Sport and Exercise Scientist
What is the work like?
Sport and exercise scientists use their knowledge of scientific areas such as physiology, biomechanics and psychology to help clients to improve their sporting performance and general health.
Sport science is concerned with supporting athletes and sports clubs. Exercise science involves improving health, preventing illness and helping recovery from illness through programmes of physical activity.
As a sport and exercise scientist you could:
- work alongside other staff such as sports coaches and sports therapists to assess individuals and teams and help to improve their performance
- work with doctors to help people improve their health through physical activity
- work with hospitals and Primary Care Trusts in areas such as cardiac rehabilitation and health promotion
- take part in research projects
- contribute to the design and production of sports equipment.
Visit British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) for a careers guide with details of the wide range of careers covered by sports and exercise science.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a sport and exercise scientist you would need a degree, usually in sports science. Alternatively, you could complete a degree in a related subject, such as physical education, physiology or psychology, followed by a postgraduate qualification.
Visit British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) for a list of courses and advice on choosing the right one.
Once you have completed your degree, it may improve your career prospects if you gain some practical experience by taking a job such as fitness instructor, leisure assistant, lifeguard or coach.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are qualified as a sport and exercise scientist you can join the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), and present evidence of your work to gain nationally-recognised accreditation. This could improve your job prospects.
As a BASES member, you can take part in a structured workshop and conference programme to help you to stay up to date with new developments. Visit the BASES website for details.
You could do further study to develop specialist knowledge, for example in health promotion or cardiology.
Where can I go for more information?
Castlewood House77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300
Carnegie Faculty of Sport and Education
Fairfax Hall
Headingley Campus
Beckett Park
Leeds
LS6 3QS
Tel: 0113 283 6162
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Qualified sport and exercise scientists can earn between £20,000 and £40,000 a year.
- Experienced sport scientists working in high levels of competitive sport can earn up to £60,000 a year or more.
Salaries will vary depending on the specific job.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would typically work around 38 hours a week, which may include weekends and evenings to cover appointments with clients. You may have to work extra hours to complete research.
You would be based in a consultation room, but may occasionally work outdoors, for example in sports stadiums.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a general interest in sports
- excellent analytical and organisational skills
- an interest in the practical application of scientific ideas and principles
- good communication skills
- the ability to work as part of a team.
What opportunities are there?
Sport and exercise science has become more important as the link between physical activity and health is increasingly recognised. Athletes in most sports also see the application of sports science as an important part of their training. However, there are still relatively few jobs and competition can be strong.
You could find work with universities, large sporting organisations and public and private enterprises. You may also be able to become self-employed, perhaps on a consultancy basis.
You could move into a number of fields such as sports development or performance testing.
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