If you feel passionate about fitness, health, and wellbeing and you want to prevent the health challenges facing the population today, a course in sports science might be the perfect next step for you. Gaining this qualification could lead to a career as a personal trainer, sports therapist, nutritionist and so on. However, if you decide not to move in that direction once you graduate, this degree will also equip you with many transferrable skills suitable for a range of other professions.
What is sports science?
Sports science can be defined as the science behind exercise and sport. This subject looks specifically at how to improve performance and endurance while reducing the risk of injury. As an academic field, sports science also considers the role of sport in society as well as the ethics and philosophy of sport. As a degree subject, you will also gain a thorough understanding of the benefits of physical exercise while delving into the science behind sport and exercise.
Browse universities offering courses in sports science.
What will I learn during a sports science degree?
Sports science is most commonly offered as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) for undergraduate degrees, taking three to four years to complete depending on your study location. If you want to pursue a masters in sports science, you can expect to study for one to two years depending on whether you study on a full time or part time basis. Although specific course modules will vary according to each university, there are many common topics explored within sports science degrees:
- Sport psychology
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Anatomy
- Chemistry
- Biomechanics
- Data analytics
- Motor control
- Motor learning
- Sport and society
- Rehabilitation
You will also have the choice of optional modules to help you develop specific interests within the field:
- Nutrition
- Sport entrepreneurship
- Psychology of injury
- Performance analysis
- Disease prevention and health
- Group dynamics
- Occupational health
- Public health
Want to study a bachelors in sports science in the USA? Check out the following universities for inspiration:
- Arizona State University
- Temple University
- University of Cincinnati
- Troy University
- Simmons University
What skills will I gain from a sports science degree?
Studying sports science will provide you with both in-depth specialist knowledge and valuable transferrable skills that employers look for in graduates. These are as follows:
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving
- IT skills
- Leadership
- Organisation
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Teamwork
- Patience
- Empathy
What are the entry requirements for a sports science degree?
As with any degree, the entry requirements for a sports science degree will vary according to each university. However, there are a few general admissions criteria that you should follow for this course:
- At least two A-levels (or equivalent) in a subject such as biology, chemistry, psychology, or mathematics
- SAT score of at least 1290 (USA applicants)
- Proof of English language proficiency, e.g., an IELTS score of at least 6.0-6.5
- A personal statement which demonstrates your suitability for the course
If you wish to study sports science at postgraduate level, you will need the following:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as psychology, biology, sport, or exercise
- Some universities will accept an overall grade of 2:2 while others will require at least a 2:1
- Proof of English language proficiency e.g., an IELTS score of at least 6.5
- Demonstration of any relevant work experience such as volunteering at a youth sports club or working at a leisure centre
- You could be asked to attend an interview as part of the postgraduate application process
- Academic references from previous teachers/mentors to boost your chances of being accepted
Take a look at the following universities in Canada for master’s degrees in sports science:
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- Lakehead University
- University of Alberta
- University of Ottawa
- University of New Brunswick
What can you do with a sports science degree?
Gaining a degree in sports science can lead to many exciting careers and opportunities. Some of the most common professions to follow this course include:
- Personal trainer
- Sports therapist
- Physical education teacher
- Nutritionist
- Sports coach
- Physiotherapist
- Gym manager
- Sports psychologist
With this qualification you can work within the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors with typical employers including:
- Schools
- Sports clubs
- Health and fitness clubs
- Gyms
- Spas
- Recreation centres
- Hospitals
- Sport associations
In the UK, 64.3 per cent of sports science graduates find employment within the first 15 months after graduation. A further 11.5 per cent choose to continue their studies with only 4.2 per cent being unemployed (Graduate Prospects 2021).
Considering a bachelors in sport science in the UK? Take a look at these universities:
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