Professional Development: Rugby Performance MSc

The rugby specialist pathway has been designed to allow different rugby professionals worldwide to develop a critical understanding of issues relating to their professional development and performance to advance their professional practice whilst working or playing.

• Flexible learning allows you to study at your own pace around your professional role.
• Access to industry partners through course collaborations, including the RPA and coaches from professional football clubs.
• The first rugby specific MSc programme delivered in the UK by leading professional coaches.

Why study Professional Development: Rugby Performance?

The course content and design are informed by our partners within Rugby, including coaches, coach educators from professional clubs and national governing bodies.

Taught by nationally and internationally renowned coaches and coach developers and specialist staff the applied nature of the programme means that you are continually asked to reflect on course content in your professional practice.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods on the course deviate from traditional ideas, the main aim for assessments is to capture learning within the realms of your professional contexts.

Some of the assessment methods utilised on the programme are as follows:

• Season long training plan
• Practical recorded sessions
• Session plans
• Case studies
• Virtual portfolio

Modes of study

You can choose to study this degree as either full distance learning or blended learning (one visit per month to campus).

Studying this degree full-time will take 12 months. The duration of part-time study is either 24 or 36 months.

Career opportunities

As a MSc Professional Development with a specialism in Rugby Performance graduate, you will be highly sought after by employers in a rapidly growing market both nationally and globally. Your modules will allow you to build your skills, knowledge and experiences within industry which will enhance your employability prospects in elite sport.

Employment areas include:

• Age group coach
• Lead Phase manager
• Academy Manager
• Independent school coach/Head of Rugby
• Personal Business development.

Students need to have a minimum 2.2 degree or international equivalent, preferably in a sports-related subject. Applicants are encouraged to hold or have the intention to work towards, an NGB L3 coaching award or international equivalent qualification and demonstrate continued commitment to coaching or professional practice. Non-degree entrance: Applicants without formal degree level qualification but with significant relevant work or playing experience are encouraged to apply.