MSc Performance Analysis in Sport
- Course type
- Postgraduate
- Course qualification
- MSc
Course summary
What is the fee?
For all course options, see fees and funding
Where will I study?
School of Health and Society
How long will I study?
One year, Three year
Overview
The MSc Performance Analysis in Sport degree is a unique programme designed for those wishing to enhance their career in the area of performance analysis and high-performance sports practice. The programme aims to equip students with expert academic knowledge, allied to strong practical skills, to deliver a quality service to athletes, coaches and organisations.
This master's programme will equip you with advanced skills to thrive in the continuously expanding field of performance analysis. Leaning into the traditional performance analysis roles such as video and match analysis, notational analysis, live sport analysis, to more evolved skills across modern technologies, data analysis, reporting, visualisation, scouting and recruitment. By taking a multidisciplinary perspective this degree covers the influence the performance analyst can have within coaching, strength and conditioning, and sports injury rehabilitation, amongst other applied scenarios.
You will:
- Have access to industry-standard performance analysis equipment and be taught by industry professionals.
- Gain hands-on experience using video analysis notation software to analyse and enhance sports performance.
- Utilise advanced monitoring technologies, including GPS wearable devices and wellness questionnaires, to gather and interpret athlete data.
- Have the opportunity to conduct primary research that could lead to publications, potentially informing future performance analysis practices.
This is for you if...
You are a sport professional looking to develop your career.
You have a passion for leveraging technology to improve athletic performance.
You aim to apply data-driven insights to sports performance.
How you learn
Future careers
With the skills you'll learn in this course, you could take a lead role in performance analysis and make a difference to the performance of your clients. This course could help significantly increase your chances of getting a high-profile role in top-flight sport.
Upon successful completion of the course, it would be possible to progress on to a PhD, or a PhD via publication. We offer a range of research degrees relevant to your area of practice.
Career Links
This programme has strong links with several Premier League and Football League clubs. There are very strong links with elite sports within the local area including rugby league, netball, and lacrosse.
As part of this programme, you would be expected to assess athlete performance and put forward suggestions for improvement. Upon successful completion of this programme, you will be equipped with the required skills to apply for International Society of Performance Analysis of Sport (ISPAS) accreditation.
Sport partnerships
Find out more about our sport partnerships, including with North West clubs like Sale Sharks, Salford Red Devils, and Manchester Storm, and the benefits for our students.
Modules
The MSc course is offered on both a full-time (one year) and part-time (three-year) basis.
The full-time course runs from September to September, whilst giving you the chance to exit with the following awards:
- Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert): completion of one module
- Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip): completion of two modules
- Master's (MSc): completion of two modules plus a dissertation
To achieve the MSc award for Performance Analysis in Sport you must successfully complete the modules Performance Analysis and Injury Prevention and Performance Measurement, along with completing the Research Project Module.
The part-time course can be studied over two or three years.
Year one
Performance Analysis
You will develop the knowledge and expertise to actively practice the discipline of Performance Analysis within an elite setting. You will utilise industry standard equipment to assess, monitor, review and improve performance in athletes/teams. You will use multiple methods to increase performance productivity in your clients as you cover diverse topics such as computerised notation, video and data analysis, athlete monitoring, performance analysis consultancy and scouting and recruitment.
Injury, Prevention and Performance Management
You will develop the ability to critically evaluate the scientific principles and theories of athletic screening and a clear understanding of the science behind performance measurement and appropriate interpretation of those measurements and learn to apply them in a real-world context.
Dissertation
You will undertake an in-depth, evidence-based exploration of a key area relevant to your own practice; this is a substantial, independent, research project.
We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.
Our postgraduate taught courses are normally made up of 30 credit modules which are equal to 300 hours of learning time, or 15 credit modules which are equal to 150 hours of learning time. A Master’s degree typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, and a PGCert 60 credits.
Please note that exact modules and content offered may vary in order to keep content current and, for courses that offer optional modules, may depend on the number of students selecting particular options. When accepting your offer of a place to study on a programme with optional modules, you should be aware that optional modules may not all run each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you can undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Entry requirements
Applicant profile
Due to the structure of this programme, it is not available to international applicants who require a Student Visa.
This course is aimed at a wide range of sports professionals including practising performance analysts, sports scientist graduates, sports coaches, strength and conditioning coaches and physical education teachers.
This course has been developed to be accessible to individuals already working within the field of performance analysis, or those that are aiming to work towards full-time employment within the field. It would be advantageous (but not essential) to have access to athletes so that you can effectively evaluate their training and performance, and implement appropriate interventions as this forms part of the assessments for some modules.
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
BSc/BA (Hons) graduates with an appropriate sports or exercise-related subject area (Sports Science, Sports Rehabilitation, Sports Coaching).
Prospective students will normally be required to have achieved a 2:1 Honours degree, but consideration will be given to students with a 2:2 Honours degree with appropriate experience and satisfactory references.
CV
You will need to provide a professional CV that shows skills and experience relevant to the degree programme and academic history – including undergraduate, further education, and secondary school qualifications, or equivalents.
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
Fees and funding
Please note, part-time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis.
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,360 per year |
| Part-time | Please note, part-time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis. |
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £17,520 per year |
Additional costs
You should consider additional costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
How to apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us: