Performance Sports Scientist

Job Description:

Sports scientists use knowledge of how the body works to help people improve their health or sporting ability.

Job Category:

Culture, Media & Sport

What you will do:

You could work with elite sports professionals, or in research, healthcare or industry. Your day to day tasks will depend on the type of organisation you work for.

You could:

help sports coaches and sports therapists to improve individual and team performance
work with doctors to help people improve their health through exercise and fitness
look at ways that health and fitness can be used to prevent or treat medical conditions like diabetes, heart conditions or cancer
take part in research projects
offer advice on the design and manufacture of sports equipment

Skills:

You’ll need:

knowledge of biology
knowledge of psychology
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As well as:

the ability to work closely with athletes, coaches, and sports professionals to optimize performance, design training programs, and monitor progress (teamwork skills)
the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
to enjoy working with other people
excellent written & verbal communication skills
strong analytical skills and attention to detail
a passion for sports and human performance (drive)

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

a university course

University

You could take a degree in sport and exercise science. Courses that cover the 3 foundation subjects of biomechanics, physiology and psychology, will keep your job options broad.

Alternatively you could do a degree in a science related subject followed by a postgraduate qualification in sports science.

This may include subjects like:

physical education
natural sciences
physiology
psychology

It’s becoming more common for sports scientists to have or be working towards a postgraduate qualification.

Some universities will expect you to have studied physical education or a science subject like biology. A degree in sport and exercise science or in another relevant subject may also help you to gain entry to a degree in sports science.

Career tips

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

It will help you stand out in a competitive jobs market if you have additional qualifications like:

First Aid
gym instructing
safeguarding

School Subjects

To become a Performance Sports Scientist in the UK, you should focus on GCSE subjects that provide a strong foundation in science, particularly biology and sports-related topics, such as:

Biology: Biology is a core subject for understanding human anatomy, physiology, and the principles of sports science.
Physical Education (PE): PE can provide insights into sports training methods, biomechanics, and exercise physiology.
Mathematics (optional): Basic mathematical skills can be beneficial for analyzing data related to athlete performance.
Chemistry (optional): While not mandatory, studying Chemistry can be helpful in understanding physiological processes and nutrition.
Physics (optional): Physics can provide insights into biomechanics and the principles of movement in sports.
English (optional): Strong communication skills are important for conveying scientific findings and collaborating with athletes and coaches.

Working Hours and Environment:

A typical week consists of 37-39 hours of work. You could be required to work evenings/weekends attending events or appointments.

You could work in a public 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.