Sports Science is an ideal course for individuals who are passionate about all areas of sport and its relationship with the human body. The majority of Sports Science Students not only enjoy watching sports, but have high fitness levels and often enjoy playing sport to a high standard.

As an undergraduate degree, the study of Sports Science incorporates a wide range of core subject matters and so it is important that any individual studying this subject works hard and is highly motivated. If this sounds like you, then Sports Science may be an ideal course for you to study.

Given the increase in the popularity of the sporting industry, there has been a significant leap in demand for those with specialist sporting knowledge. Many graduates who study Sports Science end up working in related fields and pursue careers as sports coaches, nutritionalists, physiotherapists and PE teachers.

As well as teaching students about sports and performance theory a Sports Science degree also equips future graduates with a basic knowledge of pshycology, people management, business management and communication. Many graduates who decide not to pursue careers in the sporting industry will have the option to work in other industries such as commerce, sales or marketing. For the average UK Sports Science graduate there is a starting salary of £16,462 per year.

Sports Science is a highly practical programme of study and only recently has been recognised as a subject matter in its own right. As such it is a course that is usually offered at the newer universities who offer a specialised approach towards teaching.

The entry requirements for a Sports Science degree will differ depending upon the university of your choice. However, most institutions will expect your A-levels or equivalent qualifications to showcase your interest in topic. Studying subjects such as PE, biology, chemistry and psychology will increase the strength of your application. A post-graduate programme may expect a 2:1 degree in a related subject before considering your application.

Many degrees and post-graduate courses also expect students entering for a place to achieve a grade C in both GCSE Maths and English language, and non-native English speakers will be expected to sit an ITELS test and achieve a minimum grade of 6.0 or higher.

Throughout your studies, you will undergo a wide range of assessments all of which will contribute to your final mark. As well as producing presentations and writing essays, students will be expected to conduct their own research project which will allow students to focus on a particular topic of interest.

One of the most important things to remember when applying to a University is that wherever you end up, you need to be happy with your choice; after all you will be spending the next year living there – although often you will end up staying longer. In this sense it is vital that you look at the location of your university and whether you can see yourself being happy located in the local area. Similarly, the student social experience will be different depending upon where you study and both big and small establishments have their own merits – but where will you feel more comfortable?

It is also crucial to consider the module options available to study and the links your university of choice has within the world of work; particularly within your specialist field of interest. It is never too early to think about your life after graduation and more often than not you will be expected to complete a placement as part of your course. The connections forged by your university with external companies will not only help you find appropriate work placements, but will also be of benefit to your long-term career.

However, a more significant factor that contributes towards your choice of university is your academic abilities. It is vital that when looking through a university prospectus that you take a look at the entry requirements of the course of choice. Although different establishments and courses programmes ask for different qualifications prior to entry, most courses will have expected applicants to demonstrate through their results a competency for human science.

Fees will also have a huge impact upon where you end up studying. More prestigious Universities will generally charge higher fees – but can you afford it? It is best to investigate methods of funding in advance and make a budget for your time at University. If you are struggling financially then it may be worth applying for a scholarship or bursary.