Sport science : Your skills

Studying sport science provides you with science-based knowledge and understanding of sports performance and factors that affect behaviour in sport. You will gain subject-specific knowledge in areas such as physiology, psychology, biomechanics and nutrition.

Sport science courses may be combined with a number of other disciplines, such as coaching and sport and exercise science.

You will gain a theoretical understanding of sport science as well as the ability to apply this knowledge and develop practical skills in the laboratory and in the field.

Studying for a degree in sport science also provides you with a strong set of transferable skills valued by many employers. These include:

• research and data analysis skills;
• the ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• presentation and oral communication skills;
• written communication skills, including report writing;
• time-management and planning skills;
• effective problem-solving skills;
• professionalism and customer focus;
• a good understanding of information technology.

Courses also provide you with the opportunity to undertake a period of related work experience, for example working with local athletes or with a sporting organisation or company. This provides you with the opportunity to undertake research, gain valuable practical experience and further develop your transferable skills.

Consider the skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile. Take a look at job application advice for some useful tips.