Coaching Science in Sport

MSc Coaching Science in Sport
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

Programme Director: Dr Massimiliano Ditroilo

Good practice in sports coaching is fundamental at all levels and ages for athlete development and success. This programme is intended for sports coaches, coach developers/educators and those working in closely related fields, to extend their scientific knowledge and understanding of the coaching process.

We value and encourage our students to be autonomous learners. We expect them to share their own experience with faculty and peers, as well as critically reflect on their own practice in order to enhance their existing knowledge and skills.

We aim to provide a learning environment that facilitates the comparison and contrast of theories and ideas from a range of relevant disciplines in order to integrate them into personal coaching practice.

In this programme we use a blend of the most innovative teaching and learning approaches and assessment strategies, such as seminars, laboratory-based experiential learning, web-based interactive learning, case-studies, group work, etc. These are informed by the world-class research carried out by our faculty in addition to the prestigious guest speakers.

Important Notice:
In response to the public health measures to prevent further spread of COVID-19 announced on 27th March 2020, the School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science implemented remote working for our staff.

It is not currently possible to operate telephone lines. Accordingly, any queries about this course should be emailed to performance.science@ucd.ie.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice and information can be found at https://www.ucd.ie/sirc/coronavirus/ and Student FAQs at https://www.ucd.ie/about-ucd/about/covid-19specialarrangementsfaqs/

Who should apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No

Course Description
Programme modules will be delivered on Thursday evenings (18:00-21:00) and Fridays (10:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00) across both academic semesters (September-December and February-May). The 'Research Methods and Applied Statistics' module in the second semester and the 'Dissertation' module in the third semester will enable students to choose a relevant research topic, which will be carried out over the summer months. The submission date for dissertation is generally set for the end of July.

Full-time students are required to take all modules in year 1, including dissertation.

Part-time students are required to take three modules in year 1, and three in year 2 plus dissertation. In each year, students may choose whether to take two modules in semester 1 and one module in semester 2 or vice versa. Students are required to take modules in the opposite pattern in year 2 (modules will run at the same times irrespective of year) in order to complete all six of the required modules. Please note, Research Methods and Applied Statistics has to be taken in year 2 as the assessment is linked to the dissertation.

Students registered to Occasional Coaching Science in Sport (CPD route), can take 2 or 3 of the following modules:

1. The Science of Coaching: Theory and Practice (Semester 1, Thursday 18:00 - 21:00)

2. Applied Sports Psychology and Skill acquisition (Semester 1, Friday 14:00 - 17:00)

3. Planning in Strength and Conditioning (Semester 2, Friday 10:00 - 13:00)

4. Sports and Performance Analysis for Coaches (Semester 2, Thursday 18:00 - 21:00)

Each module is worth 10 ECTS credits, which can be carried over in case these students are admitted to the full MSc programme (see Entry Requirements).

What modules can I take?

Semester 1 (timetable applies to all programmes, FT, PT, CPD):

The Science of Coaching: Theory and Practice (10 credits). Thursday, 18:00 - 21:00.
Module leader: Dr. Seamus Kelly
Exercise Physiology and Sports Nutrition (10 credits). Friday, 10:00 - 13:00.
Module leader: Dr. Katy Horner
Applied Sports Psychology and Skill Acquisition (10 credits). Friday, 14:00 - 17:00.
Module leader: Dr. James Matthews

Semester 2 (timetable applies to all programmes, FT, PT, CPD):

Sports and Performance Analysis for Coaches (10 credits). Thursday, 18:00 - 21:00.
Module leader: Dr. Denise McGrath
Planning in Strength and Conditioning (10 credits). Friday, 10:00 - 13:00.
Module leader: Dr. Massimiliano Ditroilo
Research Methods and Applied Statistics (10 credits). Friday, 14:00 - 17:00.
Module leader: Dr. Massimiliano Ditroilo

Semester 3:

Dissertation (30 credits). Module leader: Dr Massimiliano Ditroilo

Stage 1 - Core
Exercise Physiology and Sports Nutrition PERS40010
Planning in Strength and Conditioning PERS40020
Research Methods and Applied Statistics PERS40030
The Science of Coaching: Theory and Practice PERS40040
Sports and Performance Analysis for Coaches PERS40060
Applied Sports Psychology and Skill Acquisition PERS40070
Dissertation PERS40080

- A minimum of a second class honours degree (NFQ Level 8) is required in Sport and Exercise Science, Sport and Exercise Physiology, Sports Coaching, Sports Development, Physical Education, Recreation and Leisure Studies or another relevant degree discipline.

- Applicants who do not hold an honours degree will be considered on a case by case basis. These applicants should have significant relevant work experience and involvement in sports coaching, with a coaching qualification recognised by their national governing body. In year 1 the applicants must take between 2-3 modules as continued professional development (CPD) and achieve an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 (passing all modules). The applicant can then progress to year 2 and complete the remaining required modules and dissertation. The fees paid to take the modules as CPD will be deducted from the overall tuition fees to be paid to complete the MSc programme. Please see fees tab for further information on fees per module.

- All applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element) or equivalent.

How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:

MSc Coaching Science in Sport FT (X772)

Duration 1 Years
Attendance Full Time

Deadline Rolling *

MSc Coaching Science in Sport PT (X773)

Duration 2 Years

Attendance Part Time

Deadline Rolling *

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

ALL APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN FEBRUARY 2023 FOR A SEPTEMBER 2023 START.

In addition to filling out the online application, the following documents must be uploaded with each application:

1) Copy of your degree parchment (or official degree certificate issued by the University) as well as full transcripts of your results. If you have yet to graduate but are about to do so, please submit a signed letter from your University stating that you have completed the programme and will graduate, including degree classification.

2) Copy of your certificate of coaching qualification awarded by a national governing body (this is not mandatory but you are encouraged to submit it as it would strengthen your application)

3) Reference letter/s (on headed paper) of your sports/sports coaching experience

4) If your first language is not English, you must submit the original certificate of completion of an English test

Scanned documentation is preferable to photos. If you upload photos of the documents, please make sure the pages are completely legible. Blurred images will not be accepted and will delay your application review.

NOTE: If you provide scanned documents or copies of documents, you will be required to have your documentation verified (academic transcripts and English certificate, if relevant) as part of the enrolment procedures. Your end of year examination results will not be released if you have not fulfilled your document verification requirements. Please visit UCD Registry web

Occasional Coaching Science in Sport (CPD). This route allows the student to take up to 3 of the following modules:

The Science of Coaching: Theory and Practice (10 credits). First semester, Thursday, 18:00 - 21:00
Applied Sports Psychology and Skill Acquisition (10 credits). First semester, Friday, 14:00 - 17:00
Planning in Strength and Conditioning (10 credits). Second semester, Friday, 10:00 - 13:00
Sports and Performance Analysis for Coaches (10 credits). Second semester, Thursday, 18:00 - 21:00
In addition to filling out the online application, the following documents must be uploaded with each application:

1) Copy of your certificate of coaching qualification awarded by a national governing body

2) Reference letter/s (on headed paper) of your sports/sports coaching experience

3) If your first language is not English, you must submit the original certificate of completion of an English test

You will need to provide original documents for verification prior to registration (only item 3). For items 1 and 2, please scan the documentation to be uploaded (do not take a picture). Please visit UCD Registry webpage for further information.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time blended.

MSc Coaching Science in Sport (X772) Full Time
MSc Coaching Science in Sport (X773) Part Time

Careers & Employability
Graduates may gain employment as sports coaches, coaching officers, game development officers, coach developers/educators, in the following agencies and sectors:

Professional and national sports teams
National governing bodies
Sports and fitness clubs
Physical and sport education
Sports training camps
Performance analysis in sport

Some recent graduates have accepted a job offer as: Strength & conditioning coach of a League of Ireland Premier Division soccer team; Coach education and development coordinator with the Camogie Association; Assistant coach (men's soccer) and head strength & conditioning coach (men's soccer & women's basketball) of Fort Lewis College (Colorado); Outdoor Recreation Specialist at Ballyhoura Development CLG; Club Performance Coach with Bromley and Beckenham Hockey Club in London; lecturing position at the University of Southern California; Coach Development Graduate Internship to enhance quality sport opportunities for Special Olympics athletes; technical development of players and coaches for Avoca hockey Club; Assistant Manager, senior women's Irish football team; football coach, ChinaClub Football Beijing; Training Scientist (Strength) at Olympiastützpunkt Hamburg;