Sport Science is a multi-disciplinary field concerned with the understanding and enhancement of human performance. It includes the knowledge, methods and applications of sub-disciplines of human movement studies (i.e., exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control and motor development, exercise and sport psychology), as well as how they interact. 

Sports scientists are trained experts who assist sports people to achieve the best possible sporting performance. They evaluate, research, assess and advise on coaching, training, competition and recovery practices in all areas and levels of sport.

A sports scientists will work with teams and individual athletes to provide scientific support in preparation for competition. This can involve information, technical and practical support on training, injury prevention, technique analysis, nutrition and optimisation of performance, and assistance with psychological issues (such as motivation, stress and arousal, and coping strategies). For example, a sport scientist might design a training programme to increase a cyclist’s speed or improve a swimmer’s power off the swimming blocks. 

Work opportunities

University sports science labs

Academies of sport

Institues of sport

Professional sporting clubs

Amateur sporting clubs