Sports Performance Analysis – Blended Learning

Course description

Sports technology is a rapidly growing market with many of the top international sports technology companies having their headquarters in Ireland (Stats Sport, Kitman Labs, Orreco, STAT, Performa Sport). Currently, academic institutes develop sports graduates with skills to use lab-based technology and analyse data in academic settings to meet academic and publication demands. In contrast, professional sports teams employ skilled data scientists, sports scientists and GPS technicians to manage the data they gather and analyse to manage the development of their athletes. Knowledge and experience working with technology and proficiency in practical sports data analysis for information coach selection, injury risk identification and training programme effectiveness is an essential requirement for sports science graduates hoping to gain employment within professional sports or governing body settings.

Portobello Institute’s BSc Hons in Performance Analysis is the only honours degree of it’s type available. This degree is available to study full-time or as a blended learning option with supported seminars held over the weekend. This blended learning option gives mature students and those working full-time, the opportunity to access this degree qualification that can lead to a career as a sports scientist in the area of performance analysis. This programme is delivered over 3 acdemic years each 6 months in duration. There are between 4 and 5 modules per academic year. Each module commences with a tutorial designed to support students progress through the module with a revision seminar held at the end of the academic year. A tutor is assigned to each student, for each module, with allocated one to one support time available. There is also a full-time programme manager available to offer students support during their learning journey.

Practical Skills Development – Interniship Programme

The principal aim of this course is to educate students, from a wide variety of backgrounds, to their full potential at graduate level. The development of potential is viewed as comprising both subject-specific knowledge, as well as a range of transferable practical skills.

The course is designed for those students considering entering employment in sports technology or professional performance sports science and therefore graduates need to be able to apply their knowledge in a sports setting immediately. Portobello Institute has built excellent links with sports technology companies and performance sport domains to allow all students experience a practical-based placement as part of their course.Those who have availablity, have the opportunity to participate further on the internship programme with sports technology companies and professional sports governing bodies.

Qualification Gained

BSc (Hons) in Sports Performance Analysis

This degree is awarded at level 8

Entry Requirements

Entry is direct application to Portobello Institute

The entry routes are as follows:

With a Leaving Certificate;

Minimum of grade C or O6 in ordinary level Biology, English and Maths with a pass in 3 other subjects. Students applying without LC Biology may complete QQI level 5 in Anatomy & Physiology as a distance learning course to compensate.

or

Without the required Leaving Certificate, students should meet one of the following criteria;

QQI level 5 major award containing a biology subject

ITEC level 2 award containing anatomy & physiology

An undergraduate degree in another subject

QQI Level 5 Anatomy & Physiology – available through Portobello Institute

Mature entry at 21 years without meeting the above criteria

Equivalent qualifications with biology/anatomy & physiology module