Sports medicine and health

What does life as a Sports Exercise Scientist look like?

As an exercise scientist, you’ll be designing and implementing science-based physical activity programs to boost people’s health, fitness and athletic performance. This might include working with an athlete to optimise their training and recovery or working with the general public on injury rehab or chronic disease prevention. You’ll use your knowledge of medicine, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology and physiotherapy to create personalised plans. You might work in a lab or in the field. Most employers are universities, institutes, academies of sport and the Australian Defence Force.

Working as a Sports Exercise Scientist could be your dream career if you enjoy:

• helping people
• applying knowledge and techniques
• solving problems with critical thinking and analytics skills
• working to high levels of integrity and ethics
• adapting to dynamic environments
• motivating people to work towards a goal

How do you become a Sports Exercise Scientist in Australia?

Ideally you’ll study some of the following High School subjects which are highly relevant for a career as a Sports Exercise Scientist:  

• Biology/Science (to understand the body’s systems)  
• Math (for data analysis and biomechanics)
• PE/Sport Science (for practical knowledge of human movement) and
• English (for communication skills)

To become a Sports Exercise Scientist you’ll need to complete a degree in one of the following subjects:

• Exercise Science
• Sport Science
• Physiology
• Kinesiology

Look for a course with integrated practical work or industry placement so you can gain hands-on experience.

If a degree is not on the cards for you, you can work in a related role within the broader fitness and health industry through vocational education and training. These roles include a personal trainer or gym instructor.

Where could a career as a Sports Exercise Scientist take you?

Your early career may be working in a gym or health club as a fitness consultant or personal trainer or delivering programs in community as a health promotion officer. You may get accredited with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) and move to more advanced roles working with amateur or professional athletes as a strength and conditioning coach. Over time, you could step into leadership roles, run your own private practice or fitness business, or specialise in biomechanics to analyse movement, boost performance and reduce injury risk.

What does life as a Sports Psychologist look like?

As a Sports Psychologist, you’ll be working with athletes, teams and coaches to boost their performances using mental skills like focus, confidence and resilience. You’ll help them manage pressure and anxiety, while building stronger team dynamics through techniques like visualisation, mindfulness and positive self‑talk. Sports Psychologists work with athletes at all stages of their career. Your job might be with a sports club, university, hospital or private practice. Travelling to competitions and tournaments is likely to be a key element of your role.

Working as a Sports Psychologist could be your dream career if you enjoy:

• helping people achieve their goals
• applying knowledge and techniques to solve problems
• listening to people and asking incisive questions
• working to high levels of integrity and ethics
• being flexible and adapting to others’ needs
• motivating people to work towards a goal

How do you become a Sports Psychologist in Australia?

Ideally you’ll study some of the following High School subjects which are highly relevant for a career as a Sports Psychologist:  

• Psychology (to introduce core concepts of mind and behaviour)
• Biology (to understand the body’s systems)
• Math (for data analysis and interpretation)
• PE/Sport Science (for practical knowledge of human movement)  

Because sports psychologists are recognised health and care professionals, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in psychology and two years of supervised practice or postgraduate study. This typically takes six or more years.  

If this path is not for you, you can work in a related role supporting athletes’ wellbeing and performance in roles such as sports coaching, life coaching or wellness instructor.

Where could a career as a Sports Psychologist take you?

Your career may start with a degree in psychology and gaining experience via an entry-level role. You may claim accreditation to enhance credibility. With several years’ experience you may be working with professional or club teams, hospitals or rehab centres or even at universities providing services to student athletes. After 20+ years of practice you may mentor younger professionals, conduct research or run your own private practice.