Sport and Exercise Scientist

Sport and exercise scientists help people to improve their sporting performance or their general health. They tend to specialise in different areas:

Sport scientists support athletes or sports clubs, offering expert scientific backup. They work with other professionals, such as coaches, physiotherapists and dieticians.

Exercise scientists are more concerned with improving a person's health and helping them recover from illness through a programme of physical activity.

Sport and exercise scientists must have a knowledge of:

• biomechanics - analysing how the body moves
• physiology - measuring the way in which the body responds to exercise and training
• psychology - assessing the mental and emotional state of athletes
• performance analysis - giving feedback to athletes using video footage.

Sport and exercise scientists working in research often work a set 38 hours a week. Those working as consultants work less regular hours.

Sport scientists spend some time outdoors. Their job may also involve travel, sometimes abroad.

Salaries may range from around £18,000 to over £60,000 a year.

Sport scientists need to be:

• excellent communicators and able to present their findings clearly
• good at building relationships with people
• a good team player
• enthusiastic about sport and the health benefits of exercise.

Sport scientists are employed by:

• universities
• colleges
• sports clubs
• national governing bodies (NGBs)
• sport institutes, such as the English Institute of Sport.

Exercise scientists work for primary care trusts and health clubs.

A degree in sport and exercise science is normally required, although it is not necessary to have any particular aptitude for sport. It may also be possible to enter this career with a degree in a related subject, such as psychology or physical education.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is extremely important in this career, and the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences runs workshops and conferences to help keep members up to date with new developments.

Sport scientists may be able to take an advisory role at national or international level. There may also be opportunities to teach and lecture or move into full-time research.

Exercise scientists may move into a particular clinical area or work as a health promotion specialist. Self-employment is possible.

Further details