Skip to content

Sport Science and Mathematics (with foundation year) BSc (Hons)

Start date

  • Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
  • Typical Offer: 72 UCAS tariff points
  • UCAS Code(s): CG01
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: Four years full-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
  • Campus: Clifton Campus
Information for 2024

Introduction:

We know that people come onto a foundation year from a wide range of backgrounds and ability levels. That’s why in your first year you’ll work through the basics, building up solid foundations of understanding and practical applications of mathematics through supporting science modules.

By the end of your first year you’ll have the knowledge and skills needed to really excel at your BSc degree in the second year. You’ll learn by taking part in a series of projects both individually and in a group. This really helps to develop your problem-solving and creative thinking skills.

The flexibility means that we can support you if you want to move on to one of our other mathematics courses in your second year.

Our Sport Science and Mathematics degree is current and relevant to the needs of business. Our close links with industry mean that, if you wish, you’ll have the opportunity to take up job placements with some of the world’s leading companies.

  • Every year we offer a number of short research scholarships in one of our research teams. This is a great opportunity for you to further your interests and contribute to the academic activities of the mathematics department.
  • Our students have recently formed a Mathematics Society, and you’ll have the opportunity to take part in regular events hosted on campus by the local branch of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.
  • 97% of our mathematics students were in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21)
  • Top 20 in the UK for teaching quality in Mathematics (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)

What you’ll study

Elite athletes around the world increasingly rely on sophisticated mathematical data to assess, enhance and improve personal performance and the performance of essential sporting equipment. From the analysis of human movement to the ways in which the body responds to exercise, a thorough understanding of applied mathematical techniques is essential. If you have an interest in mathematics and its application in sport science, then you ‘ll really enjoy exploring this specialist area.

After your foundation year you’ll study both Sport Science and Mathematics modules. In your final year you’ll select either a Mathematics pathway or a Sport Science pathway depending upon your own interests and preferences.

Who will teach me?

Dr James Hind, Lecturer

"I recently won several HESTEM grants to work with the Nottingham Girl's High School on final year maths education projects and to build employability skills into our maths course. Local, national, and global companies have helped us to make sure that our students leave with the skills, abilities, and confidence to excel in the jobs market.

"As a team our research focus includes biological mathematics, statistics, and computational modelling, but we also encompass financial analysis, cryptography, and many other fields."

Introductory Mathematics (20 credit points)

This module provides an introduction to important mathematical ideas, including Algebraic rearrangement, Trigonometry, Vectors, Descriptive Statistics, Integration and Differentiation. You’ll gain an understanding of ideas that form the basis of later, more specialised, developments and you’ll be able to solve simple but realistic mathematical problems.

Intermediate Mathematics (20 cp)

This module aims to provide the link between Introductory Mathematics and degree level Mathematics. You’ll cover more complex topics such as the chain rule and integration by parts, the generalisation of vectors to matrices, the approximation of numerical series, logic and probability, complex numbers and mathematical proof.

Computational Mathematics (20 cp)

A hands-on introduction to ideas and skills which cross Mathematics, Physics and Computing. Using software such as Excel and Matlab, you’ll learn about mathematical ideas like matrices and the consideration of how physical systems can be represented mathematically.

Introduction to Programming (20 cp)

Learn how to design, code, test and debug basic Python language programs. In the first part of this module, you’ll look at the basics of Python such as text strings, loops and functions. In the second part of the module, you’ll be introduced to maths-related Python libraries such as pandas, scipy.stats and matplotlib.

Practical and Professional Skills (40 cp)

This module aims to provide a link between the theoretical modules on the course and their practical implementation. The professional skills aspect will help you with interpreting coursework requirements, exam and revision technique, note taking and referencing. The practical sessions will cover a variety of topics that require you to make use of the scientific principles and mathematical techniques that you’re learning in the other modules on the course.

Calculus (20 credit points)

In this module you’ll study methods of differentiation and integration, from the fundamental principles, to integrating and differentiating complicated functions. Ordinary differential equations will be looked at and in combination with material you’ll learn how to solve these new types of equations.

Data Analysis (20 cp)

This gives you an introduction to important statistical ideas and their application using modern software. You will explore data analysis, probability, statistical inference and statistical modelling.

Introduction to Linear Algebra and Computation (20 cp)

Studying Linear Algebra gives you a great base knowledge you’ll use in many modules during your course. Concepts include complex numbers, vectors and matrices. Using mathematical software packages you’ll focus on computational and numerical methods that can be used to find approximate solutions to problems that cannot be solved analytically.

Introduction to Sport and Exercise Physiology (20 cp)

This module considers the foundations of key human systems (both anatomical and physiological) and their responses and adaptations to sport and exercise.

Foundations in Sport and Exercise Psychology (20 cp)

Examine the psychological consequences of engaging in sport and exercise, as well as the mental factors that impact on quality sport and exercise experiences.

Introduction to Human Movement Science (20 cp)

Learn about the theoretical and practical aspects of biomechanics relevant to understanding the motion of the human body and the forces generated or experienced by the human body.

Differential Equations (20 cp)

Extend your knowledge of calculus, differential equations and linear algebra, and gain an introduction to difference equations, the Eigen problem and transform methods.

Probability and Statistical Inference (20 cp)

Refine your statistical inference and modelling knowledge and develop essential computational and IT skills.

Mathematical Enterprise (20 cp)

In this module you’ll work in small teams to develop a plan for a new business or enterprise, using your mathematical skills to showcase the viability of your venture. This module is run in conjunction with Nottingham's Creative Quarter and you’ll work with several local businesses to create business plans.

Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology (20 cp)

Through both theoretical and practical study you will learn how the body’s structures and functions are altered by bouts of physical exercise, and how these concepts can be applied to training.

Practical Applications in Sport and Exercise Psychology (20 cp)

This module introduces the concept of evidence-based practice and frameworks of assessment, intervention and evaluation, to address issues in sport, coaching, social and exercise psychology.

Analysis of Human Movement for Sport (20 cp)

Building on the biomechanical principles studied in Year One, you will develop the skills required to explain measurable human movements and forces using biomechanical theories.

Core modules

Experimental Design and Machine Learning (20 cp)

In this module you’ll be introduced methods of experimental design and their application in industrial and commercial situations. You’ll learn the methodology and techniques to design, conduct and analyse an experiment before applying statistical analysis to your results.

Project and Professional Skills (40 cp)

Immerse yourself in a substantial mathematics project with dedicated support and supervision. The project will showcase your skills, knowledge, and problem-solving abilities. You’ll also take part in activities to explore your career options after graduation.

Performance, Skill and Expertise in Sport (20 cp)

This module outlines how human movement and motor programs are initiated, controlled, learned, taught and performed.

Optional modules - choose one:

Numerical Analysis and Dynamical Systems (20 cp)

Develop your knowledge of numerical methods with an emphasis on numerical optimisation techniques, advanced methods for the numerical solution of ordinary differential equations and the application of methods to non-linear problems.

Stochastic Processes (20 cp)

Extend your understanding of probabilistic modelling to include stochastic processes and learn advanced techniques for investigating the behaviour of stochastic processes.

Medical Statistics and Financial Modelling (20 cp)

You’ll study statistical techniques appropriate for medical and financial data, including the analysis of survival data and dealing with large complex datasets.

Optional modules - choose one:

Strength, Power and Endurance for Sport and Exercise (20 cp)

This module typically focuses on six topics related to applied exercise physiology and strength and conditioning research.

Advanced Topics in Sport and Exercise Psychology (20 cp)

Students will become familiar with selected areas such as motivational climate, athletic identity, mental toughness, psychology of injury and morality in sport. The emphasis will be placed on current primary research.

Human Movement Science for Sport (20 cp)

This module addresses, in the context of biomechanics, how to improve and / or optimise human performance and understand how it can be affected by or result in dysfunction.

Physical Activity for Health (20 cp)

This module will cover elements such as general principles of exercise testing and prescription, paediatric conditions, geriatric conditions and gender specific conditions.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Jake Cochrane

When I finish my degree, my plan is to train full time as a professional athlete in canoe slalom and strive towards competing at the Olympic Games.

Sebastian Hernandez

Exercise oncology really came unexpectedly. Even though I have always keep my doors open in regards to clinical practice, I saw myself working in cardiovascular disease or diabetes but never even considered working with patients living with and beyond cancer.

How you’re taught

Every week you’ll attend lectures, seminars, practical sessions and workshops. This includes surgery sessions where you’ll meet with your lecturer in small groups to discuss any problems or work through challenging topics.

The rest of your time will be spent carrying out independent study such as reading textbooks and lecture notes, and working on exercises.

Contact hours

  • Year 1 - lectures/seminars/workshops (30%) and independent study (70%)
  • Year 2 - lectures/seminars/workshops (32%) and independent study (68%)
  • Year 3 - lectures/seminars/workshops (32%) and independent study (68%)
  • Year 4 - lectures/seminars/workshops (19%) and independent study (81%)

A placement year may be taken between year 3 and year 4 of study

Learn a new language

Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.

Staff Profiles

Prof Simon Cooper - Professor

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Simon Cooper, Professor of Physical Activity and Health, in the Department of Sport Science at Nottingham Trent University.

Martin Nelson - Senior Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Dr. Martin Nelson is a Senior Lecturer of Applied Mathematics at NTU, researcher of Mathematical Biology, complex immunology and multi-faceted bio systems.

Ian Varley - Associate Professor

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Ian Varley, Associate Professor, in the Department of Sport Science in the School of Science and Technology.

Cleveland Barnett - Associate Professor

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Cleveland T. Barnett, Associate Professor of Biomechanics in the Department of Sport Science at Nottingham Trent University.

Chris Saward - Senior Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Chris Saward, Senior Lecturer, in the Department of Sport Science at Nottingham Trent University.

Colin Wilmott - Senior Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Colin Wilmott, Senior Lecturer, in the Department of Physics and Mathematics at Nottingham Trent University.

How you’re assessed

We want you to graduate with a range of transferable skills, so all of the Mathematics modules have two or three assessment components that help you to demonstrate your knowledge in a variety of ways. As well as traditional exams and in-class tests, you’ll complete assignments, group projects and give presentations. In your final year, you’ll also complete your final project with the support of your personal tutor.

  • Year 1 - coursework (60%) and  written (40%), and practical (0%)
  • Year 2 - coursework (48%), written (44%), and practical (8%)
  • Year 3 - coursework (48%), written (44%), and practical (8%)
  • Year 4 - coursework (53%) and written (47%), and practical (0%)

A placement year may be taken between year 3 and year 4 of study

Careers and employability

Your career development

This course will enable you to develop and apply a range of essential, transferable management skills that are greatly respected by employers.

Our recent graduates have secured roles at companies including:

  • Synergy Health plc
  • NHS
  • BT
  • Northampton Saints Rugby Club
  • West Bromwich Albion
  • Santander
  • David Lloyd

They have gone into a wide variety of job roles including:

  • Graduate Trainee Manager (corporate strategy)
  • Respiratory Physiologist
  • Assistant Performance Analyst
  • Academy Match Analyst
  • Lecturer in Biology and Health Nutrition

Many graduates also choose to undertake further study on one of our Masters-level courses or MPhil and PhD research degrees.

Placements

NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.

On this course, after your third year, you will have the opportunity to take a year's work placement (sandwich placement). This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. You're also twice as likely to secure a graduate job within six months if you take a work placement.

Our recent students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including DeVere Group, Cooper Parry and IBM. They secured varied roles such as Trainee Wealth Assistant, Business Analyst and Auditing Assistant.

You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.

Find out more about work placements.

NTU Enterprise

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.

Campus and facilities

The University has a wide range of sporting and health related facilities. We offer:

  • sports coaching
  • sports injury clinics
  • fitness suites
  • specialist facilities
  • more than 40 sports clubs.

Sport, exercise and health physiology laboratories

These are fully equipped with specialist facilities that provide a high-quality, dynamic learning environment to cater for different types of exercise testing and physical activity.

British Olympic Association (BOA) Approved Environmental Chamber

The Environmental Chamber has been used by Olympic athletes for acclimatisation to extreme competition environments. It enables us to simulate climates anywhere in the world, from Everest to Egypt.

Biomechanics and Performance Analysis Lab

The Biomechanics and Performance Analysis lab includes isokinetic and isometric dynamometers for assessment of force produced by muscle groups of the body. You will also have access to a 3D camera motion analysis system.

The School also features IT, sports psychology and management suites used for:

  • match analysis
  • statistical analysis
  • nutritional analysis
  • coaching analysis.

Entry requirements

  • 72 UCAS tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent
  • GCSE Maths grade B / 6 and English C / 4

Other qualifications and experience

We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.

Meeting our entry requirements

Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS tariff points attached to specific grades, including A levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to three different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

  • 72 UCAS tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)

You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before.  This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Fees and funding

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.

Additional Costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.

Library books

Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs. Placement opportunities are available in the UK and overseas.  Travel grants and Erasmus funding may be available to help fund international travel costs.

Print and copy costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 - £50. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.

Other

Students will require a basic scientific calculator for use in examinations (e.g. Casio 83 or 85 series, approximately £15).

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.

Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494

Tuition fees 

Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. See our fees.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

What do the course fees cover?

Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.

Library books

Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs. Placement opportunities are available in the UK and overseas.  Travel grants and Erasmus funding may be available to help fund international travel costs.

Print and copy costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 - £50. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.

Other

Students will require a basic scientific calculator for use in examinations (e.g. Casio 83 or 85 series, approximately £15).

How to apply

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Writing your application and personal statement

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.

Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.

Keeping up-to-date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

More from Department of Physics and Mathematics