Sports Performance

MSc Sports Performance
Mode: full-time

The MSc in Sports Performance is an innovative course designed to meet the needs of students who are interested in the optimisation of performance in sport.

In addition it provides an avenue for elite performers to study their own performance and to develop the necessary skills to help their future performance, or prepare them for work opportunities after retirement from sport.

This could be linked to the University’s sports scholarship scheme, where funding for elite sports performers is available.

All course units are explicitly devised to address the optimisation of performance.

Units of study include:

• Coaching in a Performance Setting
• Analysis of Performance
• Strength and Conditioning and Work Experience

Why choose this course?

This is a unique course encompassing a multidisciplinary approach to performance sport.

It looks at different disciplines and their contribution to helping athletes increase performance.

The theoretical background underpinning the course is explored and enhanced through the use of practical components of the course, allowing application of theoretical knowledge gained in the formal lecture contact sessions.

You will increase your employability through opportunities to gain professional accreditation in your chosen field.

You are encouraged to gain accreditation with an appropriate organisation, such as the UK Strength and Conditioning Association, British Association of Sport Scientists or a relevant National Governing Body coaching award.

You will receive advice and information that will make these accreditation processes as accessible as possible, with the use of a mentor system based around the Placement Unit and specific core Units, which cover areas of these awarding bodies’ competencies.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities in the Sports field have expanded greatly in recent years.

The professionalising of many sports through the lottery process and increased governing body investment has opened up opportunities in many sports in terms of careers in the coaching, sport science support and strength and conditioning areas.

Particularly in female and Olympic sports, growth has been encouraging, opening up employment opportunities for graduates with the necessary higher qualifications and professional accreditation.

Teaching/learning methods and strategies

Since the course is primarily designed for graduate entry or equivalent, you will be expected to have already developed ability for independent study.

The structure and assessment strategies of the research methods units will ensure that you get a solid grounding in the approaches, techniques and methods required for a successful completion of the dissertation.

In the taught part of the course, lectures would not normally exceed 50% of class contact time.

In line with the expectation of greater independent learning at masters level the remainder of the time will consist of seminars, practical sessions, laboratory sessions, oral presentations, case studies and poster presentations.

Laboratory based sessions are formally timetabled to ensure appropriate supervision. These sessions are specifically designed to create a learning environment where both group and individual learning will take place, involving observation, demonstration, participation, problem-solving and reporting.

Other practical sessions will be field based providing necessary practical skills to successfully intervene in an athlete’s physical development.

You will have access to a Virtual Learning Environment (BREO) which will support delivery of all course units.

Assessment

Several methods of assessments will be used, including oral and poster presentations, course work essays/reviews, end of unit examinations, laboratory reports, case studies and practical demonstrations.

The course team believes that there should be a clear relationship between the course objectives and the assessment of your performance.

Assessment not only provides you and staff with information on performance of teaching and learning in the course units but, through feedback, you will be guided towards improvements.

Dissertation/project and research

The dissertation unit is designed to provide an opportunity for you to undertake a substantial research project in an area of interest related to your course.

The research project will enable you to further develop issues, theories, models and skills addressed in the taught units.

It is by far the largest single piece of work undertaken during your MSc programme and is seen as the clearest expression your ability to study at master’s level.

It is primarily an independent project supported by the advice of a faculty member.

Entry requirements

Standard Entry
Graduates with a first degree normally 2:1 (at least 2:2 classification) in a relevant science based subject, such as biological science, sports science, coaching, exercise or health science based subject (e.g. nursing, physiotherapy, Medicine, Osteopathy).

Non-Standard Entry
(All non-standard entry candidates will be required to attend an interview with the Award Manager).

Graduates with a first degree in a closely allied subject, where the gaps in subject specific knowledge could be closed using a negotiated programme.

Sport, Exercise, Coaching and Health professionals with demonstrable experience and expertise within the field who also possess an HNC/HND or GNVQ/NVQ at level 4 in an appropriate subject.

These candidates will be required to provide a full portfolio of supporting evidence outlining appropriate academic and educational training and attend an interview.

Special entry requirements

• Evidence of a reasonable standard of written and spoken English (at least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).
• This level of English is paramount to attempt this course, due to the technical and scientific language common to science based courses.

Attendance

The course normally runs for 12 months, but has flexible delivery/attendance, to allow those working to access units at their convenience.

The course can be studied full time (2 days per week).

Full-time: Attendance is 8 hours per week spread over 2 afternoon/evening slots