Why study sports at Teesside University? Careers in sports
Did you grow up wanting to become the next Jessica Ennis-Hill or David Beckham? Maybe you daydreamed about scoring the winning goal in the World Cup or standing on the podium to claim your Olympic gold medal. If you’re passionate about sports but life as a professional athlete is not on the cards, there are plenty of other routes to a successful sports career.
A degree in sports science, sports therapy or similar can pave the way for several careers in sports, but choosing the correct course is important to help you stand out from the competition. Teesside University is ranked 3rd in the UK and top in the North East of England for Sports Science (The Guardian University Guide 2025), and the International Study Centre's International Foundation Year in Computing, Engineering and Health Sciences will fully prepare you to join an undergraduate degree in the UK. And if you’re a fan of David Beckham, read on to find out how studying at Teesside University International Study Centre can get you a step closer to your footballing hero!
Why study sports?
So, is sports science a good degree? With a degree in sports science or sports therapy, there are so many professional sports jobs you could choose to do: you can decide to become a sports physician or trainer, contributing to the health and performance of athletes, or go down the sales, marketing and events route. A sports science degree will teach you about physiology, biomechanics and human movement, and how to apply this knowledge to improve sports performance and coaching. At Teesside University International Study Centre, the International Foundation Year programme also gives you the option to study Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, in which you would learn how to help manage pain and dysfunction in sporting and clinical environments.
Why pursue a career in Sports?
Playing sports is just one aspect of this trillion-dollar industry. According to the Global Institute of Sport, sport is the 9th largest industry in the world, bringing in a global revenue of around USD 2.65 trillion. Whether you’re interested in getting involved with the medical, coaching or business side, you’ll be entering an exciting field with multiple career prospects and will be able to turn your passion into a living. And if in the end you decide that a career in sports is not for you, your degree will leave you with transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication skills, coaching and leadership, that you can take to other industries.
Careers in sports
So, why study sports? Well, there are many careers that a sports science degree can lead to and, while the term ‘sports science’ might make you think of a scientist sitting in a lab, this degree can lead to a wide range of careers, such as agent or events manager. Here are the top 10 careers in sports:
Sports agent: represents professional athletes in contract negotiations, endorsement deals, and career management.
Exercise physiologist: specialises in developing fitness programmes and rehabilitation plans for athletes.
Sports nutritionist: provides dietary advice to athletes to optimise their performance, recovery, and overall health.
Sports event manager: plans, organises, and oversees sports events, ensuring that everything runs smoothly, from logistics to event promotion.
Sports psychologist: helps athletes improve mental resilience and performance through counselling.
Athletic trainer: provides preventive care, emergency treatment, and rehabilitation for athletes.
Sports management: someone in this role engages in the business side of sports, managing teams, facilities, or events.
Kinesiologist: analyses human movement and biomechanics to promote health, prevent injuries, and enhance performance.
Personal trainer: helps clients to achieve their fitness goals through personalised fitness plans.
Sports physician: diagnoses and treats sports-related injuries and medical conditions to help athletes recover and perform their best.
Study Sports at Teesside University
Choosing Teesside University for your sports degree will put you leagues above the competition, thanks to its strong links with local, national and international institutions. As well as ranking 3rd out of 86 institutions for Sports Science (The Guardian University Guide 2025), it also ranked 22nd in the UK for Sports Science (The Complete University Guide 2025). Excitingly, Teesside has recently partnered with US Major League Soccer team Inter Miami - co-owned by football legend David Beckham - to provide its students with unique opportunities for placements, internships and research projects.
Teesside University International Study Centre offers a fantastic International Foundation Year programme for students wanting to progress to a Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation BSc (Hons) and Sports and Exercise Science BSc (Hons) undergraduate degree. What’s brilliant about this course is that it combines STEM and English language learning with a work placement to help you put what you are learning into action. You’ll be able to use Teesside’s hi-spec, purpose-built labs, and have the chance to mix with professionals within the industry at various ExpoSeries events.
By choosing the 2.5 term version of the International Foundation Year programme, you can apply for a combined visa that will also cover your undergraduate degree studies at the university. Find out more about visas, entry requirements and fees.
FAQs
Is sports science a good degree?
Sports scientists play a crucial role in the sporting world, as they work to optimise athletic performance, prevent injury and improve athletes’ overall physical fitness. It’s also a good degree because it offers such a diverse range of career paths, from coaching and physio to sales and marketing.
What are the benefits of sports for students?
There are so many benefits of sports for students! Being active enhances physical and mental health, while team sports improve teamwork and leadership skills. Taking part in sports as a student is also a great way to meet new people who are into the same things as you.
Is sports a good career option?
Yes, sports is a good career option. It is the 9th largest industry in the world and is growing (Global Institute of Sport 2024). A related degree can lead to a rewarding career in professional athletics, coaching, sports management, and more.