Loughborough University

What you'll study

The programme teaches core methods from data science and artificial intelligence applied specifically to sport. You will study the end-to-end workflow of sport analytics: data capture from wearables and broadcast/video, data cleaning and management, statistical modelling, machine learning and deep learning, and visualisation for practitioners.

• Data acquisition and sensors: principles of wearable sensors, inertial measurement units, GPS and video capture used in training and competition.
• Statistical methods for sport: time-series analysis, mixed models, survival/positional analyses and applied inferential techniques for match and training data.
• Machine learning and AI: supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks, sequence models and transfer learning applied to performance prediction, injury risk and tactical analysis.
• Computer vision for sport: player tracking, pose estimation, event detection and automated tagging from broadcast and multi-camera systems.
• Data engineering and visualisation: database design, data pipelines, dashboards and storytelling for coaches, performance staff and commercial stakeholders.
• Research project / dissertation: an individual, supervised project that applies analytical and AI techniques to a practical problem in sport, often with access to industry or laboratory data.

Teaching combines lectures, practical labs, coding workshops (Python/R), guest practitioner seminars and project supervision to develop both technical skills and applied judgement.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a good undergraduate degree (typically a UK upper second-class honours, 2:1, or international equivalent) in a relevant quantitative, computing, engineering, sports science or mathematics-related subject. Applicants with strong professional experience in performance analysis, coaching, sports technology or data roles may also be considered.

• Prior knowledge of programming (for example Python or R), basic statistics and linear algebra is expected; conversion modules or preparatory work might be recommended for those without a computing background.
• Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency in English through an approved qualification or equivalent evidence of ability to study at postgraduate level.
• Selection may include review of academic transcripts, references, a personal statement and, where relevant, evidence of practical experience or an interview.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles at the intersection of sport, technology and data. Typical career paths include performance analyst or data analyst within professional clubs and national governing bodies, data scientist or machine learning engineer for sports technology companies and broadcasters, and consultant roles advising on analytical strategy and product development.

• Performance and tactical analyst in team and individual sports
• Data scientist or ML engineer in sports tech, wearables or health-tech firms
• Broadcast and media analytics roles, including automated event detection and enhanced coverage
• Research and development roles in academic or commercial R&D groups focused on sport analytics and human movement
• Entrepreneurship and product roles in start-ups commercialising sport AI solutions

Why study at Loughborough University

Loughborough is internationally recognised for its strengths in sport and applied research, combining high-quality teaching with direct links to elite sport practitioners and industry partners. Students benefit from modern laboratories, motion-capture suites, wearable sensor facilities and access to performance environments that support real-world projects.

• Interdisciplinary teaching drawing on sport science, engineering and data science expertise.
• Strong industry engagement: opportunities for project collaborations, guest lectures and networking with clubs, technology firms and governing bodies.
• Practical, hands-on learning in specialist facilities that mirror contemporary performance and commercial settings.
• Dedicated careers and employability support tailored to the sports sector, including connections to alumni working across performance analysis, tech and broadcast.