The students, Tom Taylor, Rhys Jones and William Sparkes, all followed postgraduate courses in Sports Science at Swansea, which is one of the top departments in the country, ranking 8th in the UK, according to The Guardian University Guide 2015.

Tom Taylor is now a sports scientist at West Ham Utd, working with the first team to monitor the recovery and preparation of the players during the season.  He said:

"Completing my postgraduate degree at Swansea has been key in helped me gain employment with West Ham United. 

My MSc by research completed in conjunction with the club was of great benefit to both the club and myself and has since had a positive impact on the work we do in the sports science department.

The knowledge and guidance of experienced researchers like Dr Kilduff has helped my project run smoothly and I was able to produce a novel and impacting research project.

I definitely feel that my postgraduate research at Swansea University taught me some key areas which aid me on a day-to-day basis, and would thoroughly recommend other people to do the same."

Picture above:  Tom Taylor, sports scientist at West Ham United

‌‌William Sparkes recently joined local Premier League team Swansea City FC as an assistant sport scientist, after following a postgraduate course at Swansea.  William said:

"The postgraduate research I have undertaken through Swansea University has allowed me to work closely on a day-to-day basis with Swansea City FC.

The practical applications of this study have improved both my own knowledge and the club's training methods.

This ultimately led to me being offered a full-time position at Swansea City"

Picture:  William Sparkes, assistant sports scientist at Swansea City FC, pictured at the club's training ground

‌Rhys Jones, who has joined the Scarlets rugby team as their strength and conditioning coach, said:

"My new position entails me looking after the physical development of backs for the senior squad. This includes me programming for the players over both the pre-seasons and competition periods to ensure players are in peak physical condition for the rigours of professional rugby union

My studies at postgraduate level allowed me the unique opportunity to conduct research while gaining invaluable experience as a strength and conditioning coach in a professional rugby union environment.

Both my studies and experiences complemented each other, with research questions being generated from experiences to enhance provision of services to players.

Fortunately I was able to draw upon a support network of other students and researchers led by Dr. Liam Kilduff which was invaluable in my professional development."

Picture:  Rhys Jones, strength and conditioning coach at the Scarlets.


Dr Liam Kilduff, associate professor at A-STEM, said:

"We aim to ensure that postgraduate students conduct projects that enhance their academic knowledge but also develop their applied understanding and experience.  Both these coupled together significantly enhance the students employability prospects.

In the area of elite sport here at Swansea we have had unparalleled success with this model. Rhys, Tom and Will are the recent success stories that are testament to this.

All 3 completed postgraduate research projects which had a positive impact in the respective professional sports teams, which has ultimately led to them being offered excellent jobs.  

We have had great support from both the University and the College of Engineering in ensuring these projects work.  We currently have postgraduate students working on projects with UK Athletics, the Rugby Football Union, West Ham Utd and Swansea City."

Sports science at Swansea

Postgraduate courses in sports science