Sports Performance Analysis - Carlow

Overview

In an industry that is constantly changing and encouraging innovation, you need qualifications that will give you the edge. SETU’s MSc in Sports Performance Analysis teaches you the technical skills and competencies required by Performance Analysts to work in high-performance sport, allowing you to increase 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 both 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 the effective performance analysis practitioners that are being sought out both in Ireland and internationally. The MSc in Sports Performance Analysis is designed for coaches and performance analysis practitioners who want to increase their knowledge of Sports Performance Analysis and apply it to a coaching environment.



Special Features of the Programme

Participants in this programme work with a sports team or teams during the year/season. This provides the student with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained in this programme in live sports performance analysis contexts and to facilitate the student’s development of practical competencies, soft skills and communication skills necessary to work as an effective Sports Performance Analyst.



Students on this programme have worked with a range of sports teams at different levels such as:

- Senior Inter-County Teams in the GAA (Gaelic Football, Hurling, and Camogie)

- International Football Teams

- Provincial and International Rugby

- International and Club Field Hockey

- Olympic Sports and Sports Institutes

- International Basketball Teams



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

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 and Insights

Applied Sports Performance Analysis



A Dissertation module will also run throughout the year.

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.

2 years part-time.

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.