Advanced Sport Performance Science

Entry requirements

Applicants must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2:1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Sports Science or similar relevant science discipline.

Applicants will also be interviewed (in person or by Skype or Zoom) before any offer is made. Dates for interviews will be arranged after the application has been reviewed.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our MSc in Advanced Sport Performance Science consistently equips students with the skills needed to progress into high‑performance sport career or progression towards doctoral research (PhD) degrees.

Fundamentally, our blended programme equips students with the underpinning theoretical knowledge and practical skills across performance science domains. You will develop core skills across applied data science, training science, recovery science, competition day strategies, performance planning and implementation of advanced lab-and field-based testing diagnostics.

Uniquely, our MSc includes an allocated twelve-month industry placement, secured in direct collaboration with one of our esteemed industry partners in elite football, rugby, swimming, tennis, motorsport and applied data analytics areas. Each placement is overseen in conjunction with an industry placement mentor and academic supervisor, ensuring you a structured personal and professional development, ongoing critical reflection and appropriate integration alongside academic studies.

You will emerge with in-depth industry experience, enhanced employability skills and the professional competence and confidence required to operate effectively within high performance organisations.

From September 2027, you will have the option to pursue an alternative Sport Performance Data Analytics pathway. This pathway specifically prepares you for data-focused careers in sports performance science environments by focusing on the principles and methods that underpin effective data-informed practices in performance sport. Throughout the module, you will engage with real-world scenarios and datasets from trusted industry partners that relate to relevant performance questions and specific case studies. Our graduates will be comprehensively equipped for emerging data-focused roles within high performance sport organisations.

Why Advanced Sport Performance Science at Swansea?

• Top 51-100 in the World (QS World University Rankings 2026)
• 100% world-leading and internationally excellent impact - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

Our course is anchored around major sporting events, which means challenges will be real-world and applied. Our modules provide students with a toolbox of solutions to apply and continually develop as a practitioner.

Our programme builds on staff expertise and partnerships to deliver a programme that ensures students are equipped with key theoretical and practical skills required to work in high performance sport. Fundamental elements of our course are anchored around major sporting events and a range of key performance issues, which means challenges will be real-world and applied, making you confident and prepared to handle real situations in sport, using what you’ve learned in practical and meaningful ways.

Throughout your time on our programme, you will also have exclusive access to our state-of-the-art laboratories, sport facilities, measurement tools and technology. As you progress, your developing interests and abilities will combine with hands-on experience of advanced equipment, establishing skills which are critical to securing employment.

Your Advanced Sport Performance Science Experience

Our programme has been designed in collaboration with industry leaders and practitioners, offering you a unique opportunity to learn from world-leading academics in our state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories, whilst also being mentored by leading high performance sport practitioners.

Our programme has you and the employer at heart of everything we do. The approach to your student experience is one of of enrichment and partnership, to ensure your development on the course and meeting your needs. You will be encouraged to collaborate in group discussions and scenario-based learning throughout your studies and student engagements sessions are held across the year to hear from you.