School of Sport, Exercise and Applied Science

A school of the Faculty of Sport, Technology and Health Sciences.

The School of Sport, Exercise and Applied Science offers a range of vocationally orientated and research informed programmes to cater for students at all levels from foundation and undergraduate to postgraduate study. This includes a growing portfolio in Computer Science that reflects the institution’s commitment to innovation, digital skills, and future focused education.

Our programmes are recognised nationally and internationally and many are endorsed by the associated national lead industry bodies. These include the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Science (CASES), the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA), and the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Across the School, curriculum are shaped by industry-informed design, active engagement with external stakeholders, and alignment with contemporary practice and emerging developments. Collaboration with employers, professional bodies, and external experts ensures that graduates are well prepared for careers across sport, exercise, and the digital and creative technology industries.

Life as a student

As a St Mary’s student, you will experience excellent teaching and learning informed by the latest research. Students in our department receive exceptional opportunities to gain and apply their knowledge through exciting real world contexts. For example, computing students benefit from project based learning, live briefs, exposure to current software engineering practices, and opportunities to work with industry partners on applied digital projects.

Links with local and national placement providers provide you with unique opportunities to develop your learning in a professional setting. We have an exciting partnership with the Royal Ballet, based in London’s Covent Garden, where we provide strength and conditioning and sport science support to world class ballet dancers. In Computer Science, students collaborate with technology companies, start ups and digital innovation teams across London, allowing them to apply their skills in software development, AI, data analysis and immersive technologies.

Services and facilities

You will be joining an inclusive community of students and staff who are passionate about their subject area and professional development. Learners at St Mary’s have access to a comprehensive range of pastoral and academic support services to help you achieve and develop in your chosen career pathway. For Computer Science students, this includes support from specialist staff in software engineering, data science, cybersecurity and AI, as well as opportunities to join coding clubs, hackathons and digital innovation initiatives.

Our campus has excellent facilities such as the Sir Mo Farah Athletics Track, the Performance Education Centre, and state of the art Performance Laboratories. Computing students also benefit from dedicated laboratories, including the state-of-the-art E-Sports Arena, equipped with modern development tools and specialist resources. Being located in London means our programmes offer outstanding access to key organisations in the industry locally, nationally and internationally.