Coaching Science in Sport

In this MSc programme you will learn about the cutting-edge science that underpins diverse aspects of coaching, e.g. tapering and peaking to optimise performance, the coach-athlete relationship, performance and notational analysis in sport. You will also undertake original research of your own on a topic that is relevant to you. Critical evaluation of academic knowledge and its practical application is a distinctive feature of this advanced programme.

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.

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 Massimiliano Ditroilo
Exercise Physiology and Sports Nutrition (10 credits). Friday, 10:00 - 13:00.
Module leader: Prof Kate Pumpa
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 Sinead Holden
Planning in Strength and Conditioning (10 credits). Friday, 10:00 - 13:00.
Module leader: Dr James Timmons
Research Methods and Applied Statistics (10 credits). Friday, 14:00 - 17:00.
Module leader: Dr Katy Horner

Semester 3:
Dissertation (30 credits). Module leader: Dr Katy Horner

- 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 2024 FOR A SEPTEMBER 2024 START.

MSc Full Time/Part Time, 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 webpage for further information.

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.
MODE OF DELIVERY: Face-to-Face

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.

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; Coach development specialist at Special Olympics Ireland; S&C coach of the Chinese National Women's Rowing Team;