Sports Coaching - Applied Sports Coaching

This innovative part-time two-year postgraduate programme will give experienced coaches the opportunity to enhance their practice through engagement with practitioner leaders in the field of sports coaching, recognised experts from UL with extensive experience supporting coaches, and peers from a diverse range of sports. For individuals without a primary degree in Coaching, Sport Science or a related discipline, there is also a popular entry route based on providing evidence of extensive coaching experience.

Workshops are held on Mondays. To make it more accessible, the course is predominantly delivered on-line, supported by several on campus days each semester.

Key Fact
Your coaching will form the basis for the curriculum: your plans (for sessions; for seasons; for club culture; for long term athlete development), your behaviours (during training sessions and during competitions), your reflections, your philosophy of practice, will all be examined in light of case studies from our external speakers, and the latest research in coaching science and sport science

Year 1

Semester 1
• The Coaching Process & Practice

Semester 2
• Reflective Practice for Sports Coaches
• Performance Analysis in Coaching

Semester 3
• Athlete and Coach Development

Year 2

Semester 1
• Management & Leadership in Coaching
• Research Project Development

Semester 2
• Research Project 1 Sports Coaching

Semester 3
• Research Project 2 Sports Coaching

Generic Entry Requirements: Applicants for a Master's programme must normally have a first or second class Level 8 honours degree (NFQ or other internationally recognised equivalent) in a relevant or appropriate subject (e.g. Sport Science, Sports Coaching, Physical Education), or equivalent prior learning that is recognised by the University as meeting this requirement. Applicants without a relevant degree may apply via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), if they can demonstrate significant coaching experience. Specifically, prospective candidates require a minimum of 5 years coaching experience along with appropriate sport-specific coaching awards (preferably minimum Level 2). An application via RPL requires a supporting statement uploaded with the application.

Applicants must also satisfy the English Language Requirements of the University. The University reserves the right to shortlist and interview applicants as deemed necessary.

Garda Clerance is also required for this programme.

Specific Programme Entry Requirements: Applicants must:

•Hold a sports National Governing Body Level 1 Coaching Award (minimum)

•Show evidence of previous experience in sports coaching and must be practicing coaches for the programme duration.

•Obtain Garda Vetting as a requirement of this Master's programme.

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

•Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved

•Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above

•TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)

•IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5* with no less than 6 in any one component.

•English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1

•GCE 'O' level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above

•Cambridge Assessment English –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade B

•GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.

What to include with your application

Qualification transcripts and certificates
English language qualification(s) if English is not your first language
Certified English translation of your transcripts/certificates where the original transcripts are in a language other than English
Completed Additonal Applicaiton Documentation form - please click here for link to form
A copy of your birth certificate (long document)

2 years part-time