Sports Coaching & Performance

Overview

Aimed at those wanting to become high performing coaches, this master's degree will equip students with the key knowledge and skills to succeed as a high performing coach. 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.



Work placement / study abroad

There are a range of approaches that will be utilised in this programme with regards to work-based learning, from minimal workplace guidance in some modules to full mentoring support in the Advanced Coaching Process module, which entails the academic mentor viewing the student in their coaching environment. The value of this model of work-based learning is that it enables students to receive observational assessment in the workplace. All assessments will be reflective in nature which will ensure the engagement of work-based practice.

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.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country



Exemptions and transferability

Exemptions from modules will be on a case by case basis depending on the prior learning of the student cohort. Regulations of the University in relation to credits will also be taken into correspondence for each student and their learning.

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

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 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

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.



For example:

Sport Governing Bodies:

Director of Coaching

Coaching Manager

Strength and Conditioning coach

Coaching Development

Talent Identification & Development

High Performance Coach

Professional Coach

Talent/youth/children Coach

Performance analyst 



Local Authorities:

Sports Development Officer

Active Schools Coordinator

Coach (after schools, multi-skills, sports specific)

Physical Activity Coordinator



Education:

Physical education teacher

High school coach

University lecturer

Director of Sport

Researcher



Other:

Self-employed business

Full-or part-time coach



The expectation of what makes a high performing coach is growing and there is a need therefore for coaches at all levels to become highly qualified; this can be achieved by continuing in education at postgraduate level.