What’s it like to study Sport and Exercise Sciences

Why did I choose to study this course at Durham?

One of the main reasons I chose this course was because of its multi-disciplinary nature and flexibility in selecting (optional) modules. As a result, I have gained a breadth of knowledge and understanding across a variety of disciplines in the field of Sport and Exercise Sciences.

What is your daily schedule like?

This degree consists of a combination of lectures, small group seminars, workshops and practical laboratory sessions. Each day offers different learning opportunities which I have really enjoyed. There are no contact hours on Wednesdays which allows those who play a sport at DU level to compete at BUCS with no added stress of missing contact hours.

How did you balance your contact hours with independent studies?

I found that getting into a good routine was crucial. To do so, I ensured that I worked on my independent studies around my contact hours in the library. This meant that I was able to produce high quality work that I was proud of, whilst meeting deadlines in advance. This will be especially important in your final year where you must be able to work well independently to produce a dissertation. Therefore, I would definitely recommend getting into good habits early on!

What have you found particularly beneficial about your degree?

Throughout this degree, there has been a great emphasis on employability skills. This has enabled me to develop a range of transferable skills which have proved to be useful in the job application process. For instance, the degree is assessed through a range of coursework and practicals, including oral presentations, group work and written work. In my final year, I also had the opportunity to gain practical experience whilst giving back to the local community as part of the placement module.

What have been your favourite modules this year?

I would say that my favourite modules this year have been the Dissertation and the optional module of Applied Sociology of Sport. I really enjoyed the opportunity to delve deep into a topic of my choosing as well as the process of conducting my own primary research for my dissertation. The Applied Sociology of Sport module, which involved tackling real-world social issues and problems in sport, also proved to be really interesting and thought-provoking.

What else did you get up to at Durham University outside your studies?

Alongside my studies, I enthusiastically immersed myself in Durham student life. Some of which include playing for DU women’s lacrosse first team, working part-time as a content creator for The Durham Student and taking on the role as a show coordinator for the Collingwood College Charity Fashion Show which raised a total revenue of £46,007, and, once breaking even on costs, donated £31, 737 to a local Durham charity. My advice to prospective students would be to make the most out of all that Durham offers!

Discover more

Download our latest prospectus and college guide here.

Follow our students on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Demi Tuinema

Hi! I'm Demi, a third year studying Sport and Exercise Science at Durham University (Collingwood college). I love to be active, try out new things and explore Durham.

Related Posts

My volunteering story

Before university  I volunteered before I came to Durham and was passionate about continuing this when I came to university. I started volunteering in primary

Read More »