Sport and exercise scientists work to improve both sporting performance and general health by applying scientific knowledge of physiology, biomechanics and psychology. You would usually specialise as either a sports scientist or an exercise scientist.
The Work
You could be:
working alongside sports coaches and sports therapists to assess individuals and teams and improve their performance
studying the scientific aspects of human performance, capability and endurance
looking at factors that influence health, for example diet and exercise
developing and maintaining diagnostic and testing equipment
measuring blood pressure, heart recovery rate, body fat percentage, joint flexibility and lung capacity in order to assess fitness
keeping up to date with the latest research
contributing to the design and production of sports equipment
working alongside doctors and other health practitioners to improve patients' health through physical activity
designing a suitable exercise programme for someone recovering from injury or surgery.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
where you work
the size of company or organisation you work for
the area of specialism.
Salaries for sports scientists range from around £20,000 to £35,000 or more a year.
Conditions
You would usually be based in a consultation room at a gym, sports club, leisure centre, hospital or health centre.
You may travel to different locations.
Working hours can be irregular with weekend and evening work involved.
Those working in research may work around 38 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
You should have a strong interest and some ability in sports, and also an interest in science. There are two main entry routes.
A degree (SCQF Levels 9-10) in sport and exercise science or other relevant subject – for entry you need 4-5 Highers usually including 1 or more science subjects and sometimes English.
With a degree in a biological subject or physiology, followed by a postgraduate (SCQF Level 11) course in sports science. For entry to a degree you usually need 4-5 Highers including 1-2 science subjects (Biology and Chemistry may be preferred).
The University of Edinburgh offers the BSC Hons Applied Sports Science, which is the only undergraduate degree programme in Scotland endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).
A relevant work experience or voluntary placement may improve your chances of getting a place.
For university research and lecturing posts you need to have a postgraduate qualification.
After your degree or postgraduate course, you should apply for accreditation from BASES. The normal route is by completing the BASES Supervised Experience and Accreditation Scheme. Details are on the BASES website.
You should be fit enough to participate in sports.
You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.
There are limited jobs and entry is very competitive. You might work in a university, further education college or with a sporting body, such as sportscotland, a national sports governing body, British Olympic Association, a sport club, a sports council, sports medicine centre or a commercial sports performance centre.
What Does it Take?
You need to be:
interested in applying science to sport
methodical and accurate
good at analysing complex information
enthusiastic and confident – especially when working as a fitness consultant
patient, able to concentrate and pay attention to detail
able to give useful feedback on performance
able to use your initiative
able to relate well to people from all backgrounds.
Training
Introductory training is on the job.
After your degree or postgraduate course, you should apply for accreditation from the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES). The normal route is by completing the BASES Supervised Experience course. Details are on the BASES website.
BASES runs regular workshops, conferences and seminars for continuous professional development to keep you up to date.
BASES also offers the Certified Exercise Practitioner, a qualification for exercise scientists with a sport and exercise degree. You can get more details on their website.
You may take coaching and officiating qualifications in your own sport, if you do not already hold them.
Getting On
You could open your own clinic on a self-employed basis in a gym or sports club.
To be a research sports scientist you will have to take a research degree, such as a PhD, before finding a job in a university or with a sports equipment manufacturer.
Once you have gained experience on the job, you may move on to specialise in a particular sport.
