Program Overview

MSc in Elite Sport Performance

Overview

Our two-year, distance-learning course gives you the chance to grow your elite sports performance expertise, put theory into practice and collaborate with leading sports professionals.

Careers & Further Options

There is an increasing demand for postgraduate study for early and mid-career professionals working in sport performance.

Entry Requirements

• Reflecting the nature of the MSc in Elite Sport Performance, candidates should be working in sport or a related area, or intend to work in the sport domain.
• Evidence that may be provided by the applicant to support this include one or more of the following:
  • Holding a position or role in the promotion of sport performance or related area
  • Holding an appointment or professional position in the domain
  • Professional qualifications in the domain, with clear articulation of intention to progress to work in the domain
• Candidates will be expected to hold a primary Level 8, minimum 2.2 qualification (NFQ or equivalent) in an area of sport and performance.
• In line with DCU policy, students who do not have the appropriate level of academic attainment for direct entry may apply for access via the Recognition of Prior Learning process (RPL).
• All RPL applicants will be invited to interview and required to demonstrate that their learning is comparable in terms of academic training and assessment.

Programme Structure

The MSc in Elite Sport Performance provides appropriately qualified early-career sport professionals across relevant sport performance disciplines (e.g., sport science and coaching) with the opportunity to acquire advanced subject knowledge in their field.

• Year 1:
  • Semester 1:
    • Planning Skills for Sport Professionals
    • Learning for Sport Practitioners
    • Expertise in Elite Performance
  • Semester 2:
    • Decision Making in Elite Sport Performance
    • Research Methods for Sport Practitioners
• Year 2:
  • Semester 2:
    • Evaluating and Planning for Elite Performance
    • Organisational Influences on Elite Performance
  • Year Long - Thesis:
    • The MSc Thesis provides students with the opportunity to conceive, synthesise and implement a research investigation into a genuine performance issue within their own sport domain, making use of appropriate methodologies and related knowledge.

Fees and Funding

• Part-time:
  • EU Status Fee Part-time: €4,800 Per Annum (EU status including UK students who meet residency requirements)
  • Non EU Fee Part-time: €9,200 Per Annum

How To Apply

• All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal.
• Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation if applicable.
• One reference, from an individual in the candidate’s performance domain or an academic reference.
• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.

Life On Campus

• DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
• Each campus has a library, study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies.
• There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.

FAQs

• Is DCU all one campus?
  • No, DCU is a multi-campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses.
• If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
  • Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
• Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
  • Yes, we have a brand new state of the art four-floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, workstations as well as desktop computers.
• Does DCU provide accommodation?
  • Yes, DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.