Students who study Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences at university typically pursue careers in sports performance, health promotion, rehabilitation, fitness, and research. This degree provides a strong foundation in human physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and nutrition, allowing graduates to work in various sectors.
Career Paths After Studying Sport, Health & Exercise Sciences
1. Sports Performance & Coaching
- Sports Scientist – Works with athletes and teams to improve performance and reduce injury risks.
- Strength & Conditioning Coach – Designs training programs to enhance fitness and endurance.
- Performance Analyst – Uses data and technology to evaluate athlete performance.
? Where They Work: Professional sports teams, national governing bodies, training academies.
? Salary: £25,000 – £50,000+.
2. Health & Rehabilitation
- Exercise Physiologist – Helps patients manage chronic conditions like heart disease through exercise.
- Rehabilitation Specialist – Assists in injury recovery and physical rehabilitation.
- Occupational Health Advisor – Works with businesses to promote workplace health and injury prevention.
? Where They Work: NHS, private clinics, rehabilitation centres, corporate wellness programs.
? Salary: £28,000 – £50,000+.
3. Fitness & Personal Training
- Personal Trainer – Works with individuals to improve fitness, weight management, and strength.
- Wellness Coach – Helps clients develop healthy lifestyle habits.
? Where They Work: Gyms, health clubs, self-employed practice.
? Salary: £22,000 – £45,000+ (self-employed trainers can earn more).
4. Teaching & Research
- PE Teacher – Educates students on physical education and sports (requires a PGCE).
- Sports & Exercise Science Researcher – Studies human performance, injury prevention, and health trends.
? Where They Work: Schools, universities, research institutions.
? Salary: £30,000 – £60,000+.
Further Training & Specialisation
- Many graduates pursue further study in physiotherapy, sports therapy, nutrition, or public health.
- Professional certifications such as UKSCA (Strength & Conditioning), CIMSPA (Fitness), or BASES (Sports Science) can improve job prospects.
Salary Expectations
- Entry-Level Roles: £22,000 – £30,000 per year.
- Mid-Level (3–5 years experience): £30,000 – £45,000.
- Senior & Specialist Roles: £50,000 – £70,000+.
Graduates find roles in sports teams, health services, corporate wellness, education, and research.
Detailed Career Paths, Further Training & Specialisation for Sport, Health & Exercise Sciences Graduates
A degree in Sport, Health & Exercise Sciences provides a diverse range of career opportunities in sports performance, fitness, rehabilitation, health promotion, and research. Many graduates specialise further through postgraduate study or industry certifications. Below is a breakdown of key career options, salary expectations, and training opportunities.
1. Career Paths & Specialisations
a) Sports Performance & Coaching Careers
Sports Scientist (Performance & Research)
? What They Do:
- Work with athletes, sports teams, and training centres to improve physical performance.
- Use biomechanics, physiology, and psychology to optimise training.
- Conduct research on injury prevention and sports science advancements.
? Where They Work: Professional sports teams, universities, elite performance centres.
? Salary:
- Entry-level: £25,000 – £35,000
- Experienced: £40,000 – £60,000+
✅ Further Training Options:
- MSc in Sport & Exercise Science or High-Performance Sport.
- BASES Accreditation (British Association of Sport & Exercise Sciences).
Strength & Conditioning Coach
? What They Do:
- Design and implement training programs to improve athletic performance.
- Help reduce injury risks and enhance strength, power, and endurance.
- Work with elite athletes, teams, or fitness enthusiasts.
? Where They Work: Professional sports clubs, Olympic training centres, private gyms.
? Salary:
- Entry-level: £25,000 – £40,000
- Senior roles: £50,000 – £80,000+
✅ Further Training Options:
- UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) Accreditation.
- NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
Performance Analyst (Sports & Biomechanics)
? What They Do:
- Use video analysis, GPS tracking, and biomechanics data to evaluate athlete performance.
- Develop reports to improve tactics, training, and injury prevention.
? Where They Work: Professional sports teams, sports science labs, universities.
? Salary: £25,000 – £50,000+.
✅ Further Training Options:
- MSc in Biomechanics or Sports Performance Analysis.
- Data Analytics & Sports Technology Certifications.
b) Health & Rehabilitation Careers
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
? What They Do:
- Work with patients suffering from chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes).
- Develop exercise programs for rehabilitation and recovery.
? Where They Work: NHS, private hospitals, rehabilitation centres.
? Salary:
- NHS Band 5-7: £28,000 – £50,000+.
✅ Further Training Options:
- MSc in Clinical Exercise Physiology.
- BASES Clinical Exercise Physiologist Accreditation.
Rehabilitation Specialist / Sports Therapist
? What They Do:
- Help patients recover from injuries or surgery using rehabilitation exercises.
- Work with athletes, post-operative patients, and general clients.
? Where They Work: Private clinics, NHS rehabilitation centres, sports teams.
? Salary: £25,000 – £45,000+ (self-employed can earn more).
✅ Further Training Options:
- MSc in Physiotherapy (for HCPC Registration).
- Diploma in Sports Therapy or Rehabilitation.
Occupational Health & Workplace Wellbeing Specialist
? What They Do:
- Work in corporate settings to reduce workplace injuries and improve employee wellness.
- Develop exercise programs and ergonomic solutions for office workers.
? Where They Work: NHS, private occupational health firms, corporate wellness companies.
? Salary: £30,000 – £50,000+.
✅ Further Training Options:
- MSc in Occupational Health & Ergonomics.
c) Fitness & Personal Training Careers
Personal Trainer & Fitness Coach
? What They Do:
- Design fitness and nutrition programs for individuals and groups.
- Work in gyms, health clubs, or self-employed settings.
? Where They Work: Private gyms, health clubs, online coaching, self-employed.
? Salary:
- Entry-level: £22,000 – £35,000
- Self-employed (high client base): £50,000+
✅ Further Training Options:
- Level 3 & 4 Personal Training Certifications (CIMSPA/REPs Approved).
- Nutrition Coaching Courses (Precision Nutrition, ISSN).
d) Education & Research Careers
PE Teacher (Physical Education)
? What They Do:
- Teach sports, fitness, and health education in schools.
- Organise school sports teams and physical activity programs.
? Where They Work: Primary & secondary schools, colleges.
? Salary: £30,000 – £50,000+.
✅ Further Training Options:
- PGCE in Physical Education (1-year teacher training).
Sports & Exercise Science Researcher
? What They Do:
- Conduct research on human performance, health, and injury prevention.
- Work in universities, research labs, or elite sports organisations.
? Where They Work: Universities, research institutions, elite sports centres.
? Salary: £30,000 – £60,000+.
✅ Further Training Options:
- MSc/PhD in Sports Science or Biomechanics.
- BASES Accreditation.
2. Salary Expectations Based on Career Path
| Career Path | Entry-Level Salary (£) | Experienced (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Scientist | £25,000 – £35,000 | £40,000 – £60,000+ |
| Strength & Conditioning Coach | £25,000 – £40,000 | £50,000 – £80,000+ |
| Performance Analyst | £25,000 – £35,000 | £50,000+ |
| Clinical Exercise Physiologist | £28,000 – £40,000 | £50,000+ |
| Rehabilitation Specialist / Therapist | £25,000 – £35,000 | £45,000+ |
| Occupational Health & Wellness | £30,000 – £40,000 | £50,000+ |
| PE Teacher | £30,000 – £40,000 | £50,000+ |
| Sports & Exercise Researcher | £30,000 – £40,000 | £60,000+ |
Final Thoughts
A Sport, Health & Exercise Sciences degree offers diverse career opportunities, allowing graduates to work in sports science, rehabilitation, fitness, corporate wellness, and education. Many pursue further training in physiotherapy, sports science, strength & conditioning, or public health.
Choosing the Correct Pathway
The units listed below include 15 ungraded and 45 graded credits at Level 3, enabling you to apply to university for a Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences course. Most UK universities accept the Access to Higher Education Diploma; however, we recommend checking the entry requirements on the undergraduate course webpage of your chosen institution.
For more details about the Access to HE (Health Science Professions) Biology Pathway, click HERE.
You may also be interested in the Access to Physiotherapy diploma that has the same units as below. If the units do not match the University entry requirement we may be able to tailor a custom course with 60 credits to make a Level 3 Diploma.
