University of Birmingham - College of Life and Environmental Sciences
MSc in Sport Data Science and AI
Birmingham, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
13 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 27,090 **
STUDY FORMAT
* for international students | 28 August 2026 - for home students
** for international full-time | £13,545 - for international part-time | £11,250 - for UK full-time | £5,625 - for UK part-time
Key Summary
About: The MSc in Sport Data Science and Artificial Intelligence trains you in applied analytics, predictive modelling, decision support, and data visualization for athlete monitoring, match analysis, and sports business. You’ll use modern hardware, software, and authentic datasets in state-of-the-art laboratories at the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, learning from sport and computer science specialists and industry experts.
Career Outcomes: You’ll gain management, critical analysis and problem-solving skills valued in sport analytics. Career opportunities include performance analyst, data scientist, sports scientist, strength and conditioning coach, match analyst, analytics consultant, and roles with clubs, governing bodies or sport-tech companies.
Unlock the future of sport with the MSc Sport Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Created and delivered by experts across Sport and Computer Science, you’ll build the skills to thrive in the fast-moving world of applied analytics in sport.
Stay at the forefront of sport analytics as you work with modern hardware, software, and authentic datasets linking directly to athlete monitoring, match analysis, and sports business decision-making. Become part of our unique learning environment as you learn predictive modelling, decision support, and best-practice visualisation for professional and commercial settings.
Become part of a world-leading research community at the School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences—one of the longest-established institutions in Europe and the largest facility of its kind in the UK—where you’ll be immersed in cutting-edge research and innovation. Our state-of-the-art laboratories support advanced exercise testing and sample analysis, providing the perfect environment for hands-on learning.
You’ll be taught by specialists from Sport and Exercise Sciences and Computer Science, and gain insights from external experts in analytics, performance, and business, including football clubs, governing bodies, and commercial organisations.
Whether you’re already working with data in sport or aiming to enter this growing industry, our Sport Data Science and AI MSc is designed to advance your career and fuel your passion for applying analytics and artificial intelligence in sport.
- Study at the UK's largest custom-built Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences facility
- Access dedicated state-of-the-art research laboratories
- Be part of a world-leading research community
Study 120-credit modules completed with a 60-credit dissertation. You'll cover athlete performance, staff development, periodising and planning training, alongside considerations around physical testing and reporting.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
Year 1
The following must be taken:
- LM Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- LM Programming for Data Science
- LM Sports Data Management & Visualisation
Students must take one of the following modules:
- LM Dissertation (Sports)
- LM Professional Dissertation
Optional modules:
Students must choose 40 credits from list A, then 20 credits from list B.
List A:
- LM Applied Match Analytics and Predictive Modelling
- LM Applied Sports Performance Analytics
- LM Sport Business and Marketing Analytics
List B:
- LM Effective Strategies for Preparation and Competition
- LM Evaluating Performance
- LM Talent Management and Development
- LM Applied Match Analytics and Predictive Modelling
- LM Applied Sports Performance Analytics
- LM Leading Others: From Principles to Practice
- LM Sport Business and Marketing Analytics
- 6th In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF)
- 8th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- 2nd In the UK (QS World University Rankings 2025)
To help you afford your studies, we have put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Scholarships for International Students
At Birmingham, we believe in removing all barriers to education, so all of our talented students can achieve their full potential. That's why we've made more than £10.5 million in scholarships available for international students coming to study at Birmingham.
With the demand for highly skilled professionals in high-performance sport growing, develop the skills to stand out in today’s competitive job market.
This MSc develops key skills that are highly attractive to employers within the sporting industry, namely project management, critical analysis and problem-solving skills. Open doors to exciting career paths within sports organisations, professional teams, and national governing bodies. Potential positions include strength and conditioning coaches, fitness coaches and sports scientists in high-level sports organisations.
Engage in individual and small group learning through a variety of teaching methods, coupled with independent and peer-to-peer reflections.
- Lectures - delivered by a mixture of academic experts and professional individuals who are active within sports-related organisations.
- Seminars and tutorials - led by both tutors and students to facilitate peer-to-peer learning.
- Assessments - a combination of coursework assessments, research papers, reports, reflective commentaries and oral examinations.
This course will run over 13 months in a full-time mode. Study a range of compulsory and optional modules completed with an applied-themed research dissertation. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each semester.
Term 1
In term one, you will establish your foundation in data science and AI, developing programming and analytical skills. Compulsory modules in this term include Programming for Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. In addition, you may choose optional modules such as Applied Sports Performance Analytics or Talent Management and Development to begin tailoring the programme to your interests.
Term 2
In term two, you will build on these foundations by focusing on the management, organisation, and visualisation of complex sport datasets through the compulsory module Sports Data Management and Visualisation. Alongside this, you can select from a range of optional modules, including Applied Match Analytics and Predictive Modelling, Sports Business and Marketing Analytics, Evaluating Performance, Effective Strategies for Preparation and Competition, and Leading Others: From Principles to Practice, enabling you to deepen your expertise in areas most relevant to your career goals.
Term 3
In your final term, you will apply all your learning from throughout your studies to focus on completing your applied-themed research dissertation.