Studying sport abroad
What is sport?
Sport is the study of physical activity, athletic performance, and the principles that support human movement and competition. It combines knowledge from physiology, psychology, nutrition, and biomechanics to understand how the body works, how skills are developed, and how performance can be optimised. Sport also explores health, wellness, coaching, and management aspects.
As a sport student, you will examine how the body responds to training, how mental strategies influence performance, and how to design effective programs for individuals or teams. Your studies could take you from laboratories and classrooms to sports fields, gyms, and professional training facilities.
Why study sport abroad?
Studying sport in another country allows you to experience different training techniques, sporting cultures, and health practices. You could attend professional matches, work alongside elite athletes, or observe how other countries develop talent in sports. These experiences provide practical understanding that goes beyond textbooks.
By learning internationally, you will gain a broader view of sport science, coaching methods, and global health initiatives. You will also develop valuable skills in communication, teamwork, and cultural awareness, while forming connections with international coaches, clubs, and organisations.
What you will study
Sport degrees usually mix theory with hands-on practice. Key areas of study can include:
- Exercise Physiology – understanding how the body responds to physical activity
- Sports Psychology – exploring mental strategies that affect performance
- Biomechanics – analysing movement and improving technique
- Coaching and Leadership – developing skills to guide athletes or teams
- Nutrition and Health – supporting performance through diet and wellness
- Research and Data Analysis – collecting and interpreting performance data
Many programs also offer internships, fieldwork, lab experiments, or placements with sports clubs, gyms, or health organisations.
Related subjects you might also like:
- Kinesiology
- Movement Sciences
- Health and Fitness
- Physical Education
- Physiotherapy
Accreditation
At the undergraduate level, you may earn a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Sport or a related field such as Exercise Science, Sports Coaching, or Sport and Health. Some universities offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sport, combining physical education with management, psychology, or social sciences.
At postgraduate level, you could pursue a Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Research (MRes) in Sport Science, Performance Enhancement, or Coaching. Specialisations may include exercise physiology, sports psychology, or elite performance. A PhD is usually needed for advanced research or academic careers.
Professional accreditation is often available for coaches, personal trainers, performance analysts, or sports scientists through recognised national or international sports bodies.
Careers
A degree in sport can lead to careers in coaching, performance analysis, fitness, health, and research. Graduates may work as sports coaches, personal trainers, physiologists, or exercise specialists, helping athletes or clients reach their full potential.
Other opportunities include roles in sports management, community health promotion, or research in universities, sports clubs, and health organisations. You could also work in public health programs, school or community sports initiatives, or wellness consultancy.
Beyond these roles, sport graduates may become educators, programme coordinators, or writers in health and sports media. The skills you develop are in demand worldwide, giving you the chance to work on projects that enhance performance, health, and wellbeing globally.