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7 things you need to know about careers in sport and exercise science
1. What do careers in sport and exercise science involve?
There is a broad range of careers that sport and exercise science graduates can pursue, including coaching, personal training, exercise and health promotion, or as a sport and/or exercise scientist. While a degree in sport and exercise science will provide a good platform for a range of careers in the sport, exercise and leisure industry, a further specialised qualification may be necessary. For example, some graduates will choose to pursue a career in teaching. The opportunities to pursue a career as a sport and/or exercise scientist are limited at the present time but likely to expand as the legacy of the 2012 games is realised. Currently competition for jobs is fiercely competitive and often postgraduate study is required for both applied and academic careers in the area.
2. What sort of people work in sports and exercise science?
Sport and exercise scientists work alongside other professionals such as coaches, dieticians and physiotherapists and apply scientific principles to help people improve their sporting performance and their general health.
The main aspects of a sport and exercise scientists' work will include aspects of physiology, biomechanics, psychology and performance analysis.
Some qualified professionals work in research.
The National Health Service also appoints specialists with exercise backgrounds to work in cardiac rehabilitation and health promotion and there are opportunities in the Armed Forces as well.
3. What are the entry level qualifications?
GCSE maths and English are mandatory and GCSE science is almost certainly required as well.
A Level and BTEC pathways with some science content will also be required.
4. What are the opportunities in sports and exercise science?
The London Olympics in 2012 could well make a significant difference to the opportunities available for careers in sport and exercise science. Equally, the increasing focus on physical activity may also open up further opportunities particularly within the NHS.
Generally, as this area is now highly competitive, a strong interest, motivation and determination to pursue a career in sport and/or exercise science are required. Experience of coaching, competing, and working in some applied capacity related to the desired career would also be an advantage. Further study, through vocational or postgraduate courses, may also be necessary.
5. What you can study at undergraduate level?
University of Chichester
- BSc (Hons) Sport & exercise science
- BSc (Hons) Sport & exercise psychology
- FD Health promotion and personal training
University of Brighton
- BSc (Hons) Sport & exercise science
- FD Sport & fitness
6. What can you study at postgraduate level?
- University of Chichester MSc Sport & exercise psychology
- University of Chichester MSc Psychology of sport & exercise
- University of Chichester MSc Exercise physiology
- University of Chichester MSc Sport biomechanics
- University of Brighton MSc Sport & exercise science
- University of Brighton MSc Applied exercise physiology
- University of Brighton MSc Exercise and health science
7. What could you be doing to help your career in sports and exercise science?
It would help your sport and exercise career to:
- volunteer to help in a local sports centre
- obtain a part time job or work experience in a care setting
- keep up your own sport and fitness levels
- develop your communication skills
- develop your IT skills
- keep up to date by reading publications such as NewScientist
Useful links
The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences has career information and a Course Finder. BASES endorses undergraduate courses
The English Institute of Sport has useful background information on the science of sport and exercise and current issues
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