Program Overview

Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance (Sport)

Overview

The Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance (Sport) is a four-year part-time program that aims to develop professionals in the field of elite sports performance. The program is designed to help students gain a deeper understanding of elite performance and develop evidence-based solutions to workplace challenges.

Careers & Further Options

Graduates of the Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance (Sport) will have established their authority in their area of doctoral research by making a domain-specific contribution at the forefront of professional practice. Graduates will be prepared to take leadership roles in their domain, which will allow them to influence the way in which their profession is approached both nationally and internationally.

Entry Requirements

• Reflecting the nature of the Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance (Sport), candidates must be working in an area of professional practice, where they have reasonable experience of that profession, and an opportunity to contribute significantly to the performance within/of that profession.
• Evidence that may be provided to support this include:
  • Holding a position or role in the promotion of sport performance
  • Professional qualifications in the domain
• Candidates will be expected to hold a primary Level 9 qualification (NFQ or equivalent) in an area of sport and performance.
• Those who do not meet this entry requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis only.

Programme Structure

The program comprises both research and taught elements.

• Modules 1 - 4 comprise modules (60 ECTS) that critically reflect on theories and practice of sport performance, develop an advanced understanding of research methodologies and skills, and provide students an opportunity to relate this knowledge and understanding to their own applied and professional context.
• Module 5, the DProfElite (Sport) Thesis (180 ECTS), involves the completion of a research project and thesis.
• The taught elements of the program will be delivered using a blended learning strategy, with delivery being undertaken using a combination of online and face-to-face.
• Supporting the blended learning approach, two ‘on-campus’ learning blocks will be a feature of the students’ learning journey and will offer opportunities for assessment, sharing of practice, face-to-face teaching, and networking amongst the student cohort.

Fees and Funding

• Part-time
• EU Status Fee Part-time: €5,000 per annum (years 1 and 2), €3,302 per annum (subsequent years)
• Non-EU Fee Part-time: €10,000 per annum (years 1 and 2), €6,000 per annum (subsequent years)

How To Apply

• Applicants for the Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance are required to complete a pre-application form to begin the application process.
• Once this form has been reviewed, the applicant will be sent information via email around how to progress their application to DCU.
• The following will be required after approval of pre-application:
  • Certified academic transcripts for all years of study at college or university in original language, with certified English translations
  • Certified copy of parchment / degree certificate, with certified English translations
  • Please outline relevant academic and professional experience under each section of the application form.
  • An outline proposal of 1,000 words, describing the challenges currently faced in the candidate’s performance domain.
  • Two recommendation requests (references), including one from a senior individual in the candidate’s performance domain
  • If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.
  • Candidates who intend to reside overseas during the course of their studies should complete this Overseas Applicant Agreement and upload it to the 'Intention to Reside / Conduct Research Abroad' supplemental item field in the CRM Application Portal

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 (O’Reilly, Cregan, and Woodlock Hall), 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, work stations as well as desktop computers.