CASES launches new Career Guide to help future Sport and Exercise Scientists

To mark a significant day in the education calendar; A Level, BTEC and Level 3 results day, the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) has published ‘A Guide to Careers in Sport and Exercise Science 2026’. 

The guide is a comprehensive resource designed to help prospective students, current undergraduates, graduates and professionals navigate the wide range of opportunities available within the sport and exercise science profession.

Drawing on advice from practitioners, researchers, lecturers, employers and students, the publication provides practical guidance on choosing courses, gaining experience and building a successful career in a sector with expanding opportunities across sport, health, fitness and rehabilitation.

Why download the guide?

For students currently deciding whether a university degree in sport and exercise science is right for them, the guide offers a clear overview of what the discipline involves, including its core foundations of biomechanics, physiology and psychology, and how these disciplines contribute to sport performance, health and wellbeing.

Readers will find valuable advice on:

• Entry requirements for university courses and alternative pathways into higher education.
• How to choose the right undergraduate programme and what questions to ask at open days.
• The benefits of studying on a CASES-endorsed course through the CASES Undergraduate Endorsement Scheme (CUES).
• Opportunities for postgraduate study and professional development.

Discover the pathways you can take

One of the standout sections of the publication is its extensive exploration of career pathways and job opportunities. The guide demonstrates that a sport and exercise science degree can open doors to careers across elite sport, healthcare, education, research, exercise rehabilitation and public health.

For the first time, the publication has been made fully accessible to both CASES members and non-members to including the 18 detailed job profiles (previously only available to members). These profiles have been written by professionals working within the sector, providing first-hand insight into roles including:

• Sports Scientist
• Clinical Exercise Physiologist
• Performance Analyst
• Sport and Exercise Psychologist
• Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Lecturer and Researcher
• Performance Nutritionist
• Physiology Lab Technician
• PE Teacher
• Sports Therapist and many more.

Each profile outlines the qualifications, experience, career journey, salary expectations and practical advice needed to pursue these careers.

Insights from students and graduates

The guide also features a dedicated ‘Insider's View’ section, where current students and recent graduates share their experiences, challenges and advice. Their insights provide an honest perspective on university life, developing career ambitions, building professional networks and taking advantage of opportunities both during and after study.

Professional development and accreditation

For those further ahead in their career, the publication explains the importance of CASES Accreditation, professional registration pathways, supervised experience programmes and specialist accreditations that can help graduates stand out in a competitive job market. The guide highlights how employers increasingly value recognised professional standards when recruiting sport and exercise science practitioners.

A valuable resource for future decisions

Darren Brookfield, Advanced Specialist in Sport and Physical Activity at Pearson, one of the UK’s leading educational awarding bodies said,

“CASES Careers Guide is a useful resource for students looking to go into a huge variety of careers within Sport and Exercise Science. It includes a wealth of guidance and information about choosing courses at school and college, undergraduate and postgraduate courses, career opportunities, and how to get ahead to pursue desired occupations. Pearson highly recommend the guide to students and to engage with CASES for further support and development.”

The guide is available online now and forms part of CASES' ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of sport and exercise science professionals.

Thanks to all contributors who provided insight from a student, graduate and employer perspective, and the broad spectrum of job profiles, plus those universities who advertised in the 2026 edition of the CASES Careers Guide: Birmingham City University, Bournemouth University, Keele University, Leeds Beckett University, Liverpool John Moores University, London South Bank University, University of Roehampton, University of Salford, University of Winchester and York St John University.

Student Membership

CASES can support students who choose to go to university with a Student Membership package offering a range of benefits and resources to help support study and build experience and networks to transition to a professional.

Course Finder

The CASES Course Finder has been developed to assist you in locating undergraduate courses in subject areas related to sport and exercise science, including courses that have been endorsed via the CASES Undergraduate Endorsement Scheme (CUES).

For more information about careers in sport and exercise science, CASES membership, events and training, accredited courses and professional development opportunities, explore our website.