Department of Sports Science
What is sports science?
Sports science, or sport science, is an amalgamation of several different disciplines and focuses primarily on the scientific principles behind exercise performance. It combines branches of science, including physiology, psychology, biomechanics and nutrition, with business and management skills to produce graduates who are capable of careers in a range of industries.
The main focus of sport science is the relationship between exercise and human body, at a cellular level and with regard to the impact on the body as a whole. Unsurprisingly the most common destination for sports science graduates is the sports performance industry, as the competition to achieve new records in different sporting disciplines continues to intensify.
After graduation
As the sports and health industries continue to expand, sports science has rapidly become a very popular degree course and it can be used in a variety of different industries, making it a versatile choice of degree. Sports management is a common destination for graduates and makes use of the business and management skills learned on the course, often in positions within sports clubs and organizations.
Sport psychology and physiotherapy often require additional qualifications, but roles within these fields are also popular choices for sports science graduates. For those interested in teaching, sports education may be a good choice of career path and there are more and more roles available, from teaching children in a school environment to instructing clients as a personal trainer.
In today’s health-conscious world, sports nutritionists also have a vital role to play in keeping sportspeople and athletes in peak condition, and this is another likely career path for sports science graduates. A lot of graduates go into careers as PE teachers, sports coaches, fitness instructors and personal trainers, although the management, organizational and motivational skills that are central to most sports science courses allow sports science graduates to adapt to numerous roles.
Graduates who choose to continue their education and training beyond undergraduate level can specialize and become nutritionists, physiotherapists, sports psychologists and research scientists, as well as a host of other roles.
About the department
This department was established in 2018 and accepts students at undergraduate level.