Sport science: Further study

A 2011 HESA survey of 2010 graduates indicates that six months after finishing their course 21% of sport science graduates had gone on to further study or a combination of work and further study.

Around 5% of sport science graduates went on to study the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) (Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in Scotland) in preparation for a career teaching physical education.

Sport science graduates also choose to undertake postgraduate study at Masters or PhD level in order to specialise in a particular area of interest within their discipline and open up opportunities in teaching and research in higher education.

Some sport-related careers, for example, sport and exercise psychology, require further study at postgraduate level. Those wishing to become a sports coach will need to gain appropriate coaching qualifications.

Some sport science graduates choose to pursue further studies in a different area entirely. Many postgraduate courses in areas such as marketing, finance, business, law or journalism are open to graduates with a degree in any subject. These programmes are often directly vocational and, combined with relevant experience, will equip you for specific areas of employment.

These trends show only what previous graduates in your subject did immediately upon graduating. Over the course of their career - the first few years in particular - many others will opt for some form of further study, either part time or full time. If further study interests you, start by thinking about postgraduate study in the UK and search courses and research to identify your options.

For details relating to finance and the application process, look at funding my further study.