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.
Module Focus
Data Analysis for Sport
The Data Analysis for Sport module provides a foundational understanding of essential data analysis concepts, including data types and data visualisation, tailored to the context of sports. Students will develop the ability to critically reflect on, evaluate, and apply key descriptive analysis techniques to explore and summarise sports data effectively. A significant focus of the module is on inferential statistical methods, including hypothesis testing and regression analysis. These techniques enable students to make evidence-based inferences about larger populations from sample data, identify patterns, and assess relationships within sports datasets. Through practical application and critical evaluation, students gain a robust analytical framework to provide data-driven insights in sports performance and related industries.
Contemporary Issues in Sports Performance Analysis
The Sports Performance Analysis module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and theoretical foundations of Sports Performance Analysis in sport. Through a blend of engaging lectures, hands-on practical seminars, students explore key concepts and tackle contemporary issues across various sporting contexts. By the end of the module, students will critically assess current challenges in the field, demonstrate proficiency in qualitative and quantitative analysis methods, and effectively integrate theoretical and practical research knowledge using relevant literature. Additionally, students will gain the expertise to articulate the critical role of performance analysis in delivering impactful feedback within high-performance sport.
Technology in Performance Analysis
This module equips students with practical skills in computerised Sports Performance Analysis systems alongside GPS technology. Students will develop expertise in capturing, coding, and presenting performance data to enhance individual and team outcomes. By exploring variables and performance indicators and applying video analysis, they will understand their critical role in sports coaching and analysis. Emphasis is also placed on how to marry the software with key competences such as communication, teamwork, and project management, ensuring students can present findings effectively in professional contexts. With a focus on reliability testing and the latest research, this module prepares students for success in the evolving field of Sports Performance Analysis.
Research Methods
The Research Methods module equips students with essential skills and competencies to excel in Sports Performance Analysis research. Students will master the ability to source, analyse, synthesise, and reference key literature, ensuring a solid foundation for their research projects and dissertations. They also develop critical expertise in evaluating research methodologies and designing studies tailored to Sports Performance Analysis. With a focus on best-practice, students learn to identify suitable samples and conduct robust studies with suitable methodological rigor. By completing this module, they will have the skills to produce a professional research proposal, addressing topics relevant to the Sports Performance Analysis community of researchers and practitioners.
Contemporary Issues in Sports Performance Analysis
The Sports Performance Analysis module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and theoretical foundations of Sports Performance Analysis in sport. Through a blend of engaging lectures, hands-on practical seminars, students explore key concepts and tackle contemporary issues across various sporting contexts. By the end of the module, students will critically assess current challenges in the field, demonstrate proficiency in qualitative and quantitative analysis methods, and effectively integrate theoretical and practical research knowledge using relevant literature. Additionally, students will gain the expertise to articulate the critical role of performance analysis in delivering impactful feedback within high-performance sport.
Sports Analytics and Insights
The Sports Analytics and Insights module empowers students with the technical expertise to utilise modern statistical and visualisation tools, such as R, for analysing sports performance data. Students learn to design and automate dynamic sports reports and dashboards, enhancing the efficiency and clarity of data interpretation. The module also delves into advanced data science techniques, including predictive analytics and network analysis, enabling students to extract deeper, actionable insights from complex datasets. These highly sought-after data analytics skills are indispensable not only in sports performance analysis but also in a wide range of industries, making the competencies gained in this module highly transferable and valuable in today’s data-driven world.
Applied Performance Analysis
Explore the world of Sports Performance Analysis with this dynamic module designed to equip students with essential technical and professional skills needed to thrive in the industry. Through hands-on experience with industry-standard software, students will learn to best use tools to systematically collect and analyse performance data, applying evidence-based practices to real-world scenarios. This module also fosters critical competences, including teamwork, project management, communication, and presentation techniques - key assets in both academic and professional settings. From planning and executing interventions to mastering the art of collaboration and goal setting, students will discover how to excel in the competitive field of Sports Performance Analysis.
Coaching Science
This module explores the theoretical foundations of Sports Performance Analysis within the context of coaching, focusing on key aspects such as coaching philosophies, styles, and strategies. Students will examine the role of Sports Performance Analysts in high-performance environments, gaining insight into their contribution to the coaching process and methods for measuring coaching behaviours. Alongside technical knowledge, the module emphasises equipping students with the practical and professional competencies needed to excel in both academic and workplace settings.
Entry Requirements
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.
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.
Student Profile
Ger Dunne
Head of Performance Analysis, FAI (Football Association of Ireland)
"As a student on the MSc in Sports Performance Analysis, I have learned a whole new range of skills that I can apply to my job as Head Performance Analyst with the FAI. I now have more tools available to me, and with the excellent tutors and students, we have all grown significantly over the past year. The course has also improved my research knowledge, which I now find invaluable."
Graduate Profiles
Kevin McGuigan
Performance Analyst - Sport Northern Ireland Sports Institute
"The course gave me an excellent grounding in both the theory and practical aspects of sports performance analysis through excellent teaching. I have gained new skills and knowledge by doing the course, and I apply this to my provision when working with elite athletes."
Catriona Meehan
Rugby Quality Control Analyst - Stats Perform
"The MSc SPA gave me extensive statistics and data dissemination skills that I use daily to review weekend analysis and create reports for stakeholders. It also helped in expanding my current knowledge of performance analysis techniques which help me to find innovative ways to address coding or statistical problems. Because of the MSc, I have learnt how to practically apply my academic knowledge and become a valuable worker in a fast-paced sports industry."
Conor Hacket
Paddy Power
"The soft skills I learned are also so valuable, as you are taught directly by people who have vast experience working as analysts with coaches across many different sports. Also, the networking opportunities the programme provides are absolutely brilliant, both through classmates with experience in the industry, as well as the opportunities to speak with the guest lecturers that are brought in to speak about their roles in Performance analysis. I appreciated the freedom I was given to research what most interested me within performance analysis for my dissertation, and the support given throughout this process was second to none.
Shortly after finishing the MSc I landed a really exciting role within the gambling industry in the risk and trading department. As I mentioned, the skills learned on the programme, particularly in the data analysis modules, can be used across several industries. "
Odharnaith Mc Kenna
Business Intelligence and Insights Specialist - Stats Perform
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the MSc in Sport Performance Analysis in SETU. The course provides a deeper understanding of the world of Performance Analysis from some of the top industry experts. The course also develops both core professional and personal skills needed for the Sports Technology Industry. An analysts core responsibilities are to work with data, understand it and transform it into useable knowledge. The core skills I have learned from the course, have enabled me to work closely with sport business operations to deliver insightful reports that can drive business decisions."
Course Leader
