Sport Analytics and Technologies

Program Overview

The MSc Sport Analytics and Technologies program at Loughborough University London equips graduates with advanced analytical skills, technological fluency, and strategic understanding to navigate the evolving influence of technology on sports, particularly in the digital and media sectors. Graduates are prepared for careers in sport data analysis, business intelligence, media and communications, and consulting, with transferable skills applicable to data-driven businesses beyond the sports industry.

Program Outline

This program is ideal for individuals seeking:

• Expertise in contemporary sport digital technologies: You'll gain an in-depth understanding of cutting-edge technologies, including mobile internet and the latest cloud solutions tailored for media applications in sports.
• Industry insights: You'll benefit from exposure to industry experts, guest lecturers, and research-active faculty who are shaping the sports tech landscape.
This program is tailored for:
• Career paths in development or consultancy roles within the sport, digital, or media sectors.

Program Objectives

The program aims to equip graduates with:

• Technological fluency: You'll gain a strong grasp of mobile internet applications and cloud solutions in a media context within the world of sports.
• Critical thinking abilities: You'll sharpen your critical analysis of sport-related information and develop problem-solving skills in this area.

Outline:

Program Content and Structure

Semester 1:

Core Modules (compulsory):

• An Introduction to Sport Analytics
• Sport Business Statistics and Analytics (Focuses on data-driven decision making and its role in shaping business trends in sports)

Optional Modules:

Choose one of:

• Digital Media Audiences and Markets (Analyzes the evolution of audience interaction with digital media, exploring the emerging role of technology, changing audience behaviors, the dynamics between audiences and organizations, and associated implications.)
• Strategic Sports Sponsorship (Investigates the nature and scope of sports sponsorship, encompassing key concepts, ethical considerations, strategies, and best practices.)
• Sport, Politics, and Diplomacy (Focuses on the multifaceted role sport plays in international and national relations, examining its political and diplomatic significance across various cultural, economic, and social contexts using contemporary case studies from diverse regions.)

Semester 2:

Core Modules (compulsory):

• Research and Insight in the Sport Industry (Develops skills to conduct and apply insightful research to the dynamic sport industry and delves into the challenges this area presents in a globalized environment.)
• New Media and Analytics for Sport Business (Utilizes analytics tools to examine a diverse range of contemporary issues impacting the evolving sports industry.)
• Digital Sport Technologies: Evolution and Application (Provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution and diverse applications of digital technology within the realm of sport.)
• Dissertation (Provides an opportunity for an in-depth investigation of a sport-related topic, business problem, or research question, culminating in a written research report or project demonstrating a high level of understanding.)

Optional Modules:

Choose one of:

• Collaborative Project (Provides the opportunity to engage in project-based teamwork within diverse settings to foster collaborative and cooperative work skills and deepen appreciation of cultural diversity.
Equips students with hands-on experience identifying, framing, and resolving real-world challenges through innovative approaches and critical inquiry. Facilitates individual development while fostering networks with stakeholders, organizations, and corporations to bolster future professional opportunities.)
• Data Analytics Tools in Digital Economy (Introduces fundamental business intelligence principles and their practical applications in the context of the digital economy.
Provides students with a core understanding of leading data mining methods and their real-world applications. Equips students to explore diverse application areas beyond the module's scope.)
• Sport Integrity (Explores the multifaceted nature of sport integrity and examines threats posed by match manipulation and corrupt governance practices within professional and grassroots sport, incorporating crucial legal and regulatory aspects.
Equips students with a deeper understanding of ethical considerations related to safeguarding sport integrity. Examines the role of boards and senior management teams in providing effective organizational leadership, with emphasis on fostering a culture of ethical sports practices. Addresses professional conduct expectations, athlete reputation issues, and the importance of public trust within the world of sports.

Summer:

Dissertation

(compulsory) - Provides the opportunity to conduct an independent, in-depth research project on the student's chosen area of interest within the sports analytics realm, culminating in the presentation of a well-researched dissertation. This module allows students to consolidate their theoretical and analytical understanding and demonstrate proficiency in conducting high-quality research. Desk-based research project, set by an organization or selected by the student independently. Project involving primary data collection through research conducted within an organization, or through lab-based and/or field experiments with relevant partners. Full professional placement within an organization. During this placement, students undertake a project with the organization, subject to securing an appropriate placement opportunity, in accordance with agreed-upon objectives. The dissertation enables students to achieve an advanced understanding of their selected research topic and demonstrate exceptional research abilities through the production of insightful and well-developed research outputs.

Assessment:

Assessment methods in the program vary and may include but are not limited to:

• Coursework: Essays, reports, project proposals
• Presentations: Individual or team presentations
• Case studies: Analyses and critiques of real-world scenarios
• Participation: Active engagement in seminars and other discussions
• Dissertations: Independent research projects, subject to the chosen option, culminating in a written dissertation

Teaching:

Teaching Approach:

The program employs diverse instructional methods to enhance learning and cater to individual preferences:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials (Individual feedback and small-group discussions)
• Independent study (Guided)
• Group work (Collaborative projects and group discussions)
• Workshops (Interactive learning activities)
• Practical sessions (Opportunities to apply learned concepts and techniques to real-world scenarios)
• Guest speakers
• Industry experts
• Leading researchers from Loughborough University London

Careers:

Career Opportunities:

This degree opens doors to diverse professional options within the world of sport business:

• Sport data analyst
• Business intelligence specialist in the sports industry
• Media and communications expert for sports organizations
• Consultant for technology firms working in sports
• Digital marketing professional in a sports context
• Sponsorship manager within sport organizations
Students will also gain transferable skills, particularly in data analytics, project management, and strategic communication, making them suitable candidates for roles beyond the traditional sports industry:
• Marketing agencies
• Data-driven businesses in any sector
• Businesses in need of skilled analytics practitioners
The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the necessary expertise and skills to navigate today's rapidly developing technological landscape within the realm of sports and related industries. The program also offers:
• Employability workshops to enhance career preparedness
• Tailored careers support

UK fee: £17,250 Full-time degree per annum International fee: £30,500 Full-time degree per annum