Program Overview

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MSc Sport Performance Coaching (Online)

Overview

Established in 2010 as the first course of its kind in Scotland, this innovative online Masters gives experienced coaches the chance to improve their coaching knowledge and skills through cutting-edge best practice and research. The course is also suitable for coach developers who are seeking to enhance their work with coaches.

Key Facts

• Award: Masters / MSc, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma
• Start date: September 2025
• Duration: MSc part-time: 24 months; PGDip: 18 months; PGCert: 9 months
• Mode of study: part time
• Delivery: online

Course Objectives

Our Sport Performance Coaching MSc is for experienced coaches and coach developers who wish to extend their expertise alongside their sport-specific qualifications. It will develop your critical analysis and reflective practice skills, enhance your problem-solving capacity and promote innovative solutions for coaching problems.

Professional Accreditation

• Coaches from British Equestrian study for the PGDip Performance Coaching as part of the British Equestrian Level 4 Coaching Certificate.
• Coaches from British Rowing study for the PGDip Performance Coaching as part of the British Rowing Advanced Coach Certificate (Level 4).

Work Placements

While there are no organised placements, to gain the most from the course it is expected that you will be actively coaching or coach developing while you complete your MSc Sport Performance Coaching degree.

Flexible Learning

Our flexible degree structure means you can study the following modules from the MSc Sport Performance Coaching (Online) individually as stand-alone continuing professional development (CPD) short courses:

• Coaching as Learning
• Coaching Concepts
• Creating Engaging Practice
• The Coaching Process
• Understanding Performers: Psychological Perspectives

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• A minimum of a second class Honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent.
• Applicants without these qualifications but with significant professional experience are encouraged to apply.
• You should be an active practicing coach with an appropriate sport-specific qualification.

International Entry Requirements

View the entry requirements for your country.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
• IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

Course Details

Boost your skills, grow your network and develop your career in coaching with this specialist online course.

You must successfully complete 120 credits of taught modules and an applied coaching project for the award of the MSc. For the award of the Postgraduate Diploma you must successfully complete 120 credits worth of taught modules. For the Postgraduate Certificate you must successfully complete 60 credits worth of taught modules.

Modules

The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the academic year that starts in September 2025. Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.

Teaching

This online Masters degree is designed to be flexible and fit with your professional and personal commitments.

You’ll learn through a guided programme of study that includes:

• listening to short recorded presentations
• reading and reflecting on cutting edge research and literature related to coaching
• sharing views and ideas with classmates and staff through asynchronous discussions
• examining your own coaching practice, context and thinking through learning and assessment tasks that prompt you to gather insight and reflect on what you do and why
• learning from expert coaches, researchers and professionals through podcasts and short presentations.

Fieldwork

Although no specific fieldwork is organised, as active sport coaches, you will have an ongoing opportunity to apply your academic studies into their practical contexts.

Assessment

Module outlines include details of specific content and assessments. All assessment procedures are in line with institutional policies and will be conducted in such a way as to adhere to adult learning principles.

Classroom Hours

This course is delivered entirely online to allow students to fit their learning around their sport coaching commitments.

Course Director

Stephen Macdonald

Key Staff

• Dr Andrew Kirkland
• Dr Andrew Mark Gillott
• Mr Derek O'Riordan
• Dr Michelle Smith

Fees and Funding

Fees and Costs

If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.

If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.

Fees	UK and Republic of Ireland students	International students
Total MSc course fee	£7,875	£11,025

Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loans

This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments.

Additional Costs

There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips.

Scholarships and Funding

Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loans

Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.

English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.

Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.

Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.

International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.

Payment Options

We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments.

After You Graduate

Typically, coaches who apply for our MSc Sport Performance Coaching degree will already be employed in sport or coaching related roles. We anticipate graduates from the course will better understand themselves, their coaching practice and wider coaching context which prepares them to fulfil high performing coaching or coach development roles in their sport.

What Our Students Said

View more student stories

Steven McGinnis
Northern Ireland
MSc Sport Performance Coaching

"When I was looking at remote study options, Stirling’s course offered me the content and flexibility I needed. This course was excellent from a personal and professional development challenge. Not only did it broaden my coaching, but it helped me realign the ‘what’ and ‘why’ I coach the way I do. It reinforced my values and principles along with coaching practice and studies. Whether you're an aspiring coach or someone well-experienced in your role, this course has something to offer you. "

Read Steven's story

Alex Mollin
UK and ROI
MSc Sport Performance Coaching

"I would highly recommend this programme to any coach seeking further studies. It has provided me with a valuable range of personal and professional development opportunities."

Read Alex's story

Charlie Ovey
England
MSc Sport Performance Coaching

"The course covered a broad range of topics that have allowed me to expand my professional responsibilities and aspirations. I have been able to improve my performance in my existing role while putting myself in contention for other positions."

Read Charlie's story

View more student stories

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