Data Science and Sport MSc

Important application information

This course is still subject to full university approval and is due to start in September 2026. The information given below is intended for guidance purposes only and may change once the course is fully approved. 

Please fill in our online form. We'll use this to let you know when: 

• the course gets full university approval 
• more in-depth course information becomes available 
• we can start accepting applications 

Overview

Technology now plays a pivotal role in modern sport. With the ability to collect vast amounts of data, sports professionals can gain powerful insights that drive improvements across areas, including:

• athletic performance and training load
• injury prevention and recovery
• coaching strategies and decision-making
• design of equipment and sportswear

The sports industry needs professionals who can work with large and complex datasets. Take the next step with the Data Science and Sport MSc if you are ready to:

• strengthen your data skills
• take your current expertise to the next level
• transition into a career in sport and exercise

You’ll build a solid foundation in data science, grounded in the latest computational and mathematical techniques. You’ll learn how to manage the entire data journey: from collecting and processing data on athletes and teams, to analysing and making informed strategic decisions that drive performance and results.

You’ll collect your own datasets in our state-of-the-art labs and out in the field with Premiership clubs such as Newcastle United FC and Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club. This hands-on experience gives you rare insights into how elite teams are using data to gain a competitive edge.

If you’re interested in product development, you’ll benefit from our partnership with Berghaus. You'll gain exposure to how they use data to design and innovate their apparel and equipment.

Aspects of this course are delivered by expert data scientists from the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD). You’ll immerse yourself in their leading-edge techniques, practical implementation, and ethical considerations of data science through data bootcamps and experiential learning.

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2025-26.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

 

What you'll learn

Phase one: Core foundations in Data Science

You’ll build a solid foundation in:

• programming
• statistics
• machine learning
• data handling and visualisation
• using tools such as R, Python, and Jupyter.

Once you’ve mastered these core skills, you’ll explore the theory and applications of data science in greater depth. A skills-based module delivered by the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) will allow you to work on solutions to real challenges.

You’ll also build your legal skills, ensuring you’re up to date with:

• legal frameworks
• data protection, privacy and security
• equality and non-discrimination

Phase two: Data Science in sport

You’ll apply your skills to real-world challenges in sport through two specialist modules.

You’ll learn how to:

• gather sports in lab and field settings
• assess its accuracy and meaning
• develop hands-on skills in collecting and interpreting key performance metrics

You’ll then explore how to process, store, and share data securely, ensuring it reaches coaches, medical staff, and innovators. You'll also consider how human factors shape data use in different environments and learn how to use data to inform decision making.

Phase 3: Capstone project

In your final phase, you’ll complete an independent project that applies data science to a real challenge in sport. This is your opportunity to explore a topic that interests you or supports your career goals.

Projects are developed in collaboration with industry partners or our leading researchers, giving you the chance to work on real-world problems with real impact. You’ll demonstrate your ability to manage a full data project, from collection and analysis to delivering insights that support decision-making in sport and health.

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Course content changes

Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

 

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

You'll be taught using a range of methods, including:

• lectures
• small group tutorials
• computer labs
• workshops
• data ‘bootcamps’
• flipped learning
• practical sessions, including some with guest lecturers
• drop-in surgeries
• supervisor meetings
• guided independent study

You’ll engage directly with professionals working in the field through regular sessions led by external experts, providing insight into how data science is used in sport. You’ll also have access to our state-of-the-art labs, where you’ll apply your learning using real tools and technologies.

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Case study
• Computer assessment
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Oral presentation
• PC examination
• Practical lab report
• Portfolio
• Problem-solving exercises
• Report
• Research proposal
• Written exercise

Additional assessment information

As part of one of your assessments, you’ll create a live data dashboard based on the data you’ve collected. You’ll present your findings and will be assessed on the clarity of your insights and communication. This is followed by an oral defence and a feedback session exploring your decision-making process.

Some assessments will be completed on our specialist software, Numbas, which will test your mathematical knowledge.

Support

Data Science resources

Before the course begins, you’ll receive a set of resources designed to support your transition into data science. These materials provide a fast-paced refresher on key mathematical concepts, helping bridge the gap between what you learned at school and what you'll encounter on the course. You’ll start your course with confidence and be able to refer to the resources as your learning progresses.

Numbas learning software

You'll have access to specialist learning software called Numbas. Developed at Newcastle University, it's now used by mathematicians and statisticians worldwide.

This software allows you to work on interactive code worksheets. Throughout your course, you can test and refine the mathematics skills you’ll need for data science.

Maths-Aid

All students on our Data Science conversion degrees can make use of Maths-Aid, a team of experts who provide support and advice on all aspects of maths and statistics.

Statistics and Data Science clinic

During your capstone project, you’ll be supported by our Statistics and Data Science Clinic. You can book one-to-one sessions with our expert data scientists. Whether you need support with a technical issue or refining your analysis, tailored support is available to help your project progress.

Our staff

This course is delivered by:

• School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
• School of Computing
• Faculty of Medical Sciences

Learn from experts working at the frontier of data science and in the development of digital technology to improve the real-world effectiveness of sport and exercise medicine.

You'll work alongside academics from the following research areas:

• Centre for Data Science and AI: Driving the development and application of new methods for extracting the value from data
• Statistics and Data Science: World-class research in modern statistics and data science
• Scalable Computing: Internationally renowned for tackling research challenges in high performance systems, data science, machine learning and data visualisation
• Brain and Movement: Exploring innovations in assessment and treatment of mobility across diverse health conditions using the latest technology & digital health tools
• Nutrition, Exercise and Metabolism: Leading research to understand how different factors affect health and wellbeing

We're home to the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD). This gives you unique opportunities to collaborate with industry partners across multiple sectors.

Your development

Professional skills

Through a module delivered by the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD), you’ll develop key professional skills by working through real innovation processes. You’ll take a problem from initial formulation through to a practical, client-focused solution.

You’ll also strengthen your teamwork and communication skills by working on a group project. You'll learn how to present your findings clearly to non-specialist audiences.

Research skills

You will learn to design, implement, and report on data-driven research projects. This includes:

• formulating hypotheses
• selecting appropriate analytical methods
• evaluating models
• interpreting findings in the context of sport

Practical skills

You’ll develop a range of hands-on skills essential for working with real-world sports data. You’ll develop your programming skills, using languages such as Python and R. You might attend live training sessions to collect data discreetly.

You’ll learn how to set up and calibrate specialist equipment, and handle the practical challenges of fieldwork. You’ll work with live datasets, often ones you’ve collected yourself, with the flexibility to tailor projects to your own interests and career goals.

Work experience opportunities

This course does not include a formal placement. Instead, you'll gain practical experience through working with our industry partners in the field and on projects. You can also secure work experience and placements with support from our Careers Service.

Your future

Your career

To meet the rising demand for data-literate professionals in this fast-growing global market, graduates will be prepared for roles in:

• elite sport
• wearable technology
• sport management
• consumer health
• digital innovation
• product development

Graduate roles could include:

• Sports Data Analyst
• Performance Scientist
• Rehabilitation Analyst
• Sports Statistician
• Product Analyst
• Sport Technology Specialist
• Research Associate

For those already working in the sports sector, this course also provides the digital and data science skills required to stay competitive. This might include professionals such as:

• coaches
• strength and conditioning coaches
• sports physiotherapists
• club doctors
• general managers
• scouts
• product developers
• academy managers

Further study

This degree provides a route into PhD level study in a wide range of fields, depending on your choice of optional modules.

As a Data Science and Sport MSc graduate, you can focus on advanced research, with applications in areas such as:

• performance analysis in elite and professional sport
• injury prediction and rehabilitation monitoring
• talent identification and athlete development
• sports technology and wearable innovation
• strategic decision-making and coaching support
• fan engagement and sports marketing analytics
• data-driven product development in sportswear and equipment

Links with industry

You’ll benefit from our connections with industry leaders. You'll gain access to valuable networking opportunities, internships, and insights into real-world applications of data science.

Our academics have connections with:

• Newcastle United Football Club
• Newcastle Falcons
• Berghaus
• National Health Service (NHS)
• United Nations
• World Health Organisation (WHO)
• Met Office
• Google
• Meta

Our Careers Service

Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. 

Visit our Careers Service website

Facilities

Urban Sciences Building

The School of Computing is based in the £58 million Urban Sciences Building (USB), a flagship development located on the £350 million Newcastle Helix regeneration site in the heart of Newcastle. Newcastle Helix brings together:

• academia
• the public sector
• communities
• business and industry

The USB is a living laboratory and has over 4,000 sensors that record detailed research data, which can be used in student projects.

As a student, you'll have access to facilities including:

• 300+ PCs with a Raspberry Pi3 on every desk
• large, flexible computer clusters
• collaborative spaces for study or group projects
• dedicated practical space for postgraduate students
• Urban Café

Explore the Urban Sciences Building

Learn more about the Newcastle Helix

Newcastle University's Urban Sciences Building Tour

Herschel Building

You'll join the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics based in the Herschel Building.

A well-equipped learning environment will support your studies, and you'll have access to extensive IT facilities for teaching and self-study, including:

• computer-based exercises with instant review of model solutions
• problem-solving video tutorials
• recording system for video capture of lectures, which you can download and watch again to help with your revision

The Herschel Building also has dedicated study and social spaces, and a computing area.

World-class sport and exercise facilities

We’ve invested £32 million in creating one of the UK’s most advanced learning and research environments for sport and exercise. Our facilities will inspire you, challenge you, and prepare you for the demands of the industry.

You’ll train, study, and experiment in our:

• Exercise Physiology Lab
• Biomechanics Lab
• Gait Track
• High-Performance Lab
• Nutrition Kitchen
• Blood Preparation and Analysis Lab
• Environmental Chamber – simulating altitude, temperature, and humidity

Pushing the limits in muscle performance

Our Muscle Performance and Exercise Training Laboratory is one of the only clinically qualified research facilities of its kind in the UK. Here, you’ll work with cutting-edge technology to assess:

• fitness
• cardiac function
• muscle strength
• body composition

You'll be supported by our specialist team delivering world-class exercise and physical activity interventions.

This is where pioneering research meets hands-on experience, giving you the skills, insight, and confidence to excel in sport, exercise, and beyond.

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