Code
SE91C
Location
Carlow
Campus
Kilkenny Road
- Level Level 9
- Duration 2 Years
- Credits 90
- Delivery Part-time
- Application Status Closed
- Next Intake September 2025
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 (Sept - Dec)
- Technology in Sports Performance Analysis
- Data Analysis in Sport
- Contemporary Issues in Sports Performance Analysis
- Research Methods
Semester Two (Jan - 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.
NOTE: The MSc programme will be delivered through a Blended learning approach between On-Campus Delivery and Online Delivery.
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
