Career essentials: Sport and Physical Activity

There is a wide range of careers in education, health, leisure, sports science and development which utilise knowledge and experience of sport. Further professional qualifications are needed for some of these options, while for others vocational qualifications, personal qualities and experience are as important as academic qualifications, although a degree is increasingly an advantage.

Many Sport & Physical Activity graduates choose to progress to teacher training and qualify as PE teachers or further education sport lecturers. Others go into a variety of related jobs in education such as mentors, coaches, and outdoor pursuits instructors.

The move towards the concept of wellness and preventative care has opened up new opportunities within healthcare, for example as GP referral advisors or rehabilitation assistants. Some graduates become lifestyle consultants, fitness instructors and personal trainers, often working on a freelance basis. Graduates have also gone on to train as physiotherapists and sports therapists, exploiting their knowledge of anatomy, physiology and psychology.

A career as a sports development officer is always a popular option, either increasing participation in sport through education, leisure or community projects, or by working for governing/development bodies for sports.