BSc Sport & Exercise Science, 2017-2020
MSc Sustainable Engineering Management for International Development, 2021-2022
Next Steps After Swansea
After completing my SPEX degree, I chose to continue my studies at Swansea University with an MSc in Sustainable Engineering Management for International Development. This shift in discipline was inspired by taking part in the Invent for the Planet hackathon in 2020, which sparked my interest in innovation beyond traditional sport science pathways. After graduating, I secured my first role as a Project Manager at Southern Water, delivering construction projects within the company’s capital delivery programme for wastewater infrastructure.
Current Role
Knowledge Transfer Manager (Clean Energy & Built Environment), Innovate UK Business Connect
I now work as a Knowledge Transfer Manager, facilitating collaboration between innovators, industry, regulators and academia to accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies. My role focuses on supporting SMEs to form new partnerships so that innovation can scale, delivering societal benefit and economic growth across the UK. I am currently the lead for the £40m Water Innovation Cross-Sector Challenge, delivered in partnership with Innovate UK and Ofwat, which aims to address systemic issues such as pollution, water scarcity and flooding. As part of this, I manage the Cross-Sector Water Innovation Network, bringing together stakeholders from sectors including agriculture, energy, food and drink, highways and academia to tackle challenges that cannot be solved in isolation.
Impact of Swansea
During my SPEX degree, I focused on biomechanics and technology-based modules, which led to an internship with Dr Liz Williams (Protecht). This experience introduced me to R&D and innovation, allowed me to pitch creative ideas for wearable technology, and developed my confidence in translating data to real-world stakeholders. The breadth of the programme and exposure to multiple disciplines gave me a well-rounded skill set that has enabled me to work across sectors beyond sport science.
Highlights & Advice
If you feel uncertain approaching the end of your degree, don’t be pressured into choosing the safest option. Be open to trying something completely different and pay attention to the experiences that genuinely excite you. Discomfort and failure are part of the process — reflecting on them will help you refine your path and ultimately find where you belong.
https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/people/rafique-swinscoe/
https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/programme/cross-sector-water-innovation-network/
