簡介：Sports science has been one of the big growth areas of UK higher education over the past decade – so much so that it has had its own table for the last four years. Even after an 8.5 per cent decline in applications in 2012, sports science remained on the verge of the top ten subjects at degree level. The subject covers more than 40 specialisms, from sports therapy to equestrian sport studies and marine sport technology. Many contain more science and less physical activity than candidates may expect. Brunel, for example, requires at least an AS level in one of the sciences. Many universities now offer sports scholarships for elite performers, but most are not tied to a particular course and, officially at least, do not mean that the normal entry requirements are waived. Loughborough, the most famous name in university sport, tops the table, as it did in all three previous years of the ranking and when the broader classification was used. Surprisingly, it does not have the outright lead on any measure, although it ties with equal second-placed Birmingham for the best record in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. Both had 60 per cent of their research rated world-leading or internationally excellent. Glasgow, which shares second place with Birmingham, has the highest entry standards in a table where eight universities average less than 200 points. Like last year, the most satisfied students are in Wales. Aberystwyth, the leader in Wales and 21st overall, had the top rating in the 2011 National Student Survey, followed by Glyndwr, in Wrexham, reversing last year’s leading scores on this measure. In both surveys, they were the only universities to satisfy more than 90 per cent of final-year undergraduates, although there were plenty of other good scores. Sheffield Hallam is the only post-1992 university in the top ten, but Middlesex has the best employment score, despite only just making the top 40. At 20 universities and colleges, fewer than half of those completing a degree went straight into graduate jobs or onto a more advanced course. Sports science is just outside the bottom ten subjects for employment prospects and starting salaries this year. The unemployment rate is low, at only 6 per cent, but four out of ten graduates begin their working life in low-level jobs.以下是2013年Times運動科學的排名。