Sport Performance Analysis Masters - MSc/PgD/PgC

The Sport Performance Analysis programme has three specific core modules that denote each pathway of study, common modules that are shared across both pathways, and one optional module slot.

These modules provide students with a balance of academic and experiential (Practical Labs) studies, which are focused through ensuring a comprehensive analysis of the research process.

Placement opportunities will assist towards accreditation from International Society of Performance Analysis of Sport (ISPAS).​

The Analytics pathway of the Sport Performance Analysis programme is delivered through asynchronous online materials covering practical analytics and data processing skills, demonstrations of machine learning techniques in various packages with associated exercises and data sets. The asynchronous material also includes video lectures theoretical background material on analytics, big data, data mining, artificial intelligence in sport and research topics in sports performance analysis. 

Timetabled delivery for each module equates to approximately 2 hours a week with sessions being conducted on Microsoft Teams allowing students to engage with these synchronous contact sessions from outside the university. These sessions are a combination of tutorials and seminars. There are also individual student tutorials scheduled within each module to support students preparing their courseworks. There is also additional private study that students engage in to develop knowledge, intellectual and practical ability in sports analytics. This amounts to 12 to 15 hours per week including engagement with asynchronous material and reading research papers. 

The Supervised Placement module involves students doing data science analyses for professional sports organisations and clubs. Currently these placements are “virtual” rather than students being on-site with partner organisations. This is to comply with Covid-related restrictions. 

All modules are supported by the University's online learning platform, where supplementary learning resources and information will be available. All students are supported with access to a personal tutor, who is normally the Programme Director. Synchronous interactive seminars and tutorial sessions are scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays. 

​ With the exception of independent research project (Dissertation) all module assessments are based upon 5,000 words or equivalent. Assessment methods are designed to give the student opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of theoretical, applied and professional practice in the most relevant manner, and include practical presentations, production of resources to highlight analysis, analysis reports and critical reviews. The independent research project (dissertation) can be presented either as a traditional 12,000-word thesis or in the format of a journal article, and will be defended by an oral examination (viva).

Many graduates of performance analysis from Cardiff Met are working within the field of performance analysis. Due to the demands of National Governing Bodies, satellite and terrestrial TV companies, soccer clubs, rugby clubs, Welsh Institute of Sport, the English Institutes (regional centres) of Sport there has been an increase in the range of career opportunities in the field of sport performance analysis. This programme prepares students for a range of analysis careers in the sports industry, particularly work which takes place with elite performers.

Applicants should normally have one of the following:

• An honours degree (2:1 or above) in a sport or mathematics related area are appropriate to the Programme Director
• An honours degree (2:1 or above) in an alternative subject area that is acceptable by the Programme Director
• Experience of study or provision of performance analysis.
• Candidates with exceptional and extensive work experience in sport, coaching or performance will also be considered.
  

For the MSc Professional Practice, applicants must also either have a relevant professional work placement organised or apply for a supported internship.

International Applicants
Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.5 standard or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the website.

Selection Procedure:
Students are normally selected on the basis of their formal application, a CV and an interview. Applicants are usually invited to have an informal (skype or phone) conversation with the Programme Director before any offer is made.

How to Apply:
Applications for this course should be made direct to the university via our self-service facility. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.

If you are interested in using credit from another institution, or have obtained qualifications and/or experience to study for a course at Cardiff Met, you can find further information on this as well as information on how to apply on the RPL page.

Tuition Fees and Financial Support:
For up to date information on tuition fees and the financial support that may be available. Please refer to www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/fees.

Part-time fees:
Charges are per Single Module unless specified:
Undergraduate = 10 Credits; Postgraduate = 20 Credits

Generally we find most students will complete 60 credits per year for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate study; to obtain a true costing please clarify this by contacting the Programme Director directly.

For general enquiries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email directapplications@cardiffmet.ac.uk

For course specific enquiries, please contact the programme leader, Dr Peter O'Donoghue:

Email: PODonoghue@cardiffmet.ac.uk
Tel: 029 2041 7255