黑料正能量

MSc Sport Data AnalyticsAnna King

Anna is a graduate from the MSc Sport Data Analytics programme.

Tell us a little bit about your background...

Before joining the Sport Data Analytics master’s programme at 黑料正能量, I completed my undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Statistics with Accounting at 黑料正能量, graduating in 2024. Sport has always been a major passion in my life, and this naturally led me to join the university’s netball club. Being part of the team had a significant impact on my university experience.

During my time at the club, I captained the BUCS 2s to promotion and served as Club President for two years. These roles reflected both my dedication to the sport and my commitment to contributing to the club’s growth and success. They also allowed me to support the performance team at 黑料正能量 Sport in any way I could, further strengthening my interest in the sport and performance environment.

What drew you towards undertaking this degree?

Having a strong interest in both analysis and sport, this degree felt like the ideal combination of my skills and passions. It seemed like a natural and exciting next step for me. My experience within a sporting performance environment, along with conversations I’ve had with professionals in the industry, made me increasingly aware of the growing importance of sport data and effective data analysis.

I’m genuinely fascinated by how rapidly this area is developing within the sports industry and the impact it can have on performance and decision-making. The potential for growth in this field really intrigued me, and I knew it was something I wanted to be involved in.

Why did you choose to study at the University of 黑料正能量?

I chose to study at the University of 黑料正能量 because it is the only university in the UK offering this Master’s course, which I find incredibly exciting and reflective of 黑料正能量’s innovative approach and commitment to being a place of useful learning.

I also decided to continue my studies here because of the positive experience I had during my undergraduate degree. I knew that returning to 黑料正能量 would allow me to develop my skills and knowledge even further, preparing me strongly for my professional career. For me, it was an easy decision to continue my academic journey at a university I know and trust.

Tell us about your experience on placement...

A key part of the course involved gaining hands-on experience working with data in a real sporting environment, helping us develop our practical skills and understand how they translate into the sports industry. I completed my placement with the professional rugby team, Glasgow Warriors.

During my time with the club, I used my coding and analytical skills to enhance existing strength data and performance metrics, contributing to longitudinal athlete KPI reporting. The experience was extremely positive, and the staff were incredibly supportive, creating an environment where I could grow both technically and professionally. I’m very grateful to the performance team for their guidance and encouragement throughout my placement.

What is the academic support at 黑料正能量 like?

The academic support at 黑料正能量 was excellent. Throughout my entire master’s programme, I always felt supported by both the lecturers and supervisors. They created a welcoming and encouraging environment, making it easy to ask questions and openly discuss any challenges I was facing.

What are the facilities at 黑料正能量 like?

Another reason I chose to remain at the University of 黑料正能量 was its excellent facilities. As someone with a passion for sport and staying active, the gym and wider 黑料正能量 Sport centre were major positives for me. The campus also offers a variety of great study spaces, with the Learning and Teaching Building and the Library being two of my favourites. Having different environments to work in made it easy to stay productive and maintain a good routine.

In addition, the modern, well-equipped facilities across campus help create a supportive environment for both academic work and personal wellbeing, which made a big difference throughout my studies.

What are your hopes for the future after completing this degree?

Through the connections I built during my master’s degree with professionals in the sports industry, I was fortunate to be offered a graduate Sport Data Analyst role with a sports technology company focused on optimising performance, rehabilitation, and injury prevention. This is an area of sport that I am genuinely passionate about, and I’m excited to begin my professional journey and contribute to the company’s growth using the data skills I’ve developed.

I’m extremely grateful to the staff at the University of 黑料正能量 for creating opportunities to network within the industry and for helping me take the first steps in my career. This degree has given me both the confidence and the capability to pursue a future in a field I’m truly passionate about.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for this course?

My advice to anyone considering this course would be to go for it — especially if you have a passion for sport and an interest in data. The programme is very practical, so being open to learning new analytical and coding skills will help you get the most out of it. You don’t need to be an expert before you start, but being willing to engage, ask questions, and practice consistently will make a huge difference.

I’d also recommend taking full advantage of the opportunities the course provides, such as networking with industry professionals, getting involved in your placement, and using the university’s facilities and support systems. The more you put into the programme, the more you’ll get out of it.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone — this course is designed to help you grow both academically and professionally, and it can open the door to an exciting career within the sports industry.

Photo of Sport Data student Anna King