Studying sports science degree guide

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Sports science covers how the healthy human body responds to exercise, as well as how physical activity can promote physical, mental and social health. A sports science degree incorporates a range of disciplines, from physiology to psychology, as well as engineering, anatomy and chemistry.

Find sports science courses.

What do you need to get on a sports science degree?

Entry requirements vary depending on the university and the exact course you’re applying for. Typically, entry requirements for sports science are between 96 and 160 UCAS points. In grades, this could look like:

A*AA – CCE at A-level
D*DD – MMP in BTECs
AAAAA – BCCDD in Scottish Highers
AAA – AAB in Advanced Highers
38 – 24 in IB

Some unis may want you to have studied a science at an advanced or higher level. Helpful subjects to have studied at advanced or higher level include biology, chemistry, physics, maths, physical education and sports.

Find out how to apply to uni through UCAS.

Learn how to write a winning personal statement.

What sports science degrees can you study?

In the UK, some of the sports science degrees on offer include:

Your course may have a foundation year or a professional placement year. You may also have the opportunity to study a two-year degree, or a top-up degree.

Learn about the different types of undergraduate courses.

What topics does a sports science degree cover?

Of course, every sports science course will be slightly different, and you’ll have different modules on offer. However, some of the typical topics covered in a sports science degree are:

Football governance
Foundations of biomechanics
Motivating physical activity
Nutrition and metabolism
Performance coaching
Physical education and youth sport
Player potential and development
Sports training physiology
Strength, conditioning and rehabilitation

What do you learn studying a sports science degree?

On a sports science degree, you’ll learn a lot of subject-specific and more general, transferable skills. Some of the subject-specific skills you’ll learn include:

An academic understanding of sport
Knowledge of how athletes gain peak fitness
Advanced lab training for biomechanical and physiological testing
Experience in real life scenarios through work placement

Some of the transferable skills you’ll pick up are:

Analytical and critical thinking
Communication
Leadership and decision-making
Planning and organising
Presentation skills
Problem solving
Report writing
Research and enquiry

What professional accreditations can you get with a sports science degree?

Studying a sports science degree, you may have your course endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES). Your course may also meet the professional standards set by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

What can you do with a sports science degree?

There are loads of careers available to sports science graduates. Some of the common career paths include:

Activities manager
Coach
Event manager
Fitness centre manager
Performance analyst
Physiologist
Sports scientist
Teacher or lecturer

Check out our careers guides here.

Where to study sports science?

Check the latest ranking of unis offering sports science courses by the Complete University Guide.

How long is a sports science degree?

Typically, sports science courses last for three years. You may have the option to study an accelerated two-year course, or you may have the option of a four year course if you add a foundation year or year in industry.

How will you be assessed?

Assessment methods depend on the course you’re on, as well as the specific module. Typically, sports science degrees are assessed through a combination of the following methods:

Case studies
Essays
Exams
Practical assessments
Presentations
Reports
Research project/dissertation

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

If you wish to teach, then you’ll have to complete a PGCE after your degree, or take another route to become a qualified teacher. If you’re interested in other roles, then some of the courses you may wish to study are: