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Study Sports Science, why & how to study

Sports scientists are in high demand. As technology evolves, the need for athletes to gain an edge becomes more acute. Study the subject to understand the science behind it all.

Medical monitor showing EKG reading of an athlete on a treadmill

CONTENTS

  1. What’s Sports Science?

  2. What Sports Science degrees can you study?

  3. What do you need to get onto a Sports Science degree?

  4. What topics does a Sports Science degree cover?

  5. How will you be assessed?

  6. Why study Sports Science?

  7. What do Sports Science graduates earn?

  8. What jobs can you get as a Sports Science graduate?

  9. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

  10. Similar subjects to Sports Science

  11. Have any questions?

What’s Sports Science?

Sports Science is the study of how the human body works during exercise. You'll look at physical activity and how it can enhance physical, mental and social health.

The subject area is vast and multi-disciplinary. It draws upon areas like physiology, anatomy, psychology, engineering and chemistry. You could be studying anything from nutrition to rehabilitation.

Take a look at the university league table for Sports Science.

What Sports Science degrees can you study?

Undergraduate degrees in Sports Science include: 

Exercise and Sport Sciences BSc/MSci

You'll usually gain a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. Or, if the course includes an integrated master’s year, a Master of Science (MSci). Areas of study include biomechanics, sports psychology, exercise physiology and research methods. You can choose to focus on a specific area, such as chronic health conditions.

Find Exercise and Sport Sciences courses.

Football Coaching (with Professional Practice Year) BA

This specialised degree prepares you for a career as a football coach. Courses include practical work and professional placements in relevant settings. Think sports clubs, coaching academies or other football organisations.

Search for Football Coaching courses.

Nutrition (Exercise and Health) BSc

Explore the relationship between nutrition, physical activity and human health. Topics you might study include dietary analysis, public health and clinical nutrition.

Find Nutrition courses.

Physical Education, Sport and Youth Development BA

Learn about education and coaching with young people. This degree will prepare you for a career in schools, communities and sports settings.

Search for Physical Education courses.

Physiology and Sports Science BSc

Apply your knowledge of the human body and its functions to the world of sport and exercise. You’ll look at how scientific principles can help improve performance, health and wellbeing.

Find Physiology courses.

Other options

Course options may include:

  • Integrated foundation year
  • Top-up degrees
  • Two-year degrees
  • Professional placements

Some universities offer the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or year.

  1. GO TO 
  2. Find a Sports Science undergraduate degree 
  3. Types of undergraduate degrees 

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 or coaching
  • Volunteering with local sports club

You may also need a DBS check.

  1. GO TO 
  2. Entry requirements 
  3. About UCAS points 
  4. Alternatives to A Levels

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

See our list of the top 10 greatest sportspeople.

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. Regardless, it is taken seriously and receives a lot of 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). They often meet the professional standards set by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

My lecturers provided great knowledge and insight into my chosen degree and provided a range of different learning techniques such as lectures, seminars, practical workshops and real-life experiences.

I made friends for life, had great help and support from staff and learned the building blocks for my career as a sport rehabilitator within professional sport. Now employed full time!

Beth, University of Bolton

  1. GO TO
  2. Read Reasons to study Sports Science

What do Sports Science graduates earn?

Sports Science graduates start their careers with a salary between £17,500–£23,000.

Salaries for an experienced sports scientist may average around £30,000. 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 teaching and learning responsibilities, and you could earn more.

  1. GO TO 
  2. See what students do and earn after graduation 

What jobs can you get as a Sports Science graduate?

Many companies offer graduate schemes in sp 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

Read about how to become a sports psychologist or personal trainer.

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of postgraduate degrees:

  • 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

Some courses may require previous studies in a related area. If you want to become a teacher, you'll need a PGCE.

  1. GO TO
  2. Find postgraduate courses for Sports Science
  3. Type of postgraduate degrees

Similar subjects to Sports Science

Other subject areas that might appeal to you include:

Search undergraduate Sports Science courses now!

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!

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