Until a few years ago, cricket dominated the sporting landscape in India, so much so that the people gave it the status of a religion. While the sport continues to enjoy widespread popularity in our nation, other competitive games have been in the limelight too recently. This change can be attributed to several factors: a steady success at the Olympic Games, the continuous development of professional leagues, initiatives by the Government of India such as Khelo India, and increased media coverage of various sports. Now, our sports ministry has also laid an ambitious roadmap to make India one of the world’s top-five sporting nations by 2047.
As the sports industry in India is expanding and gearing up to reach greater heights, there is an increased demand for not only top athletes but also competent professionals with expertise in sports education. We need talented coaches, sports managers, sports psychologists, exercise physiologists, and health educators to ensure the technical, physiological, psychological, sociological, and economic aspects of sports are well managed. A diligent force of sports professionals can help talented young athletes in every city, town, and village of India succeed and bring laurels to our nation. Besides putting India on the global sports stage, promoting sports education can enhance the overall health and well-being of the general population.
That brings us to the question: Does India offer sports education degrees? The answer is 100% yes! Esteemed institutes such as Somaiya Sports Academy (SSA) of Somaiya Vidyavihar University are helping formalise sports as a viable career path and opening up numerous non-athletic opportunities. There goes the stereotype that sports careers are only for those who excel on the field. Keep reading to learn about the courses at SSA, teaching methods, admission process, and scope after graduation.
Sports education courses at Somaiya Sports Academy
Somaiya Sports Academy offers two academic programmes, including B.Sc. Sports and Exercise Science and M.Sc. Sports and Exercise Science. These courses are designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the scientific principles underlying physical activity, sports performance, and overall well-being. Let’s take a deep dive into every course:
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- B.Sc. Sports and Exercise Science: The 3-year programme focuses on foundational knowledge in physical education, anatomy, health education, yoga, exercise physiology, sports technology, sports psychology, sports ethics, and strength and conditioning. Skill enhancement elective courses such as sports journalism, sports management, kinesiology and biomechanics, exercise prescription, and sports nutrition allow students to customise their educational experience based on their unique interests.
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- M.Sc. Sports and Exercise Science: This two-year programme is for individuals interested in building a sports career and established professionals looking to upskill and upgrade their sports science knowledge. The advanced studies focus on exercise physiology, sports psychology, sports nutrition, strength and conditioning, sports coaching, biomechanics, and sports performance analysis.
Pedagogy approach at Somaiya Sports Academy
Somaiya Sports Academy aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to take on professional roles in sports and related fields immediately upon graduation. Explore five ways they are turning their vision into reality:
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- Multidisciplinary education: Sports and exercise courses at the institute cover a broad range of topics. The multidisciplinary approach opens up myriad career opportunities for students and ensures they are well-prepared to meet the growing demands of the sports industry.
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- Variety of teaching methods: Students are taught theoretical knowledge through engaging lectures, interactive workshops, insightful lab sessions, and routine fieldwork. This multimodal learning is fun, improves retention, and helps develop various professional skills.
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- Experiential learning: With classroom learning, the institute emphasises practical application for ensuring career success. From live projects to internships, students are given ample opportunities to work closely with athletes, sports teams, and fitness organisations. It empowers them with hands-on experience necessary for real-world applications.
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- Student-centred approach: Using this teaching method, the faculty goes beyond traditional bookish learning and encourages self-direction, participation, collaboration, critical thinking, and other skills students will need for future success. They also include routine formative assessment and constructive feedback to ensure every student makes steady progress.
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- Faculty support and guidance: Faculty members mentor students throughout their academic journey. Whether research projects or entrepreneurial endeavours, they offer complete guidance to help students succeed in every venture they undertake.
Securing a seat at the Somaiya Sports Academy: Top preparation tips
The enrollment procedure at Somaiya Sports Academy is rigorous and considers the candidates’ class 12th passing percentage, sports certificates, fitness level, personal interview performance, and written aptitude test score. When preparing for admission, students should adopt a balanced approach that combines physical training, academic study, and personal development. Here are some preparation tips for every step of the admission process:
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- Physical fitness test: Stay consistent with a comprehensive exercise regimen focusing on four aspects: cardiovascular endurance, strength training, flexibility, and sport-specific drills. Take regular mock tests to monitor progress and make improvements as needed.
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- Written aptitude test: Review the examination pattern, practise past papers, and improve problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
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- Personal interview: Practise communication skills, stay informed about current sports and exercise science trends, and reflect on personal motivations and career goals.
Besides that, securing good scores in the 12th board examination and excelling in sports will give students a competitive edge.
Scope of sports education courses in India and abroad
Somaiya Sports Academy graduates have immense scope in the sports, health, and fitness industries in India and abroad. Lucrative sports career roles include sports coaching, sports management, sports psychology, sports medicine and nutrition, and sports marketing, to name a few. Besides that, the booming health and wellness industry presents various opportunities for sports and exercise science professionals.
The scope is even broader in the United States, Canada, Australia, and various European nations, given their well-established sports industries, advanced understanding of sports and exercise science, and the constant pursuit of enhancing athletic performance. Graduates can find opportunities in elite sports organisations, research institutions, multinational fitness companies, and sports tech companies.
All in all, Somaiya Sports Academy prepares students to adapt to various national and global professional environments and positively contribute to sports and exercise science.
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