The academy has a long and rich tradition of delivering innovative programmes and research in sport and physical activity, since 1998. Ranked 4th in the UK for the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) and 5th for student recruitment, the academy is considered one of the leading providers for education within sport and physical activity.

Our courses are taught by leading experts who deliver cutting edge, research-informed teaching.  Staff hold prominent positions within sport federations, governing bodies, and international sport boards, opening networking opportunities for students to gain ‘hands on experience and real-world capability’. With a global reputation for offering applied programmes, our students graduate with the skills and practical competences that employers require within the diverse, global sport industry.

Many of our students have benefitted from opportunities through our extensive network, such as internships and placements within sports organisations including GB Boxing, to volunteering at major international events, for example the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, Rugby League World Cup, UEFA Football and World Gymnastics championships. Our students have worked with international sport organisations including adidas, Formula 1, the International Olympic Committee and undertaken applied sport research with governing bodies such as FIFA, British Swimming, and the International Tennis Federation.

Using state-of-the-art equipment, our courses are delivered in sport facilities across the city, including the English Institute of Sport campus, a world class facility used by many of the UK’s elite athletes and teams. The university also offers a vibrant sport community, with a diverse range of clubs and performance teams, including comprehensive support for student athletes. Many of our courses are accredited ensuring the quality of our programme delivery and the return of investment for our students for example: the British Association for Sport & Exercise Sciences (BASES) and Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport & Physical Activity (CIMPSPA) and British Psychological Society (BPS).