MSc Coaching Science in Sport
In this Coaching Science in Sport MSc programme from the University College Dublin you will learn about the cutting-edge science that underpins diverse aspects of coaching, e.g. tapering and peaking to optimise performance, the coach-athlete relationship, performance and notational analysis in sport.
Quick Facts
| Duration | 1 year full-time 2 years part-time |
| Start Date | September |
| Tuition Fee | €20,950 per year full time €13,860 per credit part-time |
| Location | Dublin, Ireland |
During the Coaching Science in Sport MSc programme from the University College Dublin you will undertake original research of your own on a topic that is relevant to you. Critical evaluation of academic knowledge and its practical application is a distinctive feature of this advanced programme.
Good practice in sports coaching is fundamental at all levels and ages for athlete development and success. This programme is intended for sports coaches, coach developers/educators and those working in closely related fields, to extend their scientific knowledge and understanding of the coaching process.
We value and encourage our students to be autonomous learners. We expect them to share their own experience with faculty and peers, as well as critically reflect on their own practice in order to enhance their existing knowledge and skills.
We aim to provide a learning environment that facilitates the comparison and contrast of theories and ideas from a range of relevant disciplines in order to integrate them into personal coaching practice.
In this Coaching Science in Sport programme from the University College Dublin we use a blend of the most innovative teaching and learning approaches and assessment strategies, such as seminars, laboratory-based experiential learning, web-based interactive learning, case-studies, group work, etc. These are informed by the world-class research carried out by our faculty in addition to the prestigious guest speakers.
Courses included:
- Exercise Physiology and Sports Nutrition
- Planning in Strength and Conditioning
- Research Methods and Applied Statistics
- The Science of Coaching: Theory and Practice
- Sports and Performance Analysis for Coaches
- Applied Sports Psychology and Skill Acquisition
- Dissertation.
Testimonial
“The programme is a powerful one, with a structured focus on all aspects of a coach’s needs and is delivered in a very open, inclusive and participatory manner. It deftly manages to accommodate coaching challenges across a spectrum of sports, from individual, coactive, measured and team. The lecturers, both staff and visiting, clearly offer more than an academic insight and were an absolute pleasure to deal with. I was particularly taken by the modules on culture, strength and conditioning and physiology but found relevance in all facets. As a rowing coach, the opportunity to concentrate on skill acquisition and the language of sport, was tremendously beneficial.”
Barry O’Connor, Programme Graduate
Career Opportunities
Graduates may gain employment as sports coaches, coaching officers, game development officers, coach developers/educators, in the following agencies and sectors:
- Professional and national sports teams
- National governing bodies
- Sports and fitness clubs
- Physical and sport education
- Sports training camps
- Performance analysis in sport
Some recent graduates have accepted a job offer as: Strength & conditioning coach of a League of Ireland Premier Division soccer team; Coach education and development coordinator with the Camogie Association; Assistant coach (men’s soccer) and head strength & conditioning coach (men’s soccer & women’s basketball) of Fort Lewis College (Colorado); Outdoor Recreation Specialist at Ballyhoura Development CLG; Club Performance Coach with Bromley and Beckenham Hockey Club in London; lecturing position at the University of Southern California; Coach Development Graduate Internship to enhance quality sport opportunities for Special Olympics athletes; technical development of players and coaches for Avoca hockey Club; Assistant Manager, senior women’s Irish football team; football coach, ChinaClub Football Beijing; Training Scientist (Strength) at Olympiastützpunkt Hamburg; Coach development specialist at Special Olympics Ireland;
Why study with us?
UCD is consistently ranked in the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide. In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, UCD was again named as one of the best universities globally, and was placed 173rd in the world.
UCD is the most international and diverse university in Ireland with 8,500 international students from 130 different countries. Our network of 288,000 successful and influential alumni can be found in 169 different countries around the world.
The UCD campus is one of the largest urban campuses in Europe and is situated just 5 kilometres from Ireland’s capital city of Dublin. Our students enjoy world-class teaching and learning facilities, modern and comfortable student accommodation, state-of-the art sports and fitness amenities, an Olympic sized swimming pool, a cinema, cafes and student centre all on our beautiful, nature-filled campus.