to the lives of others by improving their quality of life, or improving their performance so that they can progress in their sporting careers.

"Since starting the course, I feel my horizons have been broadened. There are a lot more opportunities for careers than I had previously imagined. So I'm quite open-minded at the moment.

"I'm really looking forward to see what the future holds."

Glenn Sherwin, BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Science
Glenn Sherwin, BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Science

Isaac Appleton

"I was advised to study a subject at university that I enjoy, and I've always been sporty. I'm passionate about sport because I like the commitment and the camaraderie you have with your teammates. I feel that sport has always been my natural path, so it made sense to take that as a degree.

I chose Lancaster University because it's a new course and therefore up-to-date with all the advancements in the field of sports and exercise science, which will be beneficial for me looking for a job in the future."

"We're part of the medical school at Lancaster, which has been a massive advantage. It has given us access to equipment that we might use in a professional field. I'd describe the facilities at Lancaster as second to none.

"The sense of community on the course, not just with other students, but with staff as well, is fantastic. We're quite a small course so you get the support you need if you're struggling.

"In first year, we've studied biomechanics, physiology, biology, psychology and nutrition. In year two, we pick between a performance route - working with elite athletes to get the best out of them - and an exercise prescription route.

"I'm passionate about football and I play for the Lancaster University football team. It's been a massive part of my uni life so far. When I graduate, I'm really hoping to go into the professional sports industry, football specifically.

"I find sports and exercise science inspiring as I enjoy looking at how athletes can improve - all the different specifics that go into how you can change a good athlete into an elite athlete. I really hope that the work I do in the professional field can help a young athlete achieve their dreams.

"I can't wait to do my second and third year here at Lancaster. It's a fantastic university; it offers a lot. They look after you, and it's a superb course.

"I feel massively excited for the future. I'm pursuing a career in something that I love, which is everyone's dream."

Isaac Appleton, BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Science
Isaac Appleton, BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Science

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