What qualifications do you need?

For Sports Science courses, you'll usually need at least two A Levels (or equivalent) from the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology and Sports. Grades and other requirements vary between institutions. Always confirm the entry requirements for the particular university/course you're interested in.

What degrees can you study?

BSc Psychology with Sports Science BSc Sports Science with Management BSc Sports Science and a modern foreign language BSc Physiotherapy and Sports Science

Study Sports Science, why & how to study

Q: What's Sports Science?

Sports Science is the study of how the healthy human body works during exercise and how sport and physical activity promote health physically, mentally and socially. The study of sport incorporates many other academic studies and areas, like physiology, psychology, anatomy, engineering and chemistry.

Q: Why study Sports Science?

The UK is the home of modern sport. There's no better place to study sport than here, where there are expert courses in all areas and a national obsession with sport. Sports Science is a relatively new academic discipline, but one that is taken extremely seriously and has received serious funding. Advances in technology and medicine are breaking ground every day. If you're a sports fan, then working in it every day, no matter what sport it is, could be a dream job. Sports Science puts you right at the heart of it, with placement opportunities galore.

Q: What jobs can you get as a Sports Science graduate?

Particular job roles, as well as a sports scientist, include physiologist, fitness centre manager, teacher and lecturer, sports administrator, coach, sports therapist, event manager, and activities manager.

Q: How will you be assessed?

You'll be assessed principally through written and practical exams, practical reports, presentations, class tests and a final research dissertation.

Q: What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of taught MAs and research degrees at postgraduate level include straight MAs in Sports Science, as well as master's courses in Clinical Practice for Sports Injuries, Applied Sport Physiology, Sports Nutrition, Clinical Biomechanics, and Sports and Exercise Medicine.

Sports scientists are in high demand. As technology evolves, the need for athletes to gain an edge becomes more acute. Study the subject to understand the science behind it all.

CHOOSING A COURSE POSTGRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE UNIVERSITY SPORT

Stephanie Butler 08 Feb 2024

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Medical monitor showing EKG reading of an athlete on a treadmill

What’s Sports Science?
What Sports Science degrees can you study?
What do you need to get onto a Sports Science degree?
What topics does a Sports Science degree cover?
How will you be assessed?
Why study Sports Science?
What do Sports Science graduates earn?
What jobs can you get as a Sports Science graduate?
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Similar subjects to Sports Science
Have any questions?

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What’s Sports Science?

Sports Science is the study of how the human body works during exercise. You'll look at physical activity and how it can enhance physical, mental and social health.

The subject area is vast and multi-disciplinary. It draws upon areas like physiology, anatomy, psychology, engineering and chemistry. You could be studying anything from nutrition to rehabilitation.

Take a look at the university league table for Sports Science.

What Sports Science degrees can you study?

Undergraduate degrees in Sports Science include:

Exercise and Sport Sciences BSc/MSci

You'll usually gain a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. Or, if the course includes an integrated master’s year, a Master of Science (MSci). Areas of study include biomechanics, sports psychology, exercise physiology and research methods. You can choose to focus on a specific area, such as chronic health conditions.

Find Exercise and Sport Sciences courses.

Football Coaching (with Professional Practice Year) BA

This specialised degree prepares you for a career as a football coach. Courses include practical work and professional placements in relevant settings. Think sports clubs, coaching academies or other football organisations.

Search for Football Coaching courses.

Nutrition (Exercise and Health) BSc

Explore the relationship between nutrition, physical activity and human health. Topics you might study include dietary analysis, public health and clinical nutrition.

Find Nutrition courses.

Physical Education, Sport and Youth Development BA

Learn about education and coaching with young people. This degree will prepare you for a career in schools, communities and sports settings.

Search for Physical Education courses.

Physiology and Sports Science BSc

Apply your knowledge of the human body and its functions to the world of sport and exercise. You’ll look at how scientific principles can help improve performance, health and wellbeing.

Find Physiology courses.

Other options

Course options may include:

Integrated foundation year
Top-up degrees
Two-year degrees
Professional placements

Some universities offer the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or year.

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Find a Sports Science undergraduate degree
Types of undergraduate degrees

What do you need to get onto a Sports Science degree?

Typically, entry to an undergraduate Sports Science degree requires between 96–160 UCAS points. Some courses may have lower or higher requirements, and not all unis base their offer on UCAS points. Qualifications needed may include:

A Levels: A*AA–CCE
BTECs: D*DD–MMP
Scottish Highers: AAAAA–BCCDD (Advanced Highers: AAA–AAB)
International Baccalaureate: 38–24
Universities will usually ask that you’ve studied an advanced or higher-level science subject

Other good subjects to have studied include:

Science subjects at A Level (or equivalent) such as biology, chemistry, maths, physical education, physics, psychology or sports. They’re not required by all unis, but they will be helpful
General studies may be excluded

Experience that would look good on your application:

Work shadowing or experience in related occupations such as physiotherapy or coaching
Volunteering with local sports club

You may also need a DBS check.

What topics does a Sports Science degree cover?

Modules for courses in this subject may include:

Nutrition and metabolism
Foundations of biomechanics
Sports training physiology
Performance coaching
Player potential and development
Football governance
Motivating physical activity
Strength, conditioning and rehabilitation
Physical education and youth sport

See our list of the top 10 greatest sportspeople.

How will you be assessed?

Assessments will vary from module to module. As your degree progresses, there may be a greater emphasis on practical work. Typical assessments include:

Case studies
Essays
Exams
Peer and tutor observations
Portfolios
Practical assessments (individual or group)
Presentations (individual and group)
Reports
Research project/dissertation

Why study Sports Science?

Sports Science is a relatively new academic discipline. Regardless, it is taken seriously and receives a lot of funding. Advances in technology and medicine are breaking new ground daily.

Career-specific skills:

You’ll gain an academic understanding of the sport, and how athletes reach peak fitness
Placement opportunities can put you at the heart of the action
Vocational skills may include advanced lab training for biomechanical and physiological testing

Transferable skills:

Research and enquiry
Leadership and decision making
Planning and organising
Analytical and critical thinking
Problem solving
Communication

Professional accreditation:

Degrees may be endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES). They often meet the professional standards set by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

My lecturers provided great knowledge and insight into my chosen degree and provided a range of different learning techniques such as lectures, seminars, practical workshops and real-life experiences.

I made friends for life, had great help and support from staff and learned the building blocks for my career as a sport rehabilitator within professional sport. Now employed full time!

Beth, University of Bolton

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What do Sports Science graduates earn?

Sports Science graduates start their careers with a salary between £17,500–£23,000.

Salaries for an experienced sports scientist may average around £30,000. Salaries can be variable and in a sport such as football, lower-ranked clubs may offer less.

Many graduates become teachers, with an income of up to £37,000 for classroom teachers. Take on a management role, or teaching and learning responsibilities, and you could earn more.