Sports Coaching & Performance

This programme links directly with the needs of industry, as the coaching profession becomes more internationally recognised. The high performing focus on the course will be achieved through in-depth reflection on practice, challenging of current knowledge and the use of innovative approaches to actively engage students. Tailor your research and assessments around the aspects of coaching and sports that you are most passionate about.



About

The term "high performing" underpins this master’s programme, ensuring students will be challenged to develop their coaching practice through a range of modules which focus on individual development and current approaches to coaching.



The course aims to facilitate the continuing development of sports coaches by enhancing their knowledge, skills and ability to reflect upon their current practice. The course content is based on the requirements of the sports coaching profession, employers, associated professional bodies, community and industrial interests.



The MSc is offered in both full-time and part-time modes. Students will complete 180 credit points for the award of MSc, with the option to exit after completing 120 credits for the award of Postgraduate Diploma or 60 credits for the award of Post Graduate Certificate. Full-time students will take 60 credits in each of the three semesters, while the part-time students will take 30 credits in each semester of years one and two and 60 credits in year three.



There are five compulsory taught modules on the course. Four of the programme modules are 30 credit points whilst the Research Project module is 60 credits (the dissertation is not necessary for those who choose to exit with the PgDip). Students wishing to graduate with a PGCert will study 60 credits which is offered in semester 1 of the programme. Throughout modules, students are offered the opportunity to choose what aspect of coaching and specific sport they will research for their assessments.

Full-Time Programme

Year One

Research Project in Sports Coaching

Performance Analysis and Monitoring

Personal Skill and Leadership Development

Advanced Coaching Process

Skill Acquisition



Part-Time Programme

Year one

Performance Analysis and Monitoring

Personal Skill and Leadership Development



Year Two

Advanced Coaching Process

Skill Acquisition



Year Three

Research Project in Sports Coaching

Applicants must: (a) have gained; (i) a second class honours degree or better in a related discipline (for example – BSc Sports Coaching, BSc Psychology; BSc Sport and Exercise Psychology; BSc Sports Studies; Sports and Exercise Sciences or Physical Education) from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or (ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification; and (b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent); In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and/or (b), where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Attendance

This programme will be delivered in full-time and part-time modes. The means of delivering will be in blocks throughout each semester of study. Block teaching requires students to attend approximately 2 to 3 days per month during semester's one and two. 

Start Date: September 2025.

Career options

The climate for developing sport and coaching across the world has never been more positive. Coach education and development has become a major focus for policy and funding decisions by many Governmental Departments. Coaching is emerging as a recognised profession in many countries, this has created a fast moving and dynamic environment in which coaches are challenged to continually develop their practice. In this context many coaches and coaching professionals (e.g. coach educators) undertake study at post graduate level to both enhance their practice and improve their career prospects. ​Graduates who successfully achieve a Masters in Sports Coaching & Performance fulfil roles in a wide range of sport and non-sport related organisations.