Postgraduate courses Sports Science

We all need a little guidance when it comes to getting the best out of ourselves and performing at our highest level in all aspects of life. 

Sport science helps you to do just that in the area of sport. From learning about the human body and the effect of exercise to guiding others to their best performances, sports science is an interesting area.

It combines sport, health and the element of educating yourself about your own body and your clients’ bodies. 

What is Sports Science?

Sports science is a discipline that studies how the healthy human body works during exercise and the effect of physical activity on the body as well as its promotion of health and performance from cellular to whole body perspectives. 

What does a sports scientist do?

Sports scientists assist athletes in achieving their best possible performance by evaluating, researching, assessing and giving advice on training and recovery practices in sport. 

Courses

There are different variations of courses in Sports Science. Some courses can be studied either full time or part time. Examples of areas you can study are:

Sports and Exercise Science

Course in sports and exercise science provides students with an understanding of the human body and its relationship with exercise and physical movement. Subjects include physiology, biomechanics and performance analysis. 

Sports coaching

While it’s not exactly a sports science course, a sports coaching course is a related field and those interested in sports science might have an interest in this. These courses will give students the opportunity to choose a sport of their interest and develop a career within that field. Such courses will cover contemporary coaching, holistic coaching, cheating in sports, sexual differences and transgender issues in sport. 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements can change from course to course. In most cases, a 2.2 honours degree is required in sports science or a related field. Some courses may require a 2.1 degree. 

Job options 

Some job options with this postgraduate degree are:

• Sport scientist 
• Teaching assistant
• Coach
• Lecturer

Potential employers

Examples of where you may be hired are:

• Professional research organisations
• Private clinics
• Sports teams
• Sports organisations

Salary Expectation

Depending on the route you take, those working within the sports coach field can earn anything between £18,000 to £30,000. If you build upon your experience you may work your way into a high profile sports science position with a salary ranging from £60,000 to £100,000. Such a position takes much work and experience. 

Skills and Requirements 

• Excellent verbal and communication skills
• Critical thinker
• Work well with others/clients
• Ability to teach and develop courses
• Knowledge of biology 
• Ability to analyze information