Sports Scientist

Introduction

Sports scientists study, research and advise on the scientific aspects of sport and exercise and on human performance and capability. Some teaching or coaching may also be involved.

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Work Activities

Sports scientists study, research and advise on the scientific factors influencing sport and exercise. They are able to give specialist advice (based on research) on improving individual or team performance and capability.

In order to help their clients to meet their goals, sports scientists design and administer appropriate methods of assessment. After compiling and interpreting the results of this assessment, they design a training programme. This could be of a technical, physiological or psychological nature, for example, psychological preparation, movement analysis or dietary considerations.

Sports scientists who work in sports medicine centres provide advice on sports injury treatments and prevention, together with nutrition and conditioning.

Sports scientists sometimes work as fitness consultants in a gymnasium, sports or fitness club, where they assess individuals' levels of fitness and devise suitable exercise programmes for them.

Some sports scientists also teach or coach particular sports (in which they hold coaching qualifications) on a part-time basis; others may become physical education teachers in schools or managers of sports, leisure and recreation centres.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Sports science has a major emphasis on biomechanics, psychology, physiology and research methods, including statistics. Therefore, you will need a strong scientific background in addition to a reasonable level of sporting ability. You should be good at research, analysing complex information and problem-solving.

You must be well organised, methodical and accurate in your approach. You should have excellent communication skills in order to present information clearly, both verbally and in writing.

You should also be enthusiastic, self-confident and patient when dealing with clients and be able to relate well to people from a wide range of backgrounds.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for sports scientists depend on the employer and the type of activity they are engaged in.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Sports scientists earn in the range of £21,000 - £25,500 a year, rising to around £31,500 - £42,000 a year.

Sports scientists usually work a basic 40-hour week. Early starts, late finishes and weekend work are likely.

There are opportunities for employment with a small number of organisations such as the British Olympic Association, the Scottish Institute of Sport, the English Institute of Sport, national governing bodies of sport and commercial sports performance centres.

Sports scientists also work in universities and colleges, as well as fitness centres.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

A background in relevant research can be useful. A good knowledge of the sports and recreation industries can also be useful, but is not essential.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Science) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

• 9% of people in occupations such as sports science work part-time.
• 16% have flexible hours.
• 13% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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