Sports Science - useful degree for non sporty careers?

[legallady]

DD is hoping to do a sports science degree. This is partly because she can't think of anything else she's vaguely interested in, but also because she has an inkling that she might want to work with a professional sports team in the future (e.g. conditioning coach or something similar.) However, this is only a vague idea at the moment and certainly not something she absolutely has her heart set on.

I want to support her completely in her choices and we've got 2 or 3 uni open days booked in for later in the year to visit some likely sports science candidates. However, I can't help this nagging feeling that if she does a sports science degree and then decides to do something completely non related to sport that she might struggle to get on a "degree level" job more than someone, for example, who does another non-vocational degree such as English or biology.

Am I worrying unduly? I suppose it's just the perception of "sport" as a degree that I think some employers may frown upon.

DD is quite academic (9A* at gcse) and predicted As at AS level, so will probably apply to some of the better known sports science institutions - Loughborough, Birmingham, Bath etc. Will a sports degree from one of these (if she's fortunate enough to get the grades) give her the opportunities post graduation to move away from sport if she wishes to do so?

Any words of wisdom gratefully received.

Gas Don't automatically dismiss RG types. Durham do a BSc sports exercise and physical activity for a triple distinction and Loughborough are adding a new course next year in sport and exercise psychology with the same requirement which is unusual as all their other sports courses ask for an additional A level to compliment the BTEC. Tons of unis offer the chance to do coaching qualifications in students spare time so not necessary really to do a whole degree in it - a more general s&e science would imo go further

db did environmental science instead of sports science because he wanted to swim with dolphins but has worked in the sports sector ever since graduating - his posts have included working on the olympic bid process, working on the government sports active campaign, a stint with sport england, now lawn tennis association and even did something once which involved designing sports courses - no idea what that was though. Not everyone has to be a coach or PE teacher.

Whatever do you mean cardiff met? We couldn't find anything at cardiff cardiff

my two eldest both did sports science degrees at Bath and Loughborough. Bath was a four year course with a placement year and summer placements at Millfield both excellent networking and experience opportunities.

Eldest DD walked straight out of university into a dream permanent job in elite sport but she had competed since the age of 7 and also had lots of other qualifications - coaching/life guarding/sports massage/a NVQ3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence and coaching experience. She had been planning for years and was streets ahead career wise than her fellow graduates. A degree for her was just ticking the box.

As a scientist and lecturer at a University, I was quite surprised how tough their degrees were - lots of physics in biomechanics, biology and psychology - even working with cadavers in the medical school.

There are lots of degrees that don't really train you to do a job but give you lots of transferable skills such as the ability to think critically. We certainly don't need all those hundreds of historians who graduate every year but lots of them find jobs despite their degree subject.

For me there are two key things - you choose your subject because it is really want you want to study above all else/vital for your chosen career and the Department's reputation/employability stats is therefore key OR you decide what university you want a degree from and the subject and Department is of secondary importance.

I have lots of students who just want to be at my University and they are not overly interested in the subject.

My DH has a sport science degree and is now a senior manager in local government. His friend, who did the same degree, is very high up (earns loads of money) working for a famous internet company.

Thanks everyone for the advice. Will see which way my DS decides to go

eatyourveg I went to UWIC (university of Wales Cardiff) very sports orientated, I went on an LTA scholarship

You really need to get to some open days /taster days to see what kind of content the courses have and if Dd is still interested. Many are surprised by the scientific content in the BSc and the sociological elements in the BA's. If interested in Sports Psychology make sure it is BPS accredited. Another career path that is not often considered is working in Academia in Sports Science some of the people I know who say they have job satisfaction work in this area. Lots of opportunities for Research and consultancy , teaching etc. Maybe worth attending The National Sports Road show...sorry can't do links for careers advice and to narrow down choices . Don't forget that some unis offer sport bursary support to gifted athletes whatever course they are doing. I work in a support capacity in a sports department feel free to pm me

Just booked tickets for the national sports road show - never heard of it before, thanks for the link smelly - ds very excited