Masters Degrees (Sport Performance Analysis)

Course Overview

With named pathways for:​
Applied
​​Analytics

Performance Analysis in the Cardiff School of Sport is world leading in terms of academic and applied perspectives. The School has offered post-graduate study in Performance Analysis since the first ever Masters in Performance Analysis was developed in 2003. The Cardiff School of Sport has a unique Centre of Performance Analysis boasting high-spec teaching and practical based laboratories with a multitude of world-leading software and resources available. The School has developed two new pathways designed to reflect recent developments within sport performance analysis.

The programme combines academic, practical and research based skills to allow you to develop in your chosen area. Students can elect to specialise in specific named pathways in either Applied or Analytics. The Applied pathway prepares skilled practitioners with sound scientific principles to base their work and develop their understanding of the theory behind the analysis. The Analytics pathway combines data science skills and knowledge of sport with performance analysis theory.

The school also offers a MSc Professional Practice (Sport Performance Analysis) programme, that allows those with relevant experience to engage with a learning whilst in work or on a studentship. Refer to the MSc Professional Practice for further details.

Due to the popularity of this programme you should submit your application at the earliest opportunity, and at the very latest by 30th June. Applications received after this date will only be considered if the programme has not reached full capacity.​

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From elite performance to the thriving personal fitness market and community-based sport activity, sport is an ever-expanding multi-billion dollar global industry. Our degree primes the very best graduates with the skills to help sports people improve efficiency of performance and reduce risk of injury. In the wake of London 2012, careers in sport and recreation are on the rise. Gain an advantage by training at one of the leading sports education universities in the UK.


Why study MSc Sport Performance Analysis at Middlesex?

Our pioneering programme is designed to prepare you for the certification requirements of the International Society of Performance Analysis of Sport. You will learn to design evidence-based, sport specific performance analysis interventions based on a needs analysis, and you will gain the practical skills essential for communicating with athletes and coaches.

You will gain experience in the sport and exercise environment through our work placement module. One of our partner organisations is Saracens Rugby Club, whose current players include England internationals Steve Borthwick, Owen Farrell and - our facilities at their nearby Allianz Park stadium boast world-class performance laboratories, rehabilitation units and testing facilities. Through our degree you will build invaluable industry contacts, and our graduates have gone on to work with such organisations as Tottenham Hotspur, the Rugby Football Union and the English Institute of Sport.

Course highlights:

Based in London, we are surrounded the greatest density of top sports clubs and organisations in the UK.
We believe that our graduates should be high achievers both practically and academically. As a result, we actively encourage students to publish their dissertation through peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
The majority of our staff are active sports professionals involved in coaching and sport performance. Able to maintain close links with industry, they can ensure current professional practice informs your studies.
Small class sizes allow you to receive the personal attention required to thrive in your studies.

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Course Overview

Performance Analy​sis in the Cardiff School of Sport is world leading in terms of academic and applied perspectives. The School has offered post-graduate study in Performance Analysis since the first ever Masters in Performance Analysis was developed in 2003. The Cardiff School of Sport has a unique Centre of Performance Analysis boasting high-spec teaching and practical based laboratories with a multitude of world-leading software and resources available.

This new development, MSc Pr​ofessional Practice, adopts a distance learning delivery approach, that overcomes the need to relocate or commute in for lectures. The programme has a focus on the development of expertise and applied learning within the work environment and the application of theoretical context. This will be achieved through a longitudinal professional placement in the field of sport performance analysis, via either the students own work or a studentship advertised.

​Due to the popularity of this programme you should submit your application at the earliest opportunity, and at the very latest by 30th June. Applications received after this date will only be considered if the programme has not reached full capacity.

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IN BRIEF:

• Opportunities to work across a variety of sports as a Performance Analyst
• You will utilise industry standard Performance Analysis equipment and be taught by industry professionals
• Vastly growing sector with a need for highly qualified personnel
• Part-time study option
• Work/industrial placement opportunity

COURSE SUMMARY

Throughout this course you will study the discipline of Performance Analysis in Sport and gain an understanding of how this vastly growing sector interacts with a multitude of Sports Science disciplines.

As a student on this programme you will have access to industry standard Performance Analysis equipment and you will learn how this exciting discipline is used across sports to enhance performance (Performance Analysis Module). You will generate an understanding of how Performance Analysis can be utilised in relation to sports injuries and how this can be measured (Injury Prevention and Performance Measurement Module).

You will also have the opportunity to conduct some primary research that could lead to publications, which may inform future Performance Analysis practice (Research Project Module).

COURSE DETAILS

This is the only Performance Analysis master's degree in the North West of England. The online theoretical content will provide the basis for the ‘on campus’ sessions, in order to put your learning into practice and provide some context to the theories.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The MSc course is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis.

The full-time course runs over three academic semesters (October through to September the following year), whilst  giving you the chance to exit with the following awards:

• Postgraduate Certificate: completion of one module
• Postgraduate Diploma: completion of two modules
• Masters: completion of two modules plus a dissertation

In order to achieve an award of MSc Performance Analysis in Sport you must successfully complete the modules Performance Analysis and Injury Prevention and Performance Measurement, along with producing a thesis for the dissertation module.

TEACHING

This course is available both part-time and full-time and is delivered via a blended learning approach, which includes:  

• Workshops (three days per module, per semester). These are interactive, discursive, reflective, participatory, collaborative and practice related sessions that employ a variety of teaching and learning methods. As the course progresses these will become progressively more student led, with you presenting case studies for peer and tutor review.  
• Individual scholarly activity.
• Self directed learning, personal reflection, practice based application and reflection, including peer and tutor review.  
• Distance learning resources.
• Delivery of supporting resources such as study guides and lecture material online. 
• Facilitated group work, including tutor and peer evaluation are a key component of this course. 
• Personal tutor and peer support, to provide an academic, practice based and personal support mechanism alongside facilitated networking.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment methods will vary depending on the module. They include:

• Case studies (written and oral presentations)
• Viva vocé
• Literature review
• Practical assessments
• Journal articles (research reports written in the format of a journal article)
• Research proposal
• Consultancy Pitch Presentation
• Report Writing

EMPLOYABILITY

With the skills you'll learn in this course, you could take a lead role in Performance Analysis and make a difference to the performance of your clients. This course could help significantly increase your chances of getting a high profile role in top-flight sport.

LINKS WITH INDUSTRY

This programme has strong links with several premiership and football league clubs, as well as local rugby and basketball teams.

As part of this programme you would be expected to assess athlete performance and put forward suggestions for improvement. Upon successful completion of this programme you will be equipped with the required skills to apply for ISPAS (International Society of Performance Analysis of Sport) accreditation.

FURTHER STUDY

Upon successful completion of the course it would be possible to progress on to a PhD, or a PhD via publication. We offer a range of research degrees relevant to your area of practice.

FACILITIES

You will have access to some of the best facilities in the UK, including our purpose-built Human Performance Lab, which contains our vast array of Performance Analysis softwares and almost every type of physiological and biomechanical equipment including:

• Quintic Biomechanics
• SportsCode Gamebreaker
• Dartfish 
• Dartfish Easy Tag (Ipads)
• FT700 Ballistic Measurement System
• 9 AMTI Force Plates, 5 of which are situated in a 40m running track
• ProReflex 10 Camera real-time motion analysis system
• KinCom and Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometers for muscle strength testing
• Portable Kistler force plate
• EMG (electromyography) system used to measures the electrical activity of muscles and to gather information about the muscular and nervous systems
• Esaote AU5 Ultrasound used to study skeletal muscles, tendons, ligaments and blood flow
• We have a range of cycle and rowing ergometers, two treadmills, and two online gas analysis systems. We can perform blood analysis with our Analox GM7 Multi-Assay Blood Analyser to measure blood lactate, glucose and a range of other blood substrates
• There is also the Reflotron which another multi-use system that can measure blood cholesterol and haemoglobin as well as portable blood glucose and lactate analysers.

In addition we have the usual equipment found in exercise physiology labs.

• Polar heart rate monitors
• Harpenden skinfold callipers
• Wingate tests
• Hand grip dynamometers
• Height, weight monitors
• Jump mats and timing gates

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On this established and well respected course, you gain the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to be an effective sport and exercise science practitioner and/or researcher. You develop strong technical, analytical, practical and professional skills, alongside specialist skills in • biomechanics and performance analysis • physiology and nutrition • strength and conditioning.

The course enables you to

• develop your understanding of science
• develop your ability to apply theory to practice in sport and exercise
• work towards British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) accreditation, (at the discretion of BASES, graduates are able to apply for exemption from some elements of the BASES supervised experience accreditation scheme)
• conduct independent research, for which you can seek publication through our project module
• gain experience as a sport or exercise science consultant

We offer a first-class suite of research and teaching laboratories alongside excellent facilities offered by our partnership venue at the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield. Our laboratories are all British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) accredited.

The four overarching themes in the programme are

• analysis of performance
• improving performance
• research methods and data analysis in both research and applied practice
• professional practice

Many of the teaching staff support elite athletes as part of their work and undertake research in sport and exercise. We benefit from the expertise of our staff in the Centre for Sport and Exercise Science (CSES). The team for sport performance have worked successfully with athletes competing at the Olympics, Paralympics, and Winter Olympics. They have provided, or are currently providing, sport science research and consultancy services at elite level for the • Amateur Boxing Association • Amateur Swimming Association (diving and swimming) • British Cycling • British Speed Skating Association • British Skeleton-Bob Team • English Bowls Association • English Golf Union • Royal Yachting Association • GB table tennis • GB volleyball.

You benefit from CSES' activities as they allow us to keep course content at the cutting edge, based on our knowledge and experience of sport and exercise science delivery. You can also benefit from a work-based learning programme to help develop your experience of working in multidisciplinary teams, supporting athletes and coaches.

During the course you use a mix of traditional and online learning resources to ensure the course is flexible and can fit in with your existing commitments.

The quality of our provision was rated 24/24 by the Higher Education Council.

Sheffield Hallam are a Skills Development Partner of the Chartered Institute for Managing Sport and Physical Activity.

Professional recognition

This course is designed to meet some of the needs of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES), and the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association accreditation.

Course structure

The masters award is achieved by successfully completing 180 credits.

Core modules

• Analysis and evaluation of performance: technical and tactical (15 credits)
• Analysis and evaluation of performance: functional and metabolic (15 credits)
• Inter-professional practice in sport and exercise science (15 credits)
• Work-based learning in sport and exercise science (15 credits)
• Research methods (15 credits)
• Data analysis (15 credits)
• Project (60 credits)

Optional modules

30 credits from:

• Improving performance: strength and conditioning (15 credits)
• Improving performance: physiology and nutrition (15 credits)
• Applied performance analysis (15 credits)
• Applied movement analysis (15 credits)
• Human factors in sports engineering (15 credits)

Assessment

• laboratory reports
• project/ethics proposal
• needs analysis
• qualitative data analysis
• managing projects
• problem solving exercises
• group work
• oral presentations
• poster presentations
• case study defence or report
• quantitative data analysis examination
• project file
• abstract writing
• article prepared for publication (MSc only)
• reflective portfolio
• technology-based communication package

Employability

As a graduate you benefit from the skills and experience gained from the employability modules and our connections with industry.

Previous graduates have gone into careers as • developers for suppliers of sport equipment • sport science officers • advisors for national governing bodies and the English Institute of Sport • coaches • developing corporate wellness programmes in the health and fitness industry • advisors to local authorities and local health trusts • strength and conditioning coaches • sport and exercise nutritionists • researchers • technicians • university lecturers.

The course's strong focus on research skills provides an ideal platform for further study at PhD level. It is also an important first step into employment and can open many other doors into further training.

Sport scientists

Sport scientists support athletes or sports clubs, they generally provide advice and support, designed to monitor and improve sport performance, alongside a team of specialists including coaches, psychologist, performance managers and medical staff. Areas of expertise include • strength and conditioning • physiology • nutrition and analysis of movement and tactical performance.

Exercise scientists

Exercise scientists are more concerned with improving a person's health and helping them recover from illness through a structured programme of physical activity and other health-based interventions. They are also involved with preventative treatments and work closely with GPs and primary care trusts or private healthcare organisations. Exercise scientists might be employed by local authorities to run community based health and exercise initiatives.

It may be possible to move into a particular clinical area, such as cardiology, or work as a health promotion specialist for a local authority or healthcare trust. Our close links with the National Centre for Sport and Exercise medicine, part of which is based in Sheffield, will provide additional opportunities to those wishing to pursue careers in this area.

Other careers

Other careers also include • the pharmaceutical industry • the armed and uniformed services • journalism • teaching. If you are thinking about an academic career, many universities with sport-related courses require staff to have a higher degree.

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The MSc in Sports Coaching and Performance has been designed for those working within sport and the coaching industry, or have studied at undergraduate level and gained coaching experience. This postgraduate degree will provide you with an advanced knowledge base that will give you the best possible opportunity for pursuing your career goals within sport and the coaching industry.

The flexible modular structured course offers an insight into how psychology, physiology, strength and conditioning, and movement analysis impact on performance. This MSc Sports Coaching and Performance degree will give you an interactive approach to performance coaching so you can apply theory to your practice. The integration of theory and practice will enhance and develop your ability to reflect on current coaching practice, plan appropriate training programmes and critically analyse existing approaches to performance coaching. You will also develop comprehensive knowledge of the key issues that support the high performance sports coaching environment.

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/1805-msc-sports-coaching-and-performance

What you will study

Core Modules:
- Research Project
This project aims to enable students to demonstrate the skills necessary to produce a scholarly, in-depth, empirical research study, resource, or report.

- Research Methods
This module will develop your ability to design and statistically analyse experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental quantitative studies. It will allow you to appreciate the strengths and limitations of the different quantitative and qualitative research designs used in coaching and sport, health and exercise science; and synthesize knowledge and competencies gained during taught modules to produce a scholarly, in-depth critical review and proposal for a research study.

- Effective Coaching
You will develop an advanced understanding of critical self-reflective skills through the use of video analysis, which includes identifying key coaching styles, behaviours and feedback techniques required in advanced coaching situations. In addition, you will develop an in depth understanding of the interdisciplinary approaches that contribute to the coaching process including your ability to recognise and develop current coaching practice and coaching philosophies.

- Professional Work Based Development
This modules provides an opportunity for students to observe and participate in work-based professional environments, including identifying a work problem for you to overcome, which will enhance your professional and vocational learning and inform your own everyday practice. As part of your studies you will critically reflect on your learning throughout the work placement. You will, together with the module team, identify an organisation or organisations that are relevant to your field of study and that will be able to provide 140 hours of work experience.

Option Modules (choose three):
- Developing Expertise in Sport
This module aims to enable you to develop a systematic knowledge and critical understanding of how coaches develop and maintain expertise in sport and the ability to critically appraise coaching practice in the context of current approaches to skill development

- High Performance Environment
This module focuses on developing a multi-disciplinary perspective of factors that act upon the elite athlete and how these contribute to the development of elite performance. You will analyse how the coach, psychologist, conditioning coach, medical staff and nutritionist assist and complement each other in producing a high performance environment. The management of the performance environment will be discussed and the many issues that underpin successful implementation of elite sport science support will also be analysed.

- Strength and Conditioning
At the end of this module you will have developed your knowledge and critical understanding of concepts and theories regarding strength and conditioning. You will also have developed the ability to implement effective strength and conditioning programmes into a range of performance environments. The above have been closely linked to the professional standards required for accreditation by both the NSCA and the UKSCA.

- Movement Analysis
This module aims to develop your awareness of the analysis of sports performance, with particular emphasis on technique analysis and notation analysis. The use of systematic observation techniques in the analysis of sports performance will also be considered.

Learning and teaching methods

Teaching methods include lectures, video analysis, seminars and workshops, some of which will be student-led. Lectures will be held predominately held on a Monday between 2pm-8pm and /or a Tuesday depending on your module choice. A draft timetable can be requested from the course leader Melanie Tuckwell

Work Experience and Employment Prospects

The UK Vision for Coaching has clearly identified the need to develop Talent Coaches, Performance Coaches and High Performance Coaches. This course will provide opportunities for individuals to develop in these roles within their National Governing Body or sport.

Our MSc Sports Coaching and Performance degree is designed to reflect current developments and ensure that students have the required skills to access a range of employment opportunities within sports coaching and performance. Graduates will possess the key skills, knowledge and competencies that can be used in a wide range of careers, for example:

• Coach Education Personnel
• Sport Coaching Science Personnel
• Elite Sports Coach
• High Performance Coach
• Community Sports Coach
• Physical Education Teacher
• Strength and Conditioning Coach
• National Governing Body Officer
• Self-employed Coaching Consultant
• Researcher
• Performance Analyst
• Sport and Exercise scientist

Assessment methods

Assessment activities include writing essays, producing oral and poster presentations and studying case studies and examinations.

Facilities

As part of your studies you will use our USW Sport Park facilities and state-of-the-art sport science laboratories on our Glyntaff campus.

Work and Study Placements

The MSc Sports Coaching and Performance degree has a bespoke module, Professional Work Based Development, which all students will undertake. Our course team establish opportunities for students across a spectrum of coaching, allowing them to experience vital skills in the potential career they wish to progress.

Current work placements include: Cardiff City Football Club; Cardiff Blues Rugby Football Club; Football Association of Wales; Welsh Rugby Union; Swansea City Football Club; Welsh Netball; Newport Gwent Dragons; Sports Wales; Golf Union of Wales; Welsh Hockey and many local authority Sports Development units and National Governing Bodies of Sport.

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The MSc Applied Sports Performance Analysis course is aimed at individuals who wish to gain or develop skills to monitor and record sporting performances as well as liaise with coaches and athletes in the training and competition environments to improve their performance.

Individuals with skills in analysis and evaluation of sporting performance are in high demand in order to maximise athlete potential and to minimise risk of injury. The main driver for this is an increased number of people engaging in performance sporting activities and increased media coverage of sport, along with a greater range of technology available to support athletes and coaches.

This course aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to collect, analyse and effectively present data relating to a range of different sports performance parameters.

Visit the website: http://www.rgu.ac.uk/laboratory-biomedical-and-sports-sciences/study-options/postgraduate/applied-sports-performance-analysis/

Modules

• HSM162 - Feedback-based Analysis of Sports Performance
• HSM163 - Principles of Biomechanics and Instrumentation
• HSM164 - Analysis of Sports Technique
• HSM165 - Athlete Monitoring And Analysis
• HSM166 - Sports Performance Analysis Placement
• HSM170 - Research Project

Please note that some of the above modules are subject to validation.

[[Format]

You will be taught in a variety of ways including lectures, interactive workshops and tutorials, practical classes and individual projects.

Placements and accreditation

Placements with professional sports clubs and organisations are one of the key options within the course. Our placement providers include Aberdeen Football Club, ALTIS Aberdeen Athletics, basketballscotland and Cricket Scotland.

Careers

This course provides a route to employment as a Performance Analyst or Sports Scientist with high-level sports clubs and organisations. Here are some comments from placement providers:

“Elite football teams are constantly looking for any competitive edge they can make, which will improve performance on the field. Due to this there has been a steady increase in job opportunities for performance analysts. It is critical that graduates understand evidence based interventions and methods whilst also gaining practical skills which allow them to interact effectively with coaches and players. The MSc Applied Sports Performance Analysis course at the Robert Gordon University balances the theoretical knowledge but also gives the practical skills needed to succeed in a very competitive and rewarding environment.”
Greig Thomson, Head Performance Analyst, Aberdeen Football Club

“Performance Analysis is crucial to remain ahead in high performance sport. Getting essential data to both coaching staff and players at the key time is a major asset in performance sport. At basketballscotland, our sport demands real-time team and player analysis, in addition to background data on opponents strengths and weaknesses. We would welcome individuals with the skills, knowledge and ability to convey this essential information in to our performance programme.”
Barry Lang, Head of Basketball, basketballscotland

How to apply

To find out how to apply, use the following link: http://www.rgu.ac.uk/applyonline

Funding

For information on funding, including loans, scholarships and Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) please click the following link: http://www.rgu.ac.uk/future-students/finance-and-scholarships/financial-support/uk-students/postgraduate-students/postgraduate-students/

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If you are an experienced high performing coach working with children or adults and want to develop your expertise, or performance coach working with talent, this course enables you to further develop and apply your knowledge, skills and competencies in your sport coaching environment. The course allows you to utilise and apply cutting edge research and technologies to shape and inform your advancing sport coaching practice.

This course represents a close working partnership between British Judo, Sports Coach UK and Sheffield Hallam. The content, curriculum design, delivery and assessment methods have been developed collaboratively to ensure it meets the needs of coaches working at this level.

The course has been designed to help coaches to evidence how their developing sport coaching practice meets the expected competencies of the UKCC Level 4 master coach, working within performance coaching. Successfully completing it enables you to use this qualification to directly evidence the academic aspects of the UKCC Level 4 award.

The course equips you with the knowledge, skills and attributes to further enhance your professional career in sport context. It augments your ability to communicate, facilitate, solve complex problems and make effective decisions.

During the course you

• develop your skills and knowledge to be a more confident user of digital technologies and resources
• enhance your technical, problem solving and coaching skills
• understand how to apply your learning to your coaching environment
• develop your psychological, biomechanical, performance analysis and physiological understanding
• improve your analysis of your athletes performance and your interventions

If you successfully gain the postgraduate diploma you then have the option to progress to a full MSc.

The Academy of Sport and Physical Activity brings together our sport courses and our world-renowned research centre's to offer a major centre of excellence for sport industry education, research and consultancy services. Our mission is to make a national and international contribution to the advancement of sport and physical activity. We have an enviable reputation of delivering a growing programme of sport-related courses, as well as providing, through our dedicated research centres, research and consultancy services to partners.

Collegiate Hall houses some of the finest sport science laboratories in the UK, whilst our sport campus at the English Institute of Sport Sheffield is home to many of Team GB's top athletes. Our sports research is ranked fourth in the UK and we provide market-leading commercial services to a wide range of organisations and athletes.

The Centre for Sport and Exercise Science boasts one of the largest physical activity and sport-related portfolios of research expertise in the UK. It focuses on physical activity, wellbeing and performance enhancement. The centre worked closely with GB Volleyball and GB Table Tennis as they prepared for London 2012.

The course is led by Michelle Vernon-Way, an expert in sport coaching with over 20 years industry experience of bespoke development for NGB coaches.

Professional recognition

Sheffield Hallam University is accredited by the UK Coaching Standards Group to work with National Governing Bodies of Sport to deliver a UKCC Level 4 coaching programme.

Course structure

The course comprises of four learning strands which have been identified as fundamental to the development of advanced sport coaching practice. Modules are designed within these overarching strands, which are developed throughout your studies.

These learning strands are

• psychology of performance coaching
• biomechanics and performance analysis
• applied physiology, nutrition and conditioning
• professional practice
• research and independent project (this only studied if you complete a full MSc)

Completing the PgDip awards you 120 masters level credits. The MSc is completed by a project which is research-based or an applied support project, giving you the flexibility to tailor the project to your own strengths or needs.

The vast majority of teaching is in small groups of typically less than 20 allowing for bespoke delivery.

Year one modules

• Developing professional practice
• Psychology of performance coaching
• Applied biomechanics and performance analysis
• Applied physiology, nutrition and conditioning 1

Year two modules

• Advanced professional practice
• Advanced psychology of performance coaching
• Advanced biomechanics and match analysis
• Applied physiology, nutrition and conditioning 2

Year three modules - optional MSc

• Research methods for practice
• Project

Assessment

• case studies
• reports
• presentations
• research project thesis
• portfolio
• interventions

Employability

This course has been developed in conjunction with a number of leading sports organisations to meet their requirements of a practicing UKCC Level 4 master coach. The sport coaching industry is driven by the UK Coaching Framework and this course provides the ideal springboard to gain employment in this dynamic area.

Graduates from this course are current national and Olympic coaches or high performing coaches working in a variety of coaching contexts.

Possible progression or career routes include • high performance coach • national coach • national governing body (NGB) performance director • national governing body (NGB) director of coaching or coach education • coach mentor • academic teaching or research careers in the UK or internationally • further study for example professional doctorate or a PhD.

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Apply scientific principles underpinning sport to the context of performance enhancement in the growing field of sport science.

This course will give you expert knowledge in a specialist area of the science of sport performance. It will develop applied techniques which will help you pursue a career in sport science support, academic research, teaching or other science based professions.

The applied focus of this course is supported by contemporary, well-equipped and supported laboratory facilities.

The course content is aligned to the requirements of supervised experience (SE) with the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).

See the website http://www.napier.ac.uk/en/Courses/MSc-Sport-Performance-Enhancement-Postgraduate-FullTime

What you'll learn

Traditionally sport science has been based on three foundational scientific disciplines - physiology, biomechanics and psychology. You’ll either study two disciplines in breadth or a single discipline in depth with a negotiated independent study.

This course provides a contemporary, interdisciplinary and applied approach to the science of sport performance enhancement. You'll have the opportunity to advance your knowledge and understanding of scientific principles in this context. You'll learn how to apply theoretical concepts and to develop practical professional skills for situations that sports scientists encounter on a daily basis.

You’ll also study research methods and data analysis and will work on an interdisciplinary team providing support services for an athlete client, which will expose you to a range of practical and ethical issues associated with support work.

You’ll be able employ advanced investigative, analytical and practical techniques in your field and increase your employability in an academic or applied setting.

You’ll also develop as a reflective practitioner, taking responsibility for your own learning and on-going professional development.

You'll learn by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions and through independent study. There may also be some opportunities to study abroad.

Modules

PgCert
• scientific methods
• biomechanics and performance enhancement
• psychological interventions for sport performance enhancement
• applied physiology and sport performance
• independent study module

PgDip
• sport science support of performance athletes
• contemporary issues in sport performance
• Independent study module

MSc
• independent research project

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Careers

Sport science support is a growing field. Many professional sporting bodies now employ sport scientists in a performance support role and this course is ideal if you have an interest in this area.

The alignment of course content to the requirements of supervised experience (SE) with the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) will help you achieve accreditation if SE is continued after graduation.

The emphasis on research skills also equips you to continue on to possible PhD study and a research or teaching career.

How to apply

http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/how-to-apply

SAAS Funding

Nothing should get in the way of furthering your education. Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) awards funding for postgraduate courses, and could provide the help you need to continue your studies. Find out more: http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/saas-funded-courses

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Course Overview

The university has a unique Centre of Performance Analysis and leads the world in this field. This programme, the first postgraduate degree in Performance Analysis in the world, is designed to meet the growing demand for performance analysis. The programme prepares skilled and experienced analysts with sound scientific principles on which to base their work.

The programme offers students the opportunity to develop their understanding of the theory behind their analyses, to gain experience of elite performance and the coaching process and feedback to enable them to apply their knowledge and skills to a variety of contexts. This programme is unique in its combination of theoretical ideas, practical experience and exposure to the growing spectrum of commercial hardware and software. Opportunities for work experience are also offered and contribute towards the degree.

September 2016 Entry - Due to the popularity of this programme you should submit your application at the earliest opportunity, and at the very latest by 30th June. Applications received after this date will only be considered if the programme has not reached full capacity.

*Please note. This programme will undergo periodic review in March 2016. As such, module and pathway information may change. Refer back to this course page for the most up-to-date information at that point.

See the website https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/schoolofsport/courses/Pages/Performance-Analysis.aspx

​Course Content​​

The course will provide students with a balance of academic and experiential (Practical Labs) studies, which are focused through ensuring a comprehensive analysis of the research process.

Core modules:
- Computerised Match Analysis
- Research Issues in Performance Analysis
- Analysis of Technique
- Research Methods for Sport Studies
- Understanding the Coaching Environment
- Dissertation Project (12,000 word individual research project).

One module from:
- Independent Study
- Modelling, Profiling and Statistics
- Theoretical & Experimental Sport Biomechanics
- Work Experience.

Learning & Teaching​

​The course is delivered in the purpose built Performance Analysis Laboratory. Where logistically possible most lectures are scheduled for a Monday, however depending on module selection this my not be possible.

All modules, with the exception of the independent research project (dissertation) module are 20 credit modules. Allocated teaching timetabled (contact time) delivery for such modules usually equals a minimum of 30 hours of time supplemented with up to 60 hours of directed study time and up to 60 hours of independent study time. Contact time is normally made up of lectures, seminars, and individual tutorials.

Modules are usually taught through a combination of lecture type and interactive seminar where group discussions and tasks are frequently used. Student learning is supported through the use of our Virtual Learning Environment, Moodle, which provides learning resources to complement the reading lists. All students are supported with access to a personal tutor, who is normally the Programme Director.​

Assessment

The assessment is a rich mixture of practical evidence of absorbing the content, embracing presentations, edited video, experimental essays, reports, and critical reviews.

Employability & Careers​

Due to the demands of National Governing Bodies, satellite and terrestrial TV companies, soccer clubs, rugby clubs, Welsh Institute of Sport, the English Institutes (regional centres) of Sport there has been an increase in the range of career opportunities in the field of performance analysis. This programme prepares students for a range of analysis careers in the sports industry, particularly work which takes place with elite performers.

Find information on Scholarships here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/scholarships

Find out how to apply here https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply

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Overview

Do you want to further your knowledge of sport science and athletic development? Southampton Solent’s athletic development and peak performance master’s degree has been designed in partnership with industry experts to help equip students with skills, experience and knowledge precisely tailored to industry requirements.

- The course has a practical focus, combining hands-on experience with master’s theory to teach students how to apply learning to a professional sporting environment.
- Gaining practical experience is a key element of the programme and students are expected to undertake work placements alongside their studies for the duration of the course.
- Students have full access to the University’s leading sports science facilities, including a BASES-accredited physiology lab. Many of these facilities are regularly used by professional athletes.
- The course team has strong industry links from which students can benefit.
- Past students have benefitted from a programme of regular guest lectures.

The industry -

The UK health and fitness industry is experiencing continued growth. Fitness membership in the UK has risen by 4.5% and now exceeds 8 million (2014 State of the UK Fitness Industry Report). Despite this, industry commentators have urged the sector not to become complacent and to continue to promote a healthy lifestyle to the nation.

This course can help graduates tap into a number of good career opportunities in sport and exercise science across a number of specialist fields, from developing programmes for elite athletes to working with schools and colleges to encourage the next generation of athletes to excel.

The programme -

Built on a successful and popular undergraduate programme, this high-level master’s degree helps to prepare students for a career in the sports industry by delivering hands-on professional skills and adopting an interdisciplinary approach to coaching.

During the course, students will explore key areas such as talent identification, long-term athlete development, performance analysis, strength and conditioning, peak performance, technical and tactical development, marginal gains, and injury prevention and management.

To complement their studies, students are expected to undertake work placements relevant to the course within professional sport and exercise organisations. Working at all levels, from elite athletes to schools or rehabilitation patients, students will gain valuable ‘real-world’ experience working alongside leading experts. Work placements are expected to have been organised prior to joining the course; if students have been unable to organise a placement, the University will support them in finding a suitable opportunity.

Students have full access to the University’s leading, fully-equipped sports science facilities, which boast a BASES-accredited physiology laboratory, as well as biomechanics, health and exercise, and psychology laboratories. Many of these facilities are regularly used by professional athletes, including players from Southampton FC.

Past students have benefitted from a guest speaker programme which has featured lectures from professionals from the highest level of a variety of sports, who have shared their advice, knowledge and experience of the industry.

The course team has strong industry links and the University is a partner of Southampton FC. The University also works with other top sports organisations, including Reed’s High Performance Academy, British Swimming, Hampshire Rugby, Crystal Palace FC, London Irish RFC and GB Wheelchair Rugby.

Course Content

Technical Development in Sport: On this unit you will critically analyse coaching methods and how skill is acquired, building your understanding and use of technology for developing, monitoring and testing athletic performance.

Psycho-Social Development in Sport: The aim of this unit is to analyse the theories underpinning talent identification and long-term athlete development, and to examine the psycho-social factors affecting performance throughout an athlete’s career.

Physical Preparation in Sport and Exercise: This unit examines the science behind effective training, injury prevention and rehabilitation in a practical setting. You will focus on physical and mental loading, and on the key fitness components of strength, speed, endurance and flexibility.

Tactical Development in Sport: This unit focuses on performance analysis techniques, providing practical opportunities to collect, assimilate and analyse tactical, technical and time motion information, with the aim of improving performance.

Marginal Gains for Peak Performance: This unit identifies past, current and future methods of obtaining potential marginal advantage in performance, with a chance to build first-hand experience via off-site learning.

Individual Project: The project provides an opportunity to undertake a sustained, intensive and independent investigation into a topic of your choosing, presenting your work in a peer-reviewed journal format.

Programme specification document - http://mycourse.solent.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6152

Teaching, learning and assessment -

The course combines theory-led sessions with practical sessions, working individually and in groups in both the laboratory and the field. On all units you’ll work with real-life clients, in a placement either organised yourself or by members of the course team.

Work experience -

Prior to starting the course you’ll be expected to have a placement organised that will last throughout your studies; this can be in more than one organisation if required. The placement should be in a role relevant to the course, and might include (but not limited to) coach, sport scientist, performance analyst, strength and conditioning coach, exercise physiologist, biomechanist, laboratory technician, etc.

If you’ve been unable to organise a placement, the course team will support you in finding a placement, potentially with university partners Southampton FC or a range of other top sports organisations, including Reed’s High Performance Academy, British Swimming, Hampshire Rugby, Crystal Palace FC, London Irish RFC, GB Wheelchair Rugby and more.

Assessment -

Assessment will be a range of written coursework, viva, presentations, reports and practical tests.

Our facilities -

You’ll have timetabled and extracurricular access to our BASES-accredited physiology laboratory (http://www.solent.ac.uk/business-community/hess/facilities/physiology-lab.aspx), as well as the biomechanics (http://www.solent.ac.uk/business-community/hess/facilities/biomechanics-lab.aspx), health and exercise (http://www.solent.ac.uk/business-community/hess/facilities/health-exercise-lab.aspx) and psychology laboratories (http://www.solent.ac.uk/business-community/hess/facilities/psychology-laboratory.aspx).

Study abroad -

Through discussion with your course leader you’ll have potential opportunities to study abroad through international placement in the industry, for example in Poland.

Web-based learning -

Solent’s virtual learning environment provides quick online access to assignments, lecture notes, suggested reading and other course information.

Why Solent?

What do we offer?

From a vibrant city centre campus to our first class facilities, this is where you can find out why you should choose Solent.

Facilities - http://www.solent.ac.uk/about/facilities/facilities.aspx

City living - http://www.solent.ac.uk/studying/southampton/living-in-southampton.aspx

Accommodation - http://www.solent.ac.uk/studying/accommodation/accommodation.aspx

Career Potential

The skills you’ll develop on this course open up a wide range of career opportunities in sport and exercise science, across every sport imaginable. You could work with professional, elite or Olympic athletes, meeting the challenges of ensuring they maintain peak fitness in world-class competition, or work with hospitals and health organisations to develop training and recovery programmes for patients suffering injury or disability. You could work with schools and/or colleges, developing fitness programmes and encouraging the next generation of athletes to excel.

Links with industry -

This MSc has been designed in conjunction with industry experts, ensuring you receive the skills and theory precisely tailored to industry requirements. Our industry partners are also integral in the provision of placement opportunities, giving you the advantage of real-world experience alongside potential employers during your master’s studies.

The course also incorporates a series of guest lecturers from the highest level of a variety of sports, to share their advice, knowledge and experience of the industry.

Transferable skills -

Presentation, project and time management, leadership, communication, IT and numeracy skills are developed in both the classroom and practical placement opportunities.

Further study -

You’ll have the opportunity to specialise at the highest level with Solent’s PhD programme, under the guidance of various staff members.

Tuition fees

The tuition fees for the 2016/2017 academic year are:

UK and EU full-time fees: £6,695

International full-time fees: £12,380

Other costs -

Compulsory BASES membership: £24

Graduation costs -

Graduation is the ceremony to celebrate the achievements of your studies. For graduates in 2015, there is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £42 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost.
For more details, please visit: http://www.solent.ac.uk/studying/graduation/home.aspx

Next steps

Think you’ve got what it takes to succeed in sport and exercise science? By combining practical experience with advanced academic theory, Southampton Solent’s athletic development and peak performance master’s degree will help you to take your sport science or coaching career to the next level.

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This is a one-year full time (with part time routes available) programme of study designed for graduates seeking to develop specialist knowledge in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics.

The MSc in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics, therefore, provides students with an opportunity to study at a postgraduate level to fulfil the initial requirements for BASES accreditation, to develop their knowledge of the sport and exercise sciences and to increase their skills in applying such knowledge in both sporting and exercise populations.

Course content
Within the past decade there has been a marked growth in the career opportunities available for sport and exercise biomechanists (eg teaching in further and higher education, World Class Support programmes). Coupled with this growth there has also been an increased need for appropriately qualified and accredited individuals to fill such positions. The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences has developed procedures for the accreditation of suitably experienced individuals that stipulate the possession of a relevant form of postgraduate qualification. The MSc in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics, therefore, provides students with an opportunity to study at a postgraduate level to fulfil the initial requirements for BASES accreditation, to develop their knowledge of the sport and exercise sciences and to increase their skills in applying such knowledge in both sporting and exercise populations.

Home tuition fees for 2017

1 Year full-time including dissertation £5670.00.

There is an Alumni Discount of 10% for students applying within five years of completion of an undergraduate course at Chichester.

Overseas fees for 2017 are £12,360.00

Our facilities
Over the past few years, we have redeveloped both of our campuses so that you have the best facilities available as you study for your degree. We pride ourselves on the quality of the learning environment we can offer our students. All of our facilities are designed for academic teaching, research, British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) competitions and for your social/recreational use throughout the week and weekends.

The world-class Tudor Hale Centre for Sport is the focus of sporting activities, both academic and recreational, at the University. The Tudor Hale Centre for Sport incorporates a suite of state of the art sport science laboratories, a sports injury clinic, a strength and conditioning room and a fitness suite. In addition, there is a sports hall used for basketball, netball, trampolining, badminton, volleyball, cricket, soccer, table tennis, hockey and ultimate frisbee. Located beside the Tudor Hale Centre for Sport you will find our brand new Sports Dome, incorporating four indoor tennis courts, our all-weather astro turf pitch, and grass rugby pitch.

Facilities
5 x Kistler force plates
1 x RS Scan pressure plate
3 x EMG systems
14 camera Vicon T-Series motion capture
Integrated Visual 3D analysis
Quintic video based kinematic analysis
Cybex Norm isokinetic dynamometer
Brand new Sports Dome, with four tennis courts, three netball courts
Sports hall
110m synthetic athletics track
Modern fitness suite
Strength and conditioning room
Two multi-purpose gymnasiums
Indoor and outdoor climbing walls and climbing boulder
Grass football and rugby pitches
Outdoor netball and tennis court
Floodlit synthetic Astro Turf pitch
Two seminar rooms
Cricket nets
Sport Science Laboratories:

Four dedicated psychology labs
Two dedicated biomechanics labs
Five dedicated physiology labs
An environmental chamber to simulate heat, altitude, etc
A sports injury clinic and adjoining rehabilitation space
Where this can take you
We provide performance support for elite athletes and competitive teams. We consistently perform well against the elite of university sport. A high number of our performance teams compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) programme at the elite level.

Several teams are supported with high-level coaching, training facility support and sports science analysis. Numerous local and national sports clubs links with our student sports teams provide additional high-level playing opportunities.

Indicative modules
All students are required to complete four modules in their chosen pathway plus the two modules in research methods and statistics and either a research dissertation or a supervised experience portfolio.

Modules currently available are:

Applied Techniques in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
Biomechanical Instrumentation and Measurement
Ergonomics in Sport and Exercise
The Research Methods and Statistics I
The Research Methods and Statistics II
The Supervised Experience Portfolio
Tissue Mechanics and Assistive Devices
Independent Project
In addition, all students have the option of substituting one module for an Independent Study module.

Assessment

To gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics, students need to complete three modules. Each module is assessed by a 4,000-word assignment.

To gain a Postgraduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics, students need to complete six modules. Each module is assessed by a 4,000-word assignment.

To gain an MSc in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics, students need to complete six modules, and a dissertation of 12,000 words or a supervised experience portfolio.

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How do athletes overcome setbacks? What is the best way for coaches to develop a great team dynamic? How do referees and officials deal with criticism? What factors influence people to take part in exercise?

Sport and exercise psychologists seek to understand the ways in which thoughts and emotions can affect performance and exercise participation. They use this knowledge to provide psychological skills support, increase motivation and develop self-belief at all levels, whether that’s encouraging the public to adopt a more active lifestyle or improving the performance of elite competitors.

This British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited Masters degree will develop the advanced psychological knowledge to understand critical issues in sport and physical activity, from recreational to elite level.

For more information on the part time option of this course, please view this web-page: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/sport-and-exercise-psychology-dtpsxp6/

Learn From The Best

The teaching team includes a number of BPS Chartered and HCPC registered Sport and Exercise Psychologists who have links to high profile governing bodies and sporting organisations including The Football Association (FA), Newcastle United Foundation and the English Institute of Sport, so when you choose this course you can be sure the knowledge and skills you will gain will be current and industry-relevant.

You will learn from research-active academics from across the Department of Psychology and Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, a valuable combination not found in most institutions. The experienced, cohesive teaching team have been praised by the BPS, external examiners and students alike for their knowledge, enthusiasm and high levels of student support.

Teaching And Assessment

At Northumbria, we take a practical approach to learning and assessment. Based in our well-equipped laboratory facilities and the state-of-the art Sport Central, you will be given the opportunity to work with athletes and client groups.

You’ll find that many modules use real-world scenarios, providing an opportunity to satisfy your intellectual curiosity as you work your way through evidence that often seems contradictory or controversial. You may find yourself helping to solve a real-life athlete issue; implementing intervention strategies to assist with performance; or developing a strategy to encourage behaviour change.

Assessment methods are varied and include exams, critical reviews and essays. Much of the course-based assessment has been developed to illustrate how the principles of sport and exercise psychology are applied in real world contexts. These may include reflections, case study reports, client/athlete needs assessments presentations, and handouts to coaches.

Moduler Overview
PY0756 - Exercise Psychology (Core, 20 Credits)
PY0757 - Motor Processes in Sport (Core, 20 Credits)
PY0758 - Psychological Skills for Sport Performance (Core, 20 Credits)
PY0759 - Counselling and Interpersonal Processes in Sport and Exercise (Core, 20 Credits)
PY0774 - Qualitative and Quantitative Methods (Core, 20 Credits)
PY0775 - Professional Skills (Core, 20 Credits)
PY0776 - MSc Thesis (Core, 60 Credits)

Learning Environment

You will be working within our modern, purpose-built teaching rooms and laboratories for taught and practical based sessions.

You will develop data analysis and interpretation skills using advanced statistical software packages as well as online survey platforms and bespoke laboratory software, including psychometric and cognitive tests.

As a postgraduate psychology student you will also have access to a dedicated common room for study, informal learning and socialising.

Research-Rich Learning

Throughout the course you will develop an understanding of research-informed practice and learn to apply this practically, through solving case studies, assessing clients for psychological skills intervention, and interpreting patterns of behaviour.

You will draw from the strengths of research active academics whose interests cover wide-ranging subjects from investigating the effects of venue on sports performance, interpersonal processes in sport, the psychological influence of injury, alcohol consumption in student athletes and the impact of physical activity on psychological wellbeing.

Your MSc thesis is submitted in journal format which allows for ongoing review and evaluation. This eases the process of submitting for publication, can strengthen a scholarship or funding application, and improve the prospect of securing employment in an academic environment.

Give Your Career An Edge

As the link between psychological wellbeing and physical activity becomes more defined, the demand for exercise psychologists in the healthcare sector has increased – particularly in the areas of health promotion and rehabilitation. Similarly, there is a growing demand for sports psychologists to deliver support from grassroots level through to performance athletes. This Masters degree programme will help develop the professional skills that will give you the edge in this evolving area of psychology.

For applicants who already possess the Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC) and who successfully complete the course, you can then go on to complete the BPS Stage 2 Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology. After completing both Stage 1 and Stage 2 qualifications this will then enable you to become an HCPC registered Sport and Exercise Psychologist practitioner, a legally protected title.

Your Future

You will graduate with a wide range of professional skills, which include the ability to:
-Critically evaluate current theories and evidence which can be applied to understand and solve complex issues in real world contexts.
-Communicate your ideas and findings effectively to variety of audiences, whether it be coaches, parents, athletes or exercise enthusiasts.
-Apply relevant ethical, legal and professional practice frameworks (such as those required by the BPS and HCPC).

Your transferable skills will include oral and written communication, critical evaluation, problem solving, time management, IT and advanced statistical and qualitative analysis techniques.

Graduates with Stage 1 and Stage 2 qualifications who are interested in sport psychology will be in a strong position to work with major sports teams or field-based consultation at major sporting events. Options for exercise psychologists include working in private rehabilitation, gyms, the NHS, GP exercise referral schemes and local Councils.

Some of our recent graduates now work as teachers, coaches, consultants, in the healthcare sector and for organisations including the English Institute of Sport and Sunderland Association Football Club (SAFC). Many of our students have gone on to further postgraduate opportunities such as Ph.D. study whilst some have also secured placement opportunities in elite, amateur and recreational level sport.

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The MSc Sports Sciences (Performance Analysis of Sport) course has been designed to enable you to develop a range of discipline-specific abilities and apply them to your selected area of special interest.

Why Study Sports Sciences (Performance Analysis of Sport) with us?

As well as increasing your theoretical and empirical knowledge within the area, our course comprises core modules that are designed to provide opportunities to enhance your abilities in a range of transferable skills, and also to develop the basic competencies that will aid your personal development should you wish to pursue accreditation in the future, for example with BASES, UKSCA or ISPAS.

The course is taught by an experienced team of tutors who have specialist research interests and publications within the subdiscipline pathways. All teaching has an applied focus, with full use made of the BASES-accredited sports science laboratories.

The above critical elements of teaching excellence and research, combined with the applied practical experience of many of the staff who have worked with national and international athletes and teams, means that during all lectures you will not only be challenged intellectually but will also gain experience and knowledge of how research informs and is informed by practice.

The requirement for an experiential learning placement within the course means that our course provides invaluable practical experience that provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge within an applied sporting environment, as well as developing key interpersonal skills while working alongside applied practitioners.

This course is suitable for: (i) students who wish to embark upon a career in the sports sciences domain and who are seeking postgraduate study with the opportunity of supervised experience; (ii) practitioners already working in the field (coaches, trainers, analysts and physiotherapists); (iii) those looking to extend their knowledge before moving into the research and academic sectors.

What will I learn?

Over the year, full-time students will take six taught modules, including: Research Methods; two sports science generic modules designed to examine practitioner skills (The Applied Sports Scientist Core Competencies) and allow you to gain field-based experience of working in an applied setting (Experiential Learning in Applied Sporting Performance); and the pathway-specific module of Performance Analysis of Sport. You will also complete one triple-module Research Project.

How will I be taught?

The course is located on the Parkgate Road Campus across a range of lecture rooms and dedicated sports science and computer laboratories.

You will learn and be taught by means of: lectures, seminars, group work and laboratory practical sessions.
The number of contact hours for full-time students is typically six to seven hours per week, plus ad-hoc tutorials. The total study time expected for each module is 200 hours.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment of modules is varied, and comprises a combination of coursework, research reports and presentations. There are no exams.

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The ability of coaches to identify talented individuals, develop them appropriately, manage their lifestyles, provide appropriate conditioning and sport science support is very demanding, and it is essential that those working in high performance sport are aware of the need to integrate these disciplines. This innovative course reflects current recommendations in the UK to produce professionals suitably qualified to work in performance coaching.

Our flexible modular structure offers an insight into how psychology, physiology, strength and conditioning, and movement analysis impact on elite performance. It will also give you an interactive approach to performance coaching, so you can apply theory to your practice. This integration of theory and practice will enhance and develop your ability to reflect on current coaching practice, plan appropriate training programmes and critically analyse existing approaches to performance coaching. You will also develop a comprehensive knowledge of the key issues that support the high performance sports coaching environment.

The University has invested heavily in facilities to support the delivery of elite performance, both in sports coaching and performance sport. These facilities are supported by excellent partnerships with Cardiff City Football Club Academy, Cardiff Blues Academy, Football Association of Wales, Sport Wales and other sports development units, which will provide excellent opportunities to integrate theory with practice. This will support opportunities for you to develop key vocational skills that are essential for a career in a high performance coaching environment.

Course content
Modules include:
• The High Performance Environment
• Effective Coaching
• Strength and Conditioning
• Developing Expertise in Sport
• Sport Psychology
• Movement Analysis
• Research Methods in Coaching
• Research Project

How you will study
Teaching methods include, lectures, video analysis, seminars, and workshops, some of which will be student-led. Assessment activities include essays, examinations, oral and poster presentations and case studies.

Career potential
The UK Vision for Coaching has clearly identified the need to develop talent coaches, performance coaches and high performance coaches. This course will provide opportunities for individuals to develop in these roles within their national governing body (NGB) or sport. This course will also support the development of the academy manager, sports coach, NGB coach, performance director, strength and conditioning coach, sport and exercise scientist or fitness advisor.

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