5 mins
Why sports science abroad?
Exercise is important not only for physical fitness but also for mental agility and health, and it seems that individuals worldwide are realising this fact. Booming sales of personal fitness equipment, like wearable fitness trackers, stand testament to the growing awareness about exercise and fitness. In Australia, fitness has nearly become a way of life. Numbers show that more than 90% of adults here are keen on sports. The reality is that, globally, the importance placed on exercise and fitness is increasing. Studying sports science abroad can be your ticket to building a career in this field.
What is sports science?
Sports science teaches how the human body functions during physical activity. Students develop critical thinking skills regarding health and fitness-related issues and learn how to apply scientific breakthroughs in this field to their daily habits.
Among the goals of exercise and sport science studies are:
- Maximising the performance of the human body
- Improving functionality
- Reducing the risk of injury
- Rehabilitation
- Identifying and addressing weaknesses
- Identifying and improving strengths
- Preparation for specific situations/events
Curriculum and specialisations in sports science
Exercise and sports science programmes are usually a three or four-year course at undergraduate level and a two-year course at the master’s level. Lab and practical sessions are part of the course.
Exercise and sports science cover a range of different subject areas, including:
- Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Nutrition
- Psychology
- Exercise prescription
The programme also offers options to specialise in:
- Sports psychology
- Nutrition
- Coaching
- Exercise physiology
Top destinations for sports science courses
The UK, Australia and the USA are some of the best countries for sports science and other sports-related courses. The QS World University Rankings for Subject 2025: Sports-Related Subjects lists 150 top institutions for pursuing sports programmes.
- The UK has 22 universities on the list, with 9 in the top 50.
- Australia has 19 universities, with 9 in the top 50.
- The USA contributes the highest number of universities to the list; a total of 32, with 7 in the top 50.
- Canada has 12 universities on the list, with 8 in the top 50.
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Other popular universities offering sports science courses and the tuition fee
Australia
Some of the popular and unique courses offered by Australian universities include:
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Business (Sport Management)
- Bachelor of Sport Development
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
- Graduate Certificate of Strength and Conditioning
- Graduate Diploma of Applied Sport Science
- Executive Graduate Certificate of Sport Business
- Bachelor of Sport Science (Human Movement)/Bachelor of Sport Management
- Bachelor of Sport Management
- Bachelor of Human Movement
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences
- Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours)
- Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal) among several others.
Deakin University: Deakin offers bachelor's courses, graduate certificates, executive graduate certificates and master’s courses in sports and sports science
Tuition fee: The tuition fee for these courses ranges from AUD 11,500 for a graduate certificate course to AUD 40,000 for a bachelor's degree. Master’s course fees range from AUD 31,000 to AUD 37,000 or more.
The University of South Australia offers courses in exercise science, physiotherapy, and related fields.
Tuition fees: Fees range from AUD 27,000 per year for courses like the Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Exercise) to AUD 44,600 per year for graduate entry master’s programmes. Most bachelor's degrees are around AUD 33,500 to AUD 40,000 per year, while master's programs cost around AUD 43,500 to AUD 44,600 per year.
Victoria University: Several courses offered by Victoria University fall under the Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) scheme, which significantly lowers tuition through government subsidies.
Tuition fee: For non-subsidised programmes, tuition fees range from AUD 15,200 per semester for graduate certificates to AUD 30,400 per year for master’s programmes.
The UK:
Exercise and sports science and related courses available at UK universities include:
- Sport and Exercise Psychology BSc (Hons) degree
- Sports Technology BEng (Hons) degree
- Sport Science, Coaching and Physical Education BSc (Hons) degree
- Sport Rehabilitation MSc
- Sport Biomechanics MSc
- Sport Business and Leadership MSc
- Geography and Sport Science BSc (Hons) degree
- Sport Engineering MEng (Hons)
- Equine Sports Science BSc (Hons)
- Sport Science and Mathematics BSc (Hons)
Loughborough University offers BSc (Hons) and MSc courses in sports science.
Tuition fees: The tuition fee for undergraduate degrees ranges from £23,000 to £28,600 per year. Master's courses can cost around £30,500 per year. These include specialised courses like Sport Business and Leadership MSc or Sport Analytics and Technologies MSc.
Nottingham Trent University is one of the biggest universities in the UK and is especially known for the student safety it offers. The university offers BSc Honours and MEng Honours courses in Sports Science.
Tuition fees: Undergraduate course fee for international students is approximately £17,150, and the master’s fee is approximately £17,500.
The USA:
Sports science and related courses offered by universities in the USA include:
- Bachelor of Science in Sport Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Sports Communication & Media
- Master of Science in Athletic Training
- Master of Science in Exercise & Sport Science
- Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
- Master of Arts in Sports Administration (online)
- Bachelor of Science in health and Physical education teaching
Sacred Heart University: It is New England’s second largest Catholic university, and is spread over 2.2 million sq. ft of building space. It offers BSc, BA and MSc courses in sports science.
Tuition fee: Undergraduate full-time courses cost around USD 26,000 per semester. Postgraduate courses are charged per semester or trimester and vary based on the course.
Wayne State University: This public institution offers opportunities for sports medicine research. Wayne also partners with other institutions such as the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.
Tuition fees are charged based on credit hours. Lower Division Freshmen and Sophomores have to pay approximately USD 1,400 per credit hour or around a USD 15,000 flat rate.
Upper Division Juniors, Seniors, and Post-Bachelors: Approximately USD 1,500 per credit hour or USD 18,000 flat rate.
Entry requirements for sports science courses
The general requirements to apply for an exercise and sports science programme include:
- Academic qualifications as required (high school certificate or bachelor’s degree) for the programme. Qualifications in a life sciences programme will give you an edge, especially for Master’s programmes. Some colleges require a basic qualification in a related field. For example, to enrol in the MSc in High Performance Sport at the University of Birmingham, you need an undergraduate degree related to sports or exercise, and also a basic knowledge of research methods.
- An English proficiency test score as set by the university or faculty. Typically, an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 is expected.
- A Statement of Purpose (SOP) that clearly outlines your goals and why you are passionate about this field.
- Letters of Recommendation (usually required for master’s programmes) from teachers or professors who can vouch for your interest and involvement in sports or exercise can provide a significant advantage.
Job opportunities in exercise and sports science
Employment openings for sports science/exercise science degree holders are not limited to gyms or activity centres; they also exist in medical settings such as the physiotherapy wing of a hospital or clinic or the rehabilitation wing of a medical centre. Elder care facilities usually have a sports science professional on call to keep the residents active and fit while minimising unnecessary risks. This qualification will also help establish your own fitness centre.
Once you complete your studies, the roles you can explore include:
- Exercise physiologist
- Dietitian/ nutrition specialist
- Physiotherapist
- Sports psychologist
- Performance analyst
- Sports coach/ trainer
- Personal trainer
A career in exercise and sports science can be very rewarding, allowing you to change lives for the better. The right kind of education sets you on the pathway to success in this field. Take the time to explore your study options, shortlist your favoured colleges/programmes and get ready to step confidently into the world of exercise/sports science, sports medicine, fitness and health.
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