Sport and exercise scientist
Use your scientific knowledge of the human body to help people improve their sporting performance and health.
About the job
What it's like
You would look at the human body, its shape, how it works and moves, and how people think about physical activity. You would work with athletes and sports people and help them to become better at what they do.
You might also work with the public to help them to improve their health through exercise, or recover from injury or illness through physical activity.
You could:
Work with staff such as sports coaches and sports therapists to assess sports people and help to improve their performance
Work with doctors to help people improve their health through physical activity
Work with hospitals and Clinical Commissioning Groups in areas such as cardiac rehabilitation and health promotion
Take part in research projects
Give advice on the design of sports equipment
Hours
You would typically work around 38 hours a week, which may include weekends and evenings to cover appointments with clients. You may have to work extra hours to complete research.
Environment
Depending on your job role, you could be based in a consultation room, but may occasionally work in other locations, such as sports stadiums. In health promotion, you would usually work in an office and may need to travel to visit partners, such as charities or sports organisations.
Travel
You may need to travel to visit partners, such as charities or sports organisations.
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Top skills
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It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- developing a plan
- filtering
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- written communication
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Human Biology
PE (Physical education)
Physics
Skills for Work: Sport and Recreation
Entry is very competitive. You would need a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in sport and exercise science, or in biology/physical education with a postgraduate sports sciences qualification (SCQF level 11).
Entry to a sports science degree (SCQF level 9/10) generally requires four National 5 qualifications and at least four Highers or a relevant HNC/HND qualification (SCQF level 7/8).
Some universities offer an integrated master's (SCQF level 11) combining a degree and master's courses. Entry is the same as for a degree.
You should have a strong interest and some ability in sports, and also an interest in science.
Relevant work experience or voluntary work may improve your chances of getting a place on a course.
Qualifications and experience that show understanding of sports, exercise, diet and science such as Skills for Work Laboratory Science (SCQF level 5) or Sports and Recreation (SCQF level 4/5).
To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
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