INTERESTED IN A SPORTS SCIENCE DEGREE IN THE UK?

If the profile of a personal trainer appeals to you, or if you envision yourself helping young athletes excel in their field, an undergraduate programme in Sports Science is worth exploring.

WHAT IS SPORTS SCIENCE?

Sports science is an academic subject that includes the study of physiology, psychology, motor control/learning and biomechanics. By understanding the physiology and psychology of how humans perform, sports and exercise scientists can design training programmes to help athletes and coaches attain their maximum potential. In addition, they study the physiological and psychological factors that affect athletic performance, the psychological skills used by champions, and other aspects related to movement dynamics.

HOW IS SPORTS SCIENCE DIFFERENT FROM SPORTS MANAGEMENT?

Sports science involves the study of human anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, and spending time in the laboratory gaining practical experience in human health and fitness. You spend time observing and delivering athletic testing, performance analysis, and strength and conditioning coaching for athletes.

On the other hand, sports management is a specialised form of business management where you learn about sports law, public relations, and sports administration, in addition to the usual business management courses of accounting and marketing.

DIFFERENT COURSES IN SPORTS SCIENCE

While many course combinations are available that differ by university and country, the following are some common programmes that will give you a solid foundation in the subject.

BSc (Hons) in Health and Exercise Science

BSc (Hons) in Sports Science and Mathematics

MSci in Sports and Exercise Science (integrated)

BSc (Hons) in Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation

BSc (Hons) in Physical activity and Strength BSc (Hons) in Sports and Exercise Nutrition

COURSE MODULES

Course modules vary by chosen course and university. Some examples are:

Applied anatomy and biomechanics

Nutrition for physical activity

Introduction to the science of sport and exercise

Lifestyle behavioural change

Lifespan, motor development and impairment

Sport, exercise and health pedagogies

FEES AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Fees and entry requirements differ among universities. However, basic requirements for a bachelor’s degree in sports science include A*AA in A Level, and one should have studied science subjects such as biology, psychology, physics, maths, chemistry or sports at A level.

UNIVERSITIES OFFERING SPORTS SCIENCE DEGREES

Though most UK universities offer a course in sports science, according to the Guardian University Guide 2023, the top ten UK universities for sports science are:

  1. University of Glasgow
  2. University of Bath
  3. Loughborough University
  4. Anglia Ruskin University
  5. University of Strathclyde
  6. University of East Anglia
  7. Durham University
  8. University of Edinburgh
  9. Oxford Brookes University
  10. University of Birmingham

CAREER PROSPECTS

A graduate in sports science can become a coach, exercise physiologist, personal trainer, strength and conditioning trainer, or membership advisor in a sports council. A fresher sports science graduate earns somewhere between £ 17,500 and £ 25,000, while experienced professionals earn around £ 60,000

CONCLUSION

A degree in sports science combines science with sports and thus makes a great option for sports enthusiasts who want to turn their love for sports into a career.

Earning a degree in your area of interest will give you a greater competitive edge. If you’d like to know more about courses in sports science, please do reach out to us.

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