Performance sports scientist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a university course.

University

You could take a degree course in sport and exercise science . Courses that include the 3 main subjects of biomechanics, physiology and psychology, will help to keep your job and study options open later on.

Alternatively, you could study for a degree in a science related subject followed by a postgraduate qualification in sports science.

Related subjects include:

• physical education
• natural sciences
• physiology
• psychology

It's quite common for sports scientists to have or be working towards a postgraduate qualification.

Courses that include work placements or internship opportunities could give you an advantage when job hunting after completing your studies. This is something to ask universities about when you're looking at their courses.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• knowledge of biology
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• maths skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• concentration skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• to enjoy working with other people
• customer service skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• active listening skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

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

As a performance sports scientist, your duties will depend on the type of organisation you work for. You could:

• analyse training and competition data to identify areas for improvement
• design development plans to improve individual and team performance
• help people improve their health through exercise and fitness
• investigate how health and fitness can be used to prevent or treat medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease or cancer
• take part in research projects
• advise on the design and manufacture of sports equipment

Location : You could work in an NHS or private hospital, on a sports field, at a research facility, at a client's business or at a fitness centre.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

Salary:

Starter : £23,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

Career Path:

You could work with universities, schools and colleges, large sporting organisations, local authorities and the NHS. It's also possible to become self-employed or work in a related career area, like sports development or performance testing and research.

You could also apply for accreditation through The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences in a number of areas, including:

• sports psychology
• clinical physiology
• exercise and rehabilitation
• high performance sport

This offers professional recognition of your experience and expertise. A further option is to seek Chartered Scientist status.