Looking to turn your passion for sports into an exciting career? Whether it's coaching elite athletes, reporting breaking sports news, uncovering the science behind peak performance, or making sport accessible for all, UQ’s world-class programs are your gateway to the action on and off the field.
Ranked 2nd in the world and 1st in Australia for sports-related subjects (QS World University Rankings 2024), UQ gives you the skills, knowledge and industry connections to thrive.
Ready to explore your future? Here are 11 awesome careers that show just how thrilling the world of sports can be.
Sport is a multi-trillion-dollar industry, but it’s more than just money. Through sport, we can promote health, resilience and community, and better understand some of the biggest challenges in our society. Careers in sport are about more than just athletic performance; they’re about fostering a culture of wellbeing and inclusion.
1. Sports coach
Why it’s awesome: As a sports coach, you’ll be the mastermind behind athletes' success. You’ll come up with game plans, analyse performances, and inspire your team to achieve their best. And it’s not just about winning – it’s about helping athletes grow. You’ll guide and motivate everyone from aspiring athletes to top-level players.
Pathway to success: Kick off with a sports-related bachelor’s degree, along with gaining practical experience as a sports coach. To take your skills to the next level, consider pursuing a master’s degree in sports coaching.
Related degrees at UQ:
- Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences (Sports Coaching major)
- Master of Sports Coaching
2. Strength and conditioning coach
Why it’s awesome: As a strength and conditioning coach, you'll be the key to unlocking an athlete’s full potential. You'll design dynamic training programs to enhance strength, speed and agility, all while focusing on injury prevention and overall performance. Your role is to push athletes to their limits, shaping them into top performers and helping them achieve their best.
Pathway to success: To succeed in this career, you'll need a blend of education, certification and experience. Start with a degree in exercise and sport science, like UQ's Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Sciences (Honours). To stand out, gain accreditation through the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA).
3. Accredited sports scientist
Why it’s awesome: As an accredited sports scientist, you'll harness the power of science and data to elevate athletic performance. Your expertise in biomechanics, physiology and psychology will allow you to transform research into cutting-edge training and recovery plans. Accredited sport scientists are the secret weapons behind the success of elite athletes in all types of sports.
Pathway to success: Start with a bachelor's degree in sports science, exercise science or a related field from an accredited institution. Apply for accreditation with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
Make a move and start your journey to becoming an accredited sports scientist with a UQ Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Sciences (Honours).
4. Sports journalist
Why it’s awesome: As a sports journalist, you'll be the voice that brings the excitement of the sports world to life. From covering thrilling games and interviewing star athletes, to analysing critical issues in sport, you'll connect fans with their favourite sports and teams, making them feel every moment of the action.
Pathway to success: Earn a degree in journalism, communications or a related field, and gain hands-on experience in sports reporting.
Consider a dual degree that covers sports and journalism combined, like UQ's Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences / Bachelor of Journalism.
5. Events manager
Why it’s awesome: As a sports events manager, you'll orchestrate unforgettable sports events from start to finish. Whether you're handling a local match or a major tournament, you'll organise every detail from logistics to vendor coordination, ensuring each event is memorable and runs seamlessly.
Pathway to success: Obtaining a degree in event management, sports management or a similar field will be a great way forward to gaining the skills to excel in this career.
Want to merge your passions for sports and event management into a single program at uni? You may be interested in this UQ dual degree: the Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences / Bachelor of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management.
6. Sports manager
Why it’s awesome: As a sports manager, you'll be at the helm of sports teams or organisations, driving their success to new heights. You'll juggle finances, lead marketing efforts, and navigate team dynamics to ensure everything runs like a well-oiled machine. This role is crucial in helping teams thrive and achieve greatness.
Pathway to success: Dive into a degree in sports management, business administration or a related field, and build experience in sports administration.
Kickstart your career in sports management with UQ’s Bachelor of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences / Bachelor of Business Management.
7. Accredited exercise physiologist
Why it’s awesome: As an accredited exercise physiologist in the sports field, you'll play a crucial role in assisting athletes and active individuals in returning to their physical activities. You’ll be the trusted expert in developing tailored exercise programs that are safe, effective and focused on preventing and managing injuries while enhancing overall health. If para sport is your passion, you might specialise in empowering children or individuals with newly acquired disabilities to safely and effectively engage in the sports they love, providing a pathway to health, wellbeing and excellence.
Pathway to success: Start by completing an accredited bachelor’s degree in clinical exercise physiology, such as UQ's Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours), where you’ll gain vital practical experience. Next, achieve accreditation with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), the professional body for exercise physiologists.
As we continue to focus on accessibility and inclusion, the demand for professionals with the skills needed to work safely and effectively in adapted sports will only grow. There’s a tremendous opportunity for those passionate about making a positive impact in this field.
8. Sports and exercise psychologist
Why it’s awesome: As a sports psychologist, you'll be the mental coach athletes turn to for unlocking their peak performance. Using cutting-edge psychological techniques, you'll help them manage stress, build resilience and elevate their game. Your expertise is key in supporting their mental and emotional wellbeing, ensuring they’re as strong in mind as they are in body.
Pathway to success: A bachelor's degree in psychology is your starting point. Follow it up with a psychology master’s in the field of sport and exercise psychology in order to gain registration as a psychologist through The Psychology Board of Australia.
Related degrees at UQ:
- Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology major)
- Master of Psychology (Sport and Exercise field of study)
9. Sports physiotherapist
Why it’s awesome: As a sports physiotherapist, you’ll be the go-to expert for athletes looking to bounce back from injuries and stay at their best. You'll diagnose, treat and rehabilitate, ensuring they recover swiftly and maintain top physical condition. This role is crucial in preventing future injuries and keeping athletes in peak form.
Pathway to success: Complete a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy or a related field, and then elevate your expertise with a master's program specialising in sports physiotherapy. Apply for accreditation as a sports physiotherapist with the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).
Related degrees at UQ:
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
- Master of Physiotherapy (Sports Physiotherapy field of study)
10. Sports dietitian
Why it’s awesome: As a sports dietitian, you'll be the nutrition guru athletes rely on to fuel their performance. Crafting customised meal plans, you’ll enhance their energy, support recovery and boost overall wellbeing. Your nutritional expertise will help athletes learn more about what they put in their bodies as they strive to reach their goals.
Pathway to success: Begin with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or a related field, then advance to a postgraduate master’s degree in dietetics recognised by Dietitians Australia. After becoming an accredited dietitian and gaining relevant experience, complete the Sports Dietitians Australia Sports Nutrition Course.
Related degrees at UQ:
Discover how to become a sports dietitian
11. Sports medicine practitioner
Why it’s awesome: As a sports medicine practitioner, you'll be on the front lines of complex medical issues that athletes face. As a medical doctor working with athletes, you'll prevent, diagnose and treat complex sports injuries in real time. You'll also spearhead injury prevention strategies, ensuring athletes stay healthy and excel in their sport. This role is pivotal in keeping them at the top of their game.
Pathway to success: Start by obtaining a medical degree and gaining relevant clinical experience. Further enhance your expertise with specialised qualifications in sports medicine.
Get prepared for this career with UQ's Doctor of Medicine and Master of Sports Medicine.
Emerging trends in sports
The integration of technology in sports, from wearable devices to data analytics, is not only transforming athlete training but also creating new career opportunities for those skilled in these technologies. It’s an exciting time for sports professionals to be at the intersection of technology and human performance.
The sports industry is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and new innovations. These trends are reshaping how athletes train, how performance is analysed, and how fans engage with their favourite sports.
Here’s a glimpse into the exciting changes that are setting the stage for the future of sports careers:
These trends are not only reshaping the sports landscape but also creating exciting new opportunities for professionals across the industry. Whether you’re interested in the technical side of sports science, the strategy and policy of sports management, or the innovative realm of fan engagement, there’s a wealth of dynamic career paths emerging in the world of sports.
