Performance Analysis & Talent Management, FdSc

Program Overview

The Performance Analysis and Talent Management, FdSc at UCLan is a two-year program designed to equip students with skills and knowledge for careers in the sports industry. Through hands-on learning and a mix of on-campus and off-campus coursework, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The program offers strong industry connections and opportunities for students to gain practical experience in professional sports clubs. Graduates may pursue careers as recruitment analysts, technical scouts, or data scientists.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Performance Analysis and Talent Management, FdSc is a two-year program offered by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) that provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in performance environments within the sports industry. The program aims to develop independent, resourceful, problem-solving practitioners with transferable skills applicable across many contexts. Students will develop professional and academic skills as well as essential practical skills needed for a career in sport.

Outline:

The program is delivered in-person on the Preston Campus and is structured into two years of study. The course is highly flexible and personalized, with a mix of on-campus and off-campus learning. Students can attend workshops either on-site or online via live stream.

Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Introduction to Performance Analysis:
This module aims to develop performance analysis skills relevant to working with players and athletes in a team performance environment. Students will gain an insight into the key technologies employed by and used to support contemporary coaches within the coaching process. They will develop an awareness of and level of competence using a range of appropriate technologies which might enhance their coaching process.
• Work Based Learning for the Sports Industry One: This module aims to teach and establish awareness of the professional and academic standards required at university.
Students will develop key academic skills required for assignments and other academic work. The module will also introduce areas of research which are developed in greater depth later in the degree. Students will be introduced to talent identification and scouting in sport and challenged to develop their knowledge and understanding of key theoretical concepts in the field. The module also aims to raise awareness of talent identification related issues students should be aware of in the context as a scout, coach, or performance analyst. Students will consider the wide and varied context of sport in the UK. They will develop their learning independently by applying module theory to professional practice.

Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Applied Performance Analysis for Sport:
This module provides a framework where sports coaches can apply the coaching process and develop techniques to evaluate sports performance, particularly technical and tactical analysis. This will include a review of pertinent scientific elements of training/performance. The module will challenge students to apply knowledge acquired in the first year in a suitable applied environment.
• Work Based Learning for the Sports Industry Two: This module aims to build upon the initial research skills, study skills, and professional practice explored in the first year module.
This will include development of specific research skills around primary data collection, and development of professional practice in a specific working environment. Students will develop knowledge from their first year of study to effectively implement core talent identification and development theory into practice. Knowledge will be enhanced through the integration of key theory from performance analysis, the use of key performance indicators and data in the identification of talented performers. The module will develop students' ability as a scout, coach, or performance analyst.
• Improving Performance in Sport: This module will allow students to use coaching and sports science principles and practices to improve performance in sport.
Students will undertake a variety of theoretical and practical tasks aimed at developing their skills as a coach, particularly focused on the multidisciplinary approach required to improve performance.

Assessment:

The modules are assessed through a diverse range of methods, including presentations, projects, portfolios, case studies, planning and reflection, coaching resources, blogs/vlogs, and discussions.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a wide variety of teaching methods and learning environments to ensure students have the opportunities to apply theoretical concepts in applied contexts. Students will engage in all workshops and practicals, and they will prepare for workshops and discussion forums by pre-reading notes from previous learning activities.

Careers:

Upon successful completion of the course alongside appropriate work-based learning, students will be prepared to progress into positions such as:

• Recruitment Analyst
• Technical Scout
• Training Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Senior Match Analyst
• Coach Analyst

Other:

The program has strong national and international links at professional sports clubs, plus excellent local partnerships with clubs such as Fleetwood Town FC, Preston North End FC, Wigan Warriors RLFC, Burnley FC, and Preston Grasshoppers RUFC. Students will have opportunities to gain real-world experience with professional clubs. The academics are research active in the domain of sports performance, analysis, and scouting. They have a wealth of experience in leadership positions in professional sporting organizations.

• UK:
• Full-time: £9,250 per year
• Part-time: £1,540 per 20 credits
• International:
• Full-time: £16,500 per year