Study Sports Science, why & how to study
Sports scientists are in high demand, as technology evolves and the need for athletes to get an extra edge becomes more acute.
CONTENTS
-
What’s Sports Science?
-
What Sports Science degrees can you study?
-
What do you need to get onto a Sports Science degree?
-
What topics does a Sports Science degree cover?
-
How will you be assessed?
-
Why study Sports Science?
-
What do Sports Science graduates earn?
-
What jobs can you get as a Sports Science graduate?
-
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
-
Similar subjects to Sports Science
-
Have any questions?
What’s Sports Science?
Sports Science is the study of how the healthy human body works during exercise, and how sport and physical activity promote health physically, mentally and socially. The study of sport incorporates many other academic subjects, such as Physiology, Psychology, Anatomy, Engineering and Chemistry.
What Sports Science degrees can you study?
Undergraduate degrees in Sports Science include:
- Exercise and Sport Sciences MSci
- Football Coaching (with Professional Practice Year) BA
- Nutrition (Exercise and Health) BSc
- Physical Education, Sport and Youth Development BA
- Physiology and Sports Science BSc
- Sport and Exercise Science (Chronic Health Conditions) BSc
Course options may include an integrated foundation year, top-up degrees, two-year degrees and programmes with a professional placement.
What do you need to get onto a Sports Science degree?
Typically, entry to an undergraduate Sports Science degree requires between 96–160 UCAS points. Some courses may have lower or higher requirements, and not all unis base their offer on UCAS points. Qualifications needed may include:
- A Levels: A*AA–CCE
- BTECs: D*DD–MMP
- Scottish Highers: AAAAA–BCCDD (Advanced Highers: AAA–AAB)
- International Baccalaureate: 38–24
- Universities will usually ask that you’ve studied: an advanced or higher-level science subject
Other good subjects to have studied include:
- Science subjects at A Level (or equivalent) such as biology, chemistry, maths, physical education, physics, psychology or sports – they’re not required by all unis, but they will be helpful
- General studies may be excluded
Experience that would look good on your application:
- Work shadowing or experience in related occupations such as physiotherapy, coaching
- Volunteering with local sports clubs
What topics does a Sports Science degree cover?
Modules for courses in this subject may include:
- Nutrition and metabolism
- Foundations of biomechanics
- Sports training physiology
- Performance coaching
- Player potential and development
- Football governance
- Motivating physical activity
- Strength, conditioning and rehabilitation
- Physical education and youth sport
How will you be assessed?
Assessments will vary from module to module. As your degree progresses, there may be a greater emphasis on practical work. Typical assessments include:
- Case studies
- Essays
- Exams
- Peer and tutor observations
- Portfolios
- Practical assessments (individual or group)
- Presentations (individual and group)
- Reports
- Research project/dissertation
Why study Sports Science?
Sports Science is a relatively new academic discipline, but one that’s taken extremely seriously and receives serious funding. Advances in technology and medicine are breaking new ground daily.
Career-specific skills:
- You’ll gain an academic understanding of the sport, and how athletes reach peak fitness
- Placement opportunities can put you at the heart of the action
- Vocational skills may include advanced lab training for biomechanical and physiological testing
Transferable skills:
- Research and enquiry
- Leadership and decision-making
- Planning and organising
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Communication
Professional accreditation:
- Degrees may be endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) or meet the professional standards set by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)
What do Sports Science graduates earn?
Sports Science graduates commonly start their careers with a salary between £17,500–£23,000.
Salaries for an experienced sports scientist may average around £30,000. However, salaries can be variable and in a sport such as football, lower-ranked clubs may offer less.
Many graduates become teachers, with an income of up to £37,000 for classroom teachers. Take on a management role, or additional teaching and learning responsibilities, and you could earn a lot more.
What jobs can you get as a Sports Science graduate?
Numerous companies offer graduate schemes in Sports Science, both in the UK and abroad. Potential jobs can include:
- Activities manager
- Coach
- Event manager
- Fitness centre manager
- Performance analyst
- Physiologist
- Sports administrator
- Sports development officer
- Sports scientist
- Teacher or lecturer
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Graduates with a Sports Science degree will require a PGCE if they wish to become a teacher. Other postgraduate courses may require previous study in a related area:
- Sport Management MSc
- Applied Sport Performance Analysis MSc
- Sports Nutrition PGCert
- Exercise as Medicine MSc
- Paediatric Exercise and Health MSc
- Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences PhD
Similar subjects to Sports Science
Other subject areas that might appeal to you include:
Have any questions?
If you’ve got any questions about studying Sports Science, you can email our experts at ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. We’ll be happy to hear from you!
Related articles
Russell Group Universities 2023
Learn more about this group of universities in the UK and why you might want to choose to...
Preparing for your university Clearing call
Calling universities about Clearing can be daunting, but with proper preparation and...