Discover Our MSc in Sports Performance
The MSc in Sports Performance, offered by the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at the University of Limerick, is a full-time one-year or part-time two-year postgraduate programme.
Since its inception in 2012, our MSc in Sports Performance has been a trailblazer in Ireland, winning the 2019 GradIreland Higher Education Award for Best Postgraduate Course in the Health Science Category. This innovative program equips graduates for successful careers in sports performance analysis, focusing on strength and conditioning, video analysis, and performance nutrition. Our mission is to cultivate sports practitioners who possess a comprehensive understanding of advanced practices in sports performance analysis, encouraging them to question current methods and design creative solutions.
Program Highlights
The MSc in Sports Performance, the first of its kind in Ireland, offers graduates not only a Level 9 MSc but the course also includes
- Accredited certification from Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists® (CSCS®).
- Video Analysis International Society of Performance Analysis in Sports (ISPAS)
- International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK)
- ‘Cardiac First Response’ (AED) Program
Curriculum Overview
Our program fosters both broad and specialised knowledge in sports performance. Its interdisciplinary approach reflects best practices across various sports domains, integrating theoretical, laboratory, and applied learning in a top-tier educational environment equipped with cutting-edge technologies. Students delve into taught modules that enhance their understanding of sports performance theories and practices, research methodologies, reflective practice, and critical analysis skills.
Core Modules Include:
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Speed Sports
- Endurance Sports
- Team Sports
- Strength Sports
- Professional Competencies (Problem-Based Learning)
- Research Dissertation Development
- Placement Opportunities
- Strength & Conditioning (Professional Accreditation)
- Research Dissertation (Students can exit with a graduate diploma if they choose not to complete the dissertation, and those interested in pursuing a structured PhD at UL can do so.)
Work Placement Opportunities
As part of the curriculum, students gain invaluable experience in high-performance environments prior to graduation. The placement programme allows students to establish professional connections across various sectors while developing essential skills for their future careers. Our strategic partners and organisations offer both local and international placements, including opportunities with Statsports, GAA, Sport Ireland, Oxford United FC, Rugby Canada, Western Province Rugby/Stellenbosch Academy of Sport, Oriam Scotland, Triathlon Ireland, and Munster & Connaught Rugby, among others.
Career Pathways
Since its launch, the MSc Sports Performance program has successfully graduated nearly 240 students, averaging 24 graduates per year. An impressive 83% of our graduates secure relevant employment or career advancement opportunities in Ireland and abroad. Alumni have pursued careers in strength and conditioning, coaching, and performance analysis, while others have launched their own sport science and performance analysis businesses or continued their education in performance nutrition and PhD programs.
Global Reach
Our program has attracted students from around the globe, including the US, UK, France, Germany, Canada, India, Australia, Malaysia, Poland, and China. The skills and knowledge acquired here are globally relevant, making our program appealing to an international audience.
Application Process and Requirements
We offer two pathways for admission to this programme. The standard route is for applicants with a recognized BSc 2:2 honours degree (Level 8 – National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) or higher, preferably in a related discipline such as sport and exercise sciences, physical education, strength and conditioning, kinesiology, physiotherapy, nutrition, or biomedical sciences.
Alternatively, we welcome applicants without a related degree who can demonstrate significant experience in high-level sports participation or coaching/mentoring athletes in high-performance environments. This Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) route requires a supporting statement of up to 1,000 words to be submitted with the application. Significant supplementary evidence of relevant experience must also be included.
Online applications for the program beginning in January 2025 will remain open until the end of November. Admission is based on the online written application, with no interview required. For any additional information about the course or the application process, please feel free to reach out grainne.hayes@ul.ie OR apply here https://www.ul.ie/gps/sports-performance-msc-application
Associate Professor Gráinne Hayes is the Course Director for the MSc in Sports Performance at the Department of Physical Education & Sport Sciences in UL and a member of the Physical Activity for Health research group.
Email: grainne.hayes@ul.ie
Twitter: @Grainne Hayes
ORCID: ORCID
Linked In: Grainne Hayes | LinkedIn
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