Sports Scientist

Typical Salary

£18,000 To £60,000

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How To Become a Sports Scientist

You can get into this job through:

a university course

College / University

You'll need a degree in sport science, or a degree in a related subject followed by a postgraduate qualification in sports science.

physical education
physiology
psychology

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

customer service skills
knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
sensitivity and understanding
excellent verbal communication skills
knowledge of biology
knowledge of psychology
the ability to read English
the ability to work well with others
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

You'll typically:

work with sports coaches and sports therapists to improve the performance of individuals and teams
work with doctors to help people improve their health through exercise
work with hospitals and other health organisations in areas such as cardiac rehabilitation
take part in research projects
offer advice on the design and manufacture of sports equipment

Working Environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, on a sports field, at a research facility, in an office, at a client's business or at a fitness centre.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

Career Path & Progression

You could find work with universities, schools and colleges, large sporting organisations, public and private enterprises and local authorities. It's also possible to become self-employed or to work as a consultant.

You could also move into a related career area, like sports development or performance testing and research.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

Experience as fitness instructor, lifeguard, coach or through volunteering, for example with a sports club, may improve your career prospects.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and work towards accreditation. You could also apply for Chartered Scientist status.

Further information

You'll find more advice on careers in sports science from The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.