Careers in Sports and Exercise Science

A degree in Sports and Exercise Science can open up a wide range of careers in the health sector, sports industry and more.

Our course has been carefully designed with employability at its heart, both through the content of our taught modules and the professional development opportunities available. This means you will graduate with a strong scientific understanding of sports and exercise science, as well as the mindset, confidence and workplace experience to stand out in the competitive world of employment.

Take a look at the career paths of some of our recent graduates:

Careers in elite sport

Many of our students come to Lancaster with a passion for sport, and use the knowledge and skills gained in their degree to launch a career working in elite sport organisations.

Image of Sports and Exercise Science graduate Liv

Liv

After graduating in 2024, Liv went on to become Head of Academy Analysis at Blackpool Football Club.

Image of Sports and Exercise Science graduate Isaac

Isaac

Isaac graduated in 2021 and, after completing a postgraduate degree, now works in player recruitment operations at City Football Group.

Image of Sports and Exercise Science graduate Isaac

Chris

Chris graduated in 2022 and now works for Sussex County Cricket Club as their Lead Pathway Coach and Breaking Boundaries South Area Lead.

Careers in healthcare

Some of our graduates want to use their degree to help people live healthier lives, so roles in healthcare are another popular graduate destination. As part of Lancaster Medical School, our links to the NHS and other organisations can help you to pursue a career in this area.

Image of Sports and Exercise Science graduate Charlotte

Charlotte

Charlotte graduated in 2022 and went on to become a Trainee Paediatric Respiratory Physiologist at the United Hospital of Leicester NHS Trust.

Image of Sports and Exercise Science graduate Charlotte

Patrick

Patrick, who graduated in 2023, wanted to pursue his interest in sports injuries and has since become an MSK physiotherapist working in the NHS.

Image of Sports and Exercise Science graduate Hannah

Hannah

After graduating from Lancaster in 2025, Hannah began a Graduate Entry Medicine degree to become a doctor.

Careers in the public sector

Aided by their transferable STEM and strong communication skills, a number of our graduates have pursued a variety of careers in the public sector.

Image of Sports and Exercise Science graduate Jessica

Jessica

Jessica graduated from Lancaster in 2024 and has gone on to teach PE in a nearby school.

Image of Sports and Exercise Science graduate Matt

Matt

Matt graduated from Lancaster in 2022 and has since gone on to train to become a Firefighter at Lancashire Fire Service.

Image of Sports and Exercise Science graduate Catherine

Catherine

After graduating in 2025, Catherine began the Police Now Graduate Leadership Programme, working as a Neighbourhood Police Officer.

Careers in business and management

The many transferable STEM skills gained during your degree can help you pursue a career outside of sports and healthcare roles, including in business and management.

Image of Sports and Exercise Science graduate Stan

Stan

Stan graduated from Lancaster in 2021 and has successfully gone onto work as a Project Manager at the NHS Benchmarking Network.

Image of Sports and Exercise Science graduate Robert

Robert

Robert, who graduated from Lancaster in 2022, has gone onto a career at Sportlight Technology, working as a Junior Account Manager.

Image of Sports and Exercise Science graduate Robert

Ben

Ben, who graduated in 2022, has gone on to work as a MAKO Product Support Specialist at Stryker Orthopaedics.

Postgraduate study

Some of our graduates have chosen to take their studies to the next level and have undertaken postgraduate study at both master's and PhD-level.

Image of Sports and Exercise Science graduate Erin

Erin

Erin graduated from her degree in 2022, before going onto complete a Master's by Research. She has subsequently gone onto undertake a funded PhD with Manchester United's Women's First Team, researching ACL injury mitigation.

Image of Sports and Exercise Science graduate Matt

Matt

Matt first graduated from his degree in 2023, before going on to complete a Master's by Research. He is now undertaking a PhD project, funded by Lancaster University, in researching muscle physiology in ageing populations.

Image of Sports and Exercise Science graduate Lucy

Lucy

Lucy graduated from Lancaster in 2025 and is now undertaking a grant-funded PhD project with Lancaster University, researching foot health after stroke.