Sports Performance Analysis - Carlow

Overview

You want your qualifications to give you the edge in a constantly innovating and changing industry. SETUs MSc in Sports Performance Analysis will allow you to learn the technical skills and competencies required by Performance Analysts to work in High-Performance Sport, enabling you to deepen your expertise.



What is this programme about?

This innovative MSc (NFQ Level 9, 90 Credit) programme will prepare graduates for future opportunities in Sports Performance Analysis by offering a blend of theory and practice underpinned by a theoretical foundation. The programme aims to provide graduates with the necessary academic, practical and research-based skills to become effective performance analysis practitioners and feed into and drive the Sports Performance Analysis demand in Ireland and internationally.



The MSc in Sports Performance Analysis is designed for coaches and practitioners who wish to increase their knowledge of Sports Performance Analysis and apply it in a coaching environment.



Special Features of the programme

Learners work with a sports team or teamsduring the year/season. This providesthe student with the opportunity toapply the knowledge and skills gainedin their programme of study, in livesports performance analysis contextsand to facilitate the student indeveloping the practical competencies,soft skills and communications skillsnecessary to function as an effectivesports performance analyst.



Studentshave worked with a range of sportsteams at differing levels including:underage provincial rugby, senior andunderage international basketballteams, senior club teams in Gaelicfootball, county senior hurling teams,club hockey teams and First Divisionsoccer teams.



The programme is delivered in a blended format, with approximately one week in every four being delivered on campus, whereas the other weeks are delivered remotely. Students completing the full-time programme do the two days classes, whereas those doing the programme part-time do one day. At present, Thursdays are allocated for the first year of the part-time programme with Fridays allocated for the second year of the part-time programme.

What subjects will I study?

Semester One (September - December):

Technology in Sports Performance Analysis

Data Analysis in Sport

Contemporary Issues in Sports Performance Analysis

Research Methods



Semester Two (January - May):

Coaching Science

Sports Analytics & Insights

Applied Sports Performance Analysis



Dissertation (This will run throughout the year).



Module Focus: Sports Analytics & Insights

The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of modern data science tools and techniques and to critically evaluate, select and apply these tools and methods to garner insights within a sports performance context. We will teach our students to take data from computerised Performance Analysis software like NacSport or Sportscode and transform it using R. This will enable students to analyse large datasets, build automated reports and create beautiful data visualisations.

Applicants require a Level 8 Degree (minimum 2nd class Honours) in:



- BA Sports Management and Coaching

- BSc in Sport Science

- Or Cognate qualifications



Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants without a relevant degree may apply via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Applying for entry via routes other than those listed above will be considered on a case-by-case basis as per SETU Carlow's Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Applicants must demonstrate significant experience in the Sports Performance Analysis industry. Candidates require a minimum of 3 years Sports Performance Analysis experience at a high-performance level.

1 year full-time.



The MSc programme will be delivered through a Blended learning approach between On-Campus Delivery and Online Delivery.

Next intake: September 2025.

Study & Career Opportunities

This programme is highly vocational and practical and is carefully aligned to industry demands, yet underpinned by solid theoretical foundations. The programme will be beneficial to those wishing to seek future opportunities in performance analysis, those currently employed within a club or organisation with a performance analysis role, and coaches who want to enhance their knowledge and skill set.



Students also have access to our innovative Sports Performance Analysis Lab at SETU Carlow. They will have the opportunity to learn how to use and apply the latest performance analysis software to their practice (Sportscode Elite, NacSport, Dartfish and Quintic).



There are vast opportunities for graduates of our MSc in Sports Performance Analysis in both professional and amateur sports.