Mathematics and Sport Science with a Year Abroad

Mathematics can be seen as the most international of subjects – a global ‘language’ with ancient origins, which is now vitally important in our data-driven world, and this exciting course combines mathematics with the study of exercise, physical activity and performance in sport.

Sport and Exercise Science is equally rooted in our distant human beginnings and anchored to our present state. It explores how the human body performs under different levels of pressure and covers broad issues from wider participation in sports, to ethics, sports psychology and nutrition.

Our four-year combined BSc degree covers a broad base of classical and contemporary theory across both disciplines and has been designed to be fresh and relevant to the wider industry.

As part of this programme, you will spend a year abroad between your second and final year, broadening your skills and experience. Our partner institutions span the globe, with opportunities varying each year.

Your learning will be shaped by inspirational and internationally-renowned staff including Dr Edwin Beggs, Reader in Mathematics and an expert in Algebra and Geometry, and Dr Nicholas Owen, expert in human biomechanics.

Why Mathematics and Sports Science at Swansea?
• 3rd in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025)
• 7th in the UK (Guardian University 2025)
• 13th in the UK for Teaching Quality (Guardian University 2025)
• Top 201-250 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025)

As a student on our three-year BSc Mathematics and Sports & Exercise Science, you will be taught in our new £32.5m Computational Foundry, a world class centre with state-of-the-art facilities for teaching and research, as well as networking and meeting spaces, to help prepare you for a successful and rewarding career. For the Sport & Exercise Science part of your degree, you will study in the high-quality facilities in the Engineering Quarter, also on our new Bay Campus.

Employers place great value on the ability to think rationally and to process data clearly and accurately, and Mathematics graduates earn on average 50% more than most other graduates. The most popular careers are the actuarial profession, the financial sector, IT, computer programming and systems administration, and opportunities within business and industry where employers need mathematicians for research and development, statistical analysis, marketing and sales.

The Sports & Exercise Science elements of the degree will also train you for a potential career as a sport and exercise scientist or roles such as performance scientist, strength and conditioning practitioner, cardiac physiologist, performance analyst, and in physical activity and health promotion.

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including:
Foundations of Algebra, Human Anatomy, Introduction to Sports Biomechanics, Introductory Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Sports Performance Science

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including:
Multi-variable analysis, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanical Technology, Measurement & Analysis, Metric spaces and measure theory, Philosophy of Sports Ethics, Human Nutrition, Mathematical Modelling: Theory and Practice, Professional Development and Career Planning

As part of this programme, you will spend a year abroad between your second and final year, broadening your skills and experience. Our partner institutions span the globe, with opportunities varying each year.

In your final year, you will typically study areas including:
Complex Analysis, Sport, Diet and Disease, Sports Biomechanics, Health Related Exercise, Markov Processes and Applications, Risk and Survival Models, Biomathematics

A range of assessment methods are employed in this programme. In Mathematics aspects of the degree there is a balance of exams and coursework. Coursework elements include regular problem sheets spread through the academic year, alongside practical PC-lab work where appropriate. Alongside this assessed work students also have regular small un-assessed tasks and assignments to complete to develop their mathematical understanding through a hands on approach. In Sports and Exercise Science aspects of the course there is a mixture of lab work, group work, coursework and exams through the programme.