Working with elite athletes is a rewarding career path, requiring a blend of specialised knowledge, practical skills, and an understanding of the demands of high-level sports. If you’re passionate about sports and aspire to work with elite athletes, pursuing the right education is crucial. Here are four courses that can set you on the path to working with elite athletes.
1. Sport Science, Exercise, and Health Extended Major
The Sport Science, Exercise, and Health Extended major provides a comprehensive foundation if you’re interested in sports science. You’ll delve into the scientific principles of exercise, health, and performance, equipping you with the essential knowledge to work with elite athletes.
You’ll learn about biomechanics, physiology, and psychology, all of which are crucial for developing effective training programs and improving athlete performance. Plus, gain hands-on experience through lab work and internships, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. This major is ideal for those who want to understand the intricacies of athletic performance and health from a scientific perspective.
2. Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and Master of Applied Human Performance Science
The combined Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and Master of Sport Science (Human Performance) is a comprehensive pathway for those wanting to advance their career opportunities in sports science. This course offers an in-depth exploration of sports science, combining undergraduate studies with a specialised master’s focused on human performance.
During your undergraduate studies, you’ll cover essential topics like exercise physiology, sports psychology, and motor learning. The master’s component then takes you deeper into human performance, focusing on advanced areas such as elite athlete training and sports nutrition. This integrated approach ensures you’re well-prepared and job-ready, with a strong emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
3. Master of Applied Human Performance Science
For those looking to specialise further, the Master of Applied Human Performance Science offers advanced expertise in optimising athlete performance. This course is tailored to enhance your skills in implementing evidence-based training strategies and performance analysis.
In the master's, you’ll study advanced topics such as sports biomechanics and performance analysis. The course focuses on applying research and practical skills, allowing you to work closely with athletes and use cutting-edge techniques to improve their performance. It’s a great course if you want to deepen your understanding of human performance and help make an impact in the world of elite sports.
If you’re passionate about research and want to contribute to the field of sports science at the highest level, pursuing a PhD at UWA is an excellent path. This course allows you to engage in extensive research, developing new insights and methodologies that can revolutionise coaching and athletic performance.
In the PhD, you’ll work on cutting-edge research projects, often in collaboration with leading experts in sports science. You’ll also have the opportunity to delve deeply into your own specific area of interest, such as performance optimisation, injury prevention, or sports psychology. This course is ideal if you aim to become a thought leader in sports science and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this field.
Hear from some of our current PhD students embedded at the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) working with elite athletes to increase their performance.
Taking the next steps
Pursuing a career working with elite athletes requires specialised knowledge and training. The courses offered at UWA provide a range of options that can help you achieve your career goals. Whether you’re looking for a broad introduction to sports science, a comprehensive bachelor's and master’s degree, advanced expertise in human performance, or a research-focused PhD, these courses will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this dynamic field.
Investing in these courses can set you on a path to make a meaningful impact in sports, supporting athletes in reaching their full potential and achieving their goals.
