Both may work freelance and/or be employed by a gym or other organization. As the name suggests, sport psychology focuses on the psychology surrounding sport, analyzing questions such as what motivates a sportsperson to perform, how a team works together, and how cultural and lifestyle issues can affect performance. © QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited 1994 - 2020. As long as civilization has existed, we’ve looked for ways to increase sports performance, raise levels of physical fitness and wellbeing, reduce the risk of injury, speed up recovery, and bring communities together through this shared celebration of the human body and its capabilities. We have useful and regularly updated features for students at all stages of their education. The career you enter will largely depend on which field of sports science you’ve chosen to specialize in, as many sports science careers require specialized knowledge and skills. If you choose to specialize in sports psychology, you’ll study the various factors that can affect athletes’ performance and wellbeing, exploring issues of self-confidence, motivation, concentration, stress and anxiety. As an undergraduate, you’re likely to be introduced to a range of different fields of sports science, before choosing one or several areas in which to specialize. Transferable skills gained include presentation, research and communication, as well as a deeper academic understanding of sport and how athletes reach their peak. The most popular sports science courses can be fairly competitive, and not all universities cover this subject, so you may need to look beyond the most familiar names to find a course that’s right for you. It is a relatively new subject and has gained popularity in the final quarter of the 20th century, as sports and fitness are approached more and more seriously in the modern world. Teaching will typically be conducted via lectures and seminars, but you can also expect laboratory sessions (when studying exercise physiology and biomechanics); practical sessions (in gyms, sports halls, fitness rooms, swimming pools, courts and on sport fields); and independent research and study. Assessment is based on coursework; written, oral or practical exams; and laboratory reports. As well as leading sessions, additional aspects of the role may include setting and tracking clients’ personal fitness goals, and providing general health and nutrition advice. Sports scientists are in high demand and there are rapidly increasing jobs, as the demand for athletes to have that extra edge grows and technology grows too. While the role is specifically concerned with conditions arising from sports participation, sports therapists do need a broad understanding of human anatomy and some basic medical skills in order to practice. If you specialize in sports physiotherapy, you will also learn about different aspects of athlete management and performance enhancement. The study of sport science calls upon and uses many other academic studies and areas, like physiology, psychology, engineering, chemistry and anatomy. Like many sports science careers, this requires excellent communication skills, and an understanding of youth psychology may also help. Please tell us about the city you studied in or a city QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited 1994 - 2020. Students are expected to develop theoretical knowledge alongside applied practical skills. Physical education (PE) teachers help children and young adults develop their physical abilities and try to engage them in sports and healthy lifestyles. Already at college? A physical and sport education specialization is likely to include modules covering youth physical education, coaching and psychology. Sport science degrees usually last for three or four years at undergraduate (bachelor’s) level and one or two years at master’s level. View the World University Rankings 2021 by subject: life sciences, Find the best university for you, compare and shortlist from universities world wide, Find out about what's going on in higher education around the world, Going to university? Teaching is conducted through lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions (to study exercise physiology and biomechanics), practical sessions (in gyms, fitness rooms, swimming pools and outdoor pitches) and independent research and study. There is an abundance of career options and paths for sports science graduates, including becoming a coach, psychologist, agent, personal trainer, sports therapist, analyst, teacher or work in sports government. 19 courses. Why Study Human Sciences in a World of Artificial Intelligence? Aspects of the role include conducting physical assessments; treating injuries through techniques such as massage, strapping or electrotherapy; developing and tracking rehabilitation programs; and liaising with other sports and health professionals. Students may consider the role of the sports industry in economies and communities; how to maximize profits in different types of sports organization; how sports management and marketing works for major sports brands; and how to support access to sports for those who want to participate. Explore other life science … In addition to these sports science careers, you could also use your sports science degree in a range of other sectors, including policy development, non-profits and charities, marketing and advertising, healthcare, youth work, events, hospitality and leisure or outdoor pursuits. From the multi-billion dollar elite world of professional sport to the equally significant personal fitness sector, the impact of sport on both individual lives and the global economy cannot be understated. You will also learn how to help athletes optimize their performance and excel in high-pressure environments. Personal trainers and fitness instructors help those pursuing exercise to engage in activities safely, as well as challenging them to develop their fitness levels. Most sports physiotherapy courses offer opportunities to gain hands-on experience through clinical practice, in preparation for professional sports therapy roles. Discover the QS rankings for top universities in the USA 2020. Topics covered include what is happening in a sports person's body, the role of the mind in performance, nutrition, and business and sports management, to help understand the financial and operational sides of the sports industry. All rights reserved. For those with an interest in teaching sport, this branch of sport science explores the techniques, theory and skills involved in teaching young people (or adults) about sports and fitness. Of course, in order to be a sports coach, you need to have highly specialized knowledge of the particular sport in question. Sports science careers range from roles in sports management and marketing through to personal training, physiotherapy and nutritional consultancy. Discover the top universities for sports-related subjects. #24 Best Colleges for Sports Management in America Sophomore : UMass Amherst is an amazing, financially viable option for in-state students. Why study sports science? Universities in the US dominate the world rankings and the country also offers a wide variety of exciting study locations. After completing a degree in sports science, you may choose to become a sports coach for a professional or amateur sports team. Sports science meets medicine (albeit a very specific type of medicine) in sports physiotherapy, a field which focuses on the prevention and treatment of injuries that occur as a result of participating in sports.