Sport Performance and Analysis MSc (2 Years)

Course Overview

The first course of its kind, our Sport Performance and Analysis MSc will allow you to integrate the study of high-performance sport with your own experiences as an athlete, coach, practitioner or someone passionate about elite sport.

You will study how we need to adopt a holistic view of high-performance improvement. One that not only has an emphasis on technical and tactical improvement, but also involves an analysis of coach/practitioner and athlete/team behaviour and interactions. The focus of the curriculum will be:

How we achieve quality training environments
Competition preparation and execution
How to develop effective support structures
Building an effective performance culture
Develop effective relationships within the performance team

The Sport Performance and Analysis MSc aims to combine your current knowledge and understanding, practical experiences of training and coaching environments. It will also aim to equip you with solid academic knowledge, key practitioner and research skills that effectively prepare you for a career in improving the high-performance sport.

Throughout each semester, you will develop a critical understanding of relevant theoretical and vocational issues. This will provide a basis for entry into further professional development within this area of industry. This programme has an applied focus and is guided by the key professional competencies outlined for elite performance support by UK Coaching.

A key feature of our Sport Performance and Analysis masters is the opportunities for volunteering within the university sports department. A focus on professional skills and vocational practice throughout this course will help improve your employability by gaining hands-on experience.

This course is aimed at those with an interest in performance coaching and analysis. You will cover topics such as performance analysis, data analytics, athlete welfare, management and working with elite performers.

At the start of Semester One, you will be informed of the options for Semester Two. You will be encouraged to discuss your choice of optional modules with your personal tutor. Information concerning the modules will also be made available on the eLP. You will choose one of the following options:

Physiology of Sports Performance
Applied Sports Nutrition
Sponsorship & Strategic Sport Brand Management

You will benefit from the department's unique internal and external sporting partners to provide authentic learning opportunities and experiences. The department has links with several elite sport clubs that complement Northumbria's outstanding facilities, staff and resources. Examples of organisations we have worked with in the past include; Newcastle United Football Club, the Lawn Tennis Association, Sunderland United Football Club and British Cycling.

Within many of the modules, you will have the opportunity to address real-life problem scenarios. They will often involve links we have with high-performance sport and have been developed in consultation with industry-based employers. You will demonstrate an awareness of the role ethical practice plays in performance sport. You will be encouraged to develop further knowledge by gaining continuing professional development with and from experts in the industry.

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject area such as sports science, sports performance and coaching, physical education, physiotherapy, social sciences. Work experience in a relevant field and/or a professional qualification may also be considered.