Sports scientist

Sports scientists study, research and advise on the scientific aspects of sport and exercise. Sometimes teaching or coaching is involved.

Work activities

Sports scientists study and research the scientific factors that influence sport and exercise. They have knowledge of biomechanics, physiology and psychology. They use this knowledge to give specialist advice on a wide range of sport-related issues. Sports scientists work with sportspeople to help improve their performance. They assess current performance, using various tests. When they have analysed the results, they put together a training programme, which could focus on factors like psychological preparation, movement analysis or diet-related issues. Other sports scientists research a particular area, rather than individual people’s performance. They might use a series of tests to find out how the heart reacts to different exercises, for example. Sports scientists sometimes work as fitness consultants in a gym or fitness club. They assess people’s fitness and put together suitable exercise programmes for them.

Some sports scientists also teach or coach particular sports (in which they hold coaching qualifications) on a part-time basis; others become full-time physical education teachers in schools, or managers of sports, leisure and recreation centres. Sports scientists who are based in universities, combine research activities with lecturing and student assessment. Sports scientists who work in sports medicine centres provide advice on sport injury treatments and prevention, nutrition and conditioning.

Personal Qualities and Skills

As a sports scientist, you need:

• A strong scientific background.
• Interest in the sport/s you are working in.
• Research and statistical skills.
• Good observational skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Perseverance, commitment and dedication.
• To be able to give useful feedback on performance.

Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for sports scientists depend on the employer and the type of activity they are engaged in. Starting salaries (for PhD students/research assistants, for example) can be quite low, but once qualified, sports scientists can between £20,000 and £60,000.

Sports scientists usually work a 37-39-hour week but early starts, late finishes and weekend work are likely. 

Opportunities for sports scientists occur with employers throughout the UK. Employers include organisations such as:

• The British Olympic Association.
• The English Institute of Sport.
• National governing bodies of sport.
• Commercial sports performance centres.

Sports scientists also work in universities and in sports and fitness centres. There are opportunities, too, for self-employment.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on:

• The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences website bases.org.uk
• The UK Sport website.
• The Sport England website.
• Job boards such as Leisure Jobs.
• Employers’ websites.

Entry Routes and Training

Entry is usually with a degree, foundation degree or postgraduate qualification in sport and exercise science. Check prospectuses/websites to make sure the course you choose is appropriate for the career you want to pursue. The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) endorses some courses.  Their website has a course finder facility. Even with a degree, you may have to start in junior roles (for example fitness instructor or research assistant) and work your way up.

As with all sciences, the world of sports science is fast paced, so it’s important to keep abreast of changes and new developments by attending relevant training programmes.

With experience, some sports scientists go into teaching on degree or postgraduate programmes. Others move into specialised areas of research or work with professional athletes, for example.

Qualifications

For entry to a degree course in sport and exercise science, the usual requirement is:

• Two to three A-levels, usually including physical education and a science subject or psychology.
• GCSEs (grades 9-4) in two to three other subjects, usually including English, maths and a science subject (biology or chemistry preferred).

Other qualifications, such as an Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualification or the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, could also be considered. Entry requirements for degree courses vary (not all courses require that you have science subjects at A-level); check prospectuses carefully.

Adult Opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

A background in relevant research can be useful. A good knowledge of the sports and recreation industries can also be useful but is not essential.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (e.g., Access to Science) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

A number of universities offer relevant graduate and postgraduate courses by distance learning.

Related careers

• Fitness instructor
• Personal trainer
• Physiotherapist
• Sports coach
• Sports professional
• Sports therapist