About this course
We’ll give you the mathematics skills to unlock the complexities of sport. It’s a powerful combination. You’ll develop the building blocks of mathematics – algebra, calculus and statistics while exploring sports psychology, physiology and biomechanics.
In your final year, you’ll have a choice of options from both the sport and the mathematics sides of your course. The modules you choose and your choice of project allow you to create your own pathway that reflects your individual interests.
We know that the best learning happens when you get to apply it. That’s why you’ll be getting hands-on in our sport science labs as well as specialist mathematics facilities to put your knowledge and theory to the test.
Foundation Year
We offer BSc (Hons) Sport Science and Mathematics (with foundation year) which you can apply for if you don't meet the entry criteria for this course. See our course page for foundation modules.
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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. And of course, there are plenty of sporting clubs and societies that you can get involved in too. -
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.
In Years One and Two you’ll study both Sport Science and Mathematics modules. In Year Three, 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."
Study abroad opportunities
Get ready to embark on an adventure with our study abroad programs at partner universities or by getting a work placement overseas. Both opportunities will boost your employability, build lifelong friendships, and allow you to experience the world in a whole new way.
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.
Optional year-long work placement. If you are not taking a placement, you will progress directly to your final year in year three.
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.
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.
Optional modules:
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.
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.
Performance Analysis (20 cp)
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you're taught
You’ll learn through a mix of:
- lectures - covering the key theories
- seminars - smaller-group sessions perfect for learning key skills and collaborative working
- practical sessions - using our extensive range of industry-standard facilities
- 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.
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 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.
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.
People excel in different ways, and we want everybody to have the best possible chance of success. That’s why we’ve adopted a range of assessment types, including:
- coursework, including group projects, case studies, dissertation and other assignments
- practical assessments, such as individual and group presentations, laboratory assessments and lab reports
- exams and tests, including formal exams, written tests and multiple-choice.
In your final year, you’ll also complete your final project with the support of your personal tutor.
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.
Excellent placement opportunities
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 second 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
You’ll mainly be studying in the Erasmus Darwin and CELS Buildings with access to facilities including an environmental chamber, biomechanics lab, and nutrition suite:
We have the stimulating and creative environment needed to equip students with the knowledge and transferable skills to put them ahead of the graduate crowd. We provide first-class facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research, these include:
The University has a wide range of sporting and health-related facilities across three of our campuses. You will have access to:
- sport coaching
- sports injury clinics
- fitness suites
- specialist facilities
- more than 40 sports clubs.
Sport, Exercise and Health Physiology Laboratories
Our laboratories are fully equipped with specialist facilities. You will find high-quality, dynamic learning environment to cater for different types of exercise testing and physical activity.
British Olympic Association (BOA) Approved Environmental Chamber
This chamber enables us to simulate climates anywhere in the world, from Everest to Egypt. Olympic athletes have used the chamber to acclimatise to extreme competition environments.
Biomechanics and Performance Analysis Suite
Our Biomechanics and Performance Analysis Suite includes isokinetic and isometric dynamometers for assessment of force produced by muscle groups of the body. You will also find a 3D camera motion analysis system.
You will also have a host of sporting clubs and societies to get involved in.
Your campus
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your course mates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
Your city
Take a few steps off campus and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. As well as offering a great social scene, it’s one of the UK’s key sporting hubs, home to the iconic Trent Bridge Cricket Ground; Notts County (the world’s oldest professional football league club) and two-time European Cup-winners Nottingham Forest; the Nottingham Tennis Centre, the National Ice Centre, and the National Watersports Centre at Holme Pierrepont; plus rugby union, rugby league, hockey and ice hockey teams.
Entry requirements
UK students
- Standard offer: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level or equivalent Maths grade C
- Contextual offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level or equivalent Maths grade C
- Other requirements: GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Contextual offers
If you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, we might be able to make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and your individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer, and we get data from UCAS to help make these decisions. We do this because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at NTU should have the opportunity to do so, no matter what barriers you may face.
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 four 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.
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
- Academic entry requirements: 1120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level or equivalent Maths grade C. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
- Other requirements: GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4
- English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
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Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
