Organisation profile

The School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science is a vibrant interdisciplinary School within the Faculty of Science and Health. We study the physiology, psychology and biomechanics of the human body during exercise and its application to sports performance and health as well as development and management of sport and the role of sport in society.

We examine the role of physical activity in health and disease, strategies for increasing participation in sport and physical activity, and approaches to optimising human performance. Our discipline covers the entire lifespan, from childhood to master athletes and we study individuals across the performance spectrum, from Olympic athletes to those undertaking physically demanding occupations, or individuals with chronic diseases where exercise is medicine.

In submissions to the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) our impact cases studies did very well – notable submissions included our 'Improving understanding and changing protocols for the rescue and resuscitation of immersion victims', and 'Improving sports bra design and breast health through biomechanics' research. We're proud that 100% of our research impacts are rated as either outstanding or very considerable in terms of its reach and significance. Our school environment for research is rated as either internationally excellent or internationally recognised in terms of its quality, significance and rigour.

Our areas of expertise include:

• Extreme environments
• Occupational and organisational performance
• Physical activity, health and rehabilitation