what can i do with a degree in sports science

Last Updated on July 29, 2023

A sport science degree is a great start for a career in the sports industry, but you’ll also gain valuable business and management skills which can be used in many jobs

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don’t restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Take a few minutes to answer the Job Match quiz and find out what careers would suit youTry Job Match

Work experience

Look for opportunities that match the career you’d like to go into. Try youth sport volunteering if you’re interested in coaching, or get work experience in a school if you’d like to teach PE. Part-time work in a leisure centre is helpful, either in the admin and marketing side, or in fitness instruction and pool attendant work.

You can also gain great experience working in the sports section of a children’s summer holiday scheme, in health promotion with local communities or in outdoor pursuit activities.

Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships.

Related case studies

Typical employers

Jobs are available with a range of organisations in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, including:

  • professional sports clubs
  • national sporting associations, governing bodies and other related sporting agencies
  • private health and fitness clubs, spas and public sports and recreation facilities
  • local authorities
  • schools, further education and higher education institutions
  • the health sector, including the NHS.

As a sport and exercise science graduate, you may also go on to set up your own business or consultancy.

Find information on employers in healthcareleisure, sport and tourismteacher training and education, and other job sectors.

Skills for your CV

A degree in sport and exercise science gives you an understanding of sports performance and the factors that affect behaviour in sport. You gain subject-specific knowledge in areas such as physiology, psychology, biomechanics and nutrition.

You’ll also develop a set of core skills that can be used in lots of different careers, including:

  • research and data analysis
  • the ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team
  • presentation and oral communication skills
  • written communication skills, including report writing
  • time management and planning
  • effective problem-solving
  • professionalism and customer focus
  • a good understanding of information technology.

Further study

Some sport-related careers require further study at postgraduate level. For example, if you want to become a sport and exercise psychologist you’ll need to complete relevant accredited psychology qualifications. To get a job as a sports coach, you’ll need to gain the appropriate coaching qualification that’s offered by the national governing body of your chosen sport.

If you want to become a PE teacher, you can go on to complete a postgraduate teaching qualification. A Masters or PhD may open you up other teaching and research opportunities in higher education.

You could also go on to specialise by studying a different subject area, such as by studying journalism to become a sports journalist, law to advise about employment legalities and contracts for sports professionals, or marketing to carry out marketing activities for a sports venue.

For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see teacher training and educationMasters degrees and search postgraduate courses.

What do sport science graduates do?

Four of the top five jobs held by sport and exercise science graduates 15 months after graduation include secondary education teaching professionals, sports coaches, instructors and officials, fitness instructors and primary and nursery education teaching professionals.

DestinationPercentage
Employed64.3
Further study11.5
Working and studying13
Unemployed4.2
Other7

Graduate destinations for sport and exercise science

Type of workPercentage
Education17.8
Technicians and other professionals15.8
Childcare, health and education10.2
Retail, catering and bar staff10.1
Other46.1

About the author

The Editorial Team at Infolearners.com is dedicated to providing the best information on learning. From attaining a certificate in marketing to earning an MBA, we have all you need. If you feel lost, reach out to an admission officer.
Study on Scholarship Today -- Check your eligibility for up to 100% scholarship.

Leave a Comment