Course description

Course Details
Delivered through blended learning, you can work full-time and study this MSc in Sports Performance Analysis. This MSc provides you with an in-depth and relevant focus on applied and academic sports performance analysis skills that are needed for the role as a sports performance analyst in elite and professional sports environments.

Overview
The demands are extensive for those hoping to progress in the industry of elite sports performance. In addition to fundamental academic capabilities and professional competencies, specific technical and analytical skills are required to be competitive in the rapidly evolving industry of sports technology and performance.

A masters from a recognised global leading sports science university

This MSc is designed to professionally develop practitioners to progress in both their applied and academic career. Awarded by Liverpool John Moore’s University (LJMU), graduates will hold an instantly recognised masters from one of the world’s leading universities for sports science and performance analysis.

A career in sports technology or professional performance domains

The course is designed for those students considering entering employment in sports technology or professional performance domains. Excellent links with sports technology companies and performance sport domains will allow all students to experience a practical-based placement as part of their course.

The course furthermore aims to develop students’ ability to work independently, in proposing and developing solutions to problems in a systematic and effective manner, and in communicating confidently and clearly both in writing and verbally. It enables the demonstration of the graduate attributes of self-awareness; performance in a variety of idioms and contexts; and ethical and creative considerations.

Combine working full-time with study from anywhere

These modules have been designed by Portobello Institute for blended online learning so you can study from anywhere and in your own time. This online blended learning option gives mature students and those working or training full-time, the opportunity to access this masters degree qualification.

Accessible, affordable, achievable

There is an easy payment plan designed to make this degree affordable for you. These factors, together with the one to one tutorial support, offer you the opportunity to access a career in performance analysis, with a qualification that is accessible, affordable and achievable.

Here are some reasons to choose to study with Portobello:

Accelerated programme completing your qualification in twelve months, getting you out into the world of work faster.
Career focused qualifications – our courses lead to awards that offer you the opportunity of immediate employment upon graduation.
Notable university partners – our university partners are among the top-ranking universities in the UK offering you access to a qualification from a renowned university.
Realistic entry requirements – our entry requirements are reflective of the academic ability needed to successfully complete this course. These are clearly stated and remain static regardless of demand for places.
Individualised support – we fit your learning model with support available when you need it throughout your learning journey.
SMART assessments – we use a range of assessments for each module designed to support a broad range of learning styles, giving you the opportunity to excel.
Industry expert tutors – our tutors are all industry practitioners connecting research and theory with industry practice throughout their lectures.
Flexible delivery – we deliver theory sessions on-site, online whilst also recording the session simultaneously offering you a choice of when and how you learn.
City Centre Location – Commuting to Portobello is very accessible – the Luas stops outside our door, and we are located within minutes from the major transport hubs.
Affordable payment options – all our courses offer you the option to choose an easy payment plan supporting you to spread the cost out over your learning journey.
Why should I study this course?
The MSc provides a grounding in understanding technical and tactical components of performance that are required for strategic intervention and performance manipulation. You will have the opportunity to learn from a range of experts in the field of sporting performance analysis.

Sports Performance Analysts play a key role in a number of performance domains from elite, professional sports environments to the entertainment industry, performance analysis has become an integral component of consumer and professional sporting worlds.

Gain performance analysis skills

The MSc is designed for those eager to gain proficiency in using the hard-ware and software required for analysis of pitch-based and lab-based performance, including GPS, notational/video analysis, biomechanical and physiological analysis.

As well as gaining performance analysis skills, our programme is designed to provide career mentorship, personal and professional development for students on an individual-basis to progress in their chosen career field.

The Importance of understanding the role of a Scout

The aim of Performance Analysis is to suggest improvements to enhance performance and gain that marginal advantage on opponents. However, as Performance Analysis has evolved the career opportunities that have developed with this evolution is vast and ever increasing. The many roles that are encompassed under the term ‘Performance Analysis’ include opposition analysts, post-match analysts, pre-match analyst, data analysts and recruitment analysts to name only a few. The introduction of these different career paths has allowed many to assess the transferability of skills between these roles and delve into options that perhaps sit outside the traditional role of a Performance Analyst. An example of this would be the role of a Scout. Just like the role of a Performance Analyst, a scout attends games to assess strengths and weaknesses, but with the key difference being on an individual player rather than a whole team. Understanding the role of a scout and how your skills as a Performance Analyst could transfer is a real opportunity to explore another career avenue that you perhaps previously didn’t consider.

The Professional Football Scouting Association (PFSA)

The PFSA is an established CPD provider whose reputation reaches all corners of the globe. Their impressive portfolio offers courses in Performance Analysis, Opposition Analysis, Talent Identification, Data Analysis, Report Writing and Analysis and Recruitment in Women’s Football. In addition to offering these courses which have been produced by experts working within elite football, they also offer monthly webinars and access to a PFSA membership which allows those registered to have access to live games to either scout players or produce reports for the respected clubs. The PFSA and Portobello Institute have entered into a partnership to offer all students studying Sport a chance to obtain all Level 1 qualifications, plus all level 2 qualifications that are offered as pre recorded courses. As a Portobello Sport student you will also have access to the monthly webinars which take place online on the first Wednesday of each month.

Who will recognise my qualification?
Upon completing this level 9 degree, you will hold a MSc in Sports Performance Analysis awarded by Liverpool John Moore’s University (LJMU), one of the leading universities globally for sports science and performance analysis.

You will be registered as a student of LJMU for the duration of your studies.

Qualifications Frameworks in Ireland and the UK

The Irish and UK qualifications authorities have collaborated on initiatives that promote the transparency, recognition and mobility of qualifications between our respective jurisdictions. The qualifications authorities in the UK and Ireland have agreed the qualifications frameworks in operation, Brexit will not impact this agreement. Further guidance on this framework is available here.
What will I study during this MSc Sports Performance Analysis – Starts October ’23 course?
This programme offers you the opportunity to develop and progress your career by providing a rigorous, in-depth and relevant focus on applied and academic sports performance analysis skills. You will develop your understanding and ability to apply knowledge and analysis to various contexts through a range of opportunities, including the use of your own work experience, case studies, performance analysis scenarios, presentations, problem-based learning exercises and study visits.

Graduates who have successfully completed the course will be able to demonstrate skills and competences in the following areas;

Sport Performance Analysis Practical Skills

Analyse the degree, to which the performance sport sector has incorporated advances in technology and assess the impact that this has had on applied practices.
Foster a critical awareness of global sports performance analysis development in the context evidence-based practice.
Appraise various operational strategies employed in sports performance and sports technology domains.
Investigate and evaluate.
Foster critical awareness and thorough understanding of the performance sport sector, combining knowledge and analysis acquired to develop a relevant industry specific original report to a professional standard.
Demonstrate specialist knowledge and understanding of the performance sport sector and the external context in which it operates, to evaluate strategic choices and make informed strategic decisions for change implementation.
Conduct independent research and use acquired knowledge to analyse and evaluate specific issues surrounding the performance sport sector.
Demonstrate self-awareness, self – reflection and self-development to promote higher level transferrable skills.
Practical/transferable skills including employability

Demonstrate a sound understanding of practical issues relating to Sports Performance Analysis Sector and be capable of providing comprehensive advice in dealing with them.
Work independently to plan and deliver a work of a professional standard and demonstrate self-direction and originality in problem solving.
Demonstrate the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring:the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility
decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations
Analytical skills, evaluation and synthesis in dealing with a professional sports environment challenge