Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Sciences Careers

Employability skills from this degree

• Analysis of research and data
• Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team
• Presentation and oral communication skills
• Written communication skills, including report writing
• Time management and planning
• Effective problem-solving
• Professionalism and customer focus
• Information technology

Further study options

• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (Graduate Entry)
• Doctor of Philosophy
• MA in Business Management
• MSc in Sports Performance
• MSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics
• MSc in Occupational Therapy
• MSc in Physiotherapy

Job titles for graduates with this degree

Graduates progressing directly into employment take up a wide variety of roles. The following provides a sample of initial roles listed on the Graduate Outcomes Survey by graduates approximately one year after graduation:

• Applied Sports Scientist
• Athlete
• Coach
• Exercise Physiologist
• Fitness Coach
• Healthcare Assistant
• Nutrition Consultant
• Performance Analyst
• Performance Biomechanist
• Performance Consultant
• Personal Trainer
• Rehabilitation Assistant
• Sport Trainer
• Strength and Conditioning Coach

Quotes from graduates

With a sport and exercise science degree from UL there are so many different options out there. The world is your oyster and the degree provides a good first stepping stone to lots of career options as is evident by the breadth of jobs we are all doing now. Also, these options do not necessarily mean you have to do an MSc or PhD. 

-Denise Linnane, SES graduate, 1997 - Occupational Physiologist

Having experienced a number of university courses to date and spoken with a number of people who teach at other universities, it is clear that the sport and exercise science undergraduate course at UL is of great quality. Not only did we cover a great number of topics in our undergraduate course, but we also developed many skills in independent study projects. I can honestly say that the students I now teach at university would not enjoy such responsibility or maintain such high standards.

-Paul McCarthy, SES graduate 2000.

Now Lecturer in Sport & Exercise Psychology, Department of Psychology, Glasgow Caledonian University I wanted to pursue a career in sport and exercise science. The degree offered by UL appealed to me because it teaches a broad range of skills resulting in many possible career opportunities not only in sport science but also in health and nutrition.

-Eoin Doyle, SES graduate, 2007.

Consultant biomechanist. I really enjoyed studying sport and exercise sciences at UL. Not only did I find it an ideal place for learning, but the work experience placement gave me a great opportunity to further explore the area which I wanted to pursue. Speaking from my own experience, any graduate, after 4 years of studying this course, is equipped with a huge variety skills and knowledge that can be applied to countless health-related or sport and exercise settings.

-Joseph McGinley, SES graduate 2010. Munster Rugby Academy Strength Conditioning Coach and Fitness Advisor.

Advice from graduates to those considering Sport and Exercise Sciences

Try and find out the various career paths that a degree in sport and exercise sciences can offer. Focus on your core sciences if you can. Keep trying to apply this knowledge if you can, i.e. ask the what ifs!!

- Brian Cunniffe, SES graduate, 2003. Sport Scientist for the British & Irish Lions rugby team tour to Australia, 2013. Formerly senior sport scientist with the British Olympic Association; now with the English Institute of Sport

The degree is an excellent basic science degree and offers a wealth of different career opportunities. I was particularly interested in biomechanics and its clinical/medical application and chose a career in biomedical engineering and clinical research 

-Olive O'Driscoll (SES graduate, 1999) Technical Project Manager, Medical Engineering Design and Innovation Centre, Cork Institute of Technology.

It is a thoroughly enjoyable science degree that equips you with a multi-disciplinary skill set in the sports and exercise arena. Whether you are interested in elite sport or exercise for clinical populations.

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ns there is much to be gained. Do not listen to those who say there are no jobs. There are plenty for those who work hard. It has the perfect blend of theoretical and practical activities.

-Peter Francis SES graduate, 2009, Lecturer in Sport Science at St Mark and St John University College, Plymouth

Go in with an open mind. The undergraduate degree provides a very good grounding and base knowledge in 3 varied disciplines (physiology, biomechanics and psychology), which prepares you to specialise in one area with further study. If you are unsure of what exact career path you want to follow but know you want to work in a health/exercise environment with a varied population the Sport and Exercise Science degree opens options for future career paths.

-Aine Lyng (SES graduate 2010) Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Oxford University Hospitals NHS.

Remember that Sport and Exercise Science is first and foremost a degree in science. So while it is important to be interested in sport and physical activity, you will also need to have a good head for the sciences, be creative and innovative, and enjoy working as part of a team.

-Toni Rossiter (SES graduate, 2002), Performance Physiologist, Irish Institute of Sport.

Student profile