Sport Science for Performance Coaching - Full Time (Taught)

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Open days

26Jun

Solent University (Southampton) - Postgraduate Afternoon (Virtual)

Postgraduate

21Aug

Solent University (Southampton) - Postgraduate Application Workshop (Virtual)

Postgraduate

Course summary

Do you want to further your knowledge of sport science and athletic development? Solent’s sport science and performance coaching master’s degree has been designed in partnership with industry experts to help equip students with skills, experience and knowledge precisely tailored to industry requirements. Built on a successful and popular undergraduate programme, this high-level master’s degree helps to prepare students for a career in the sports industry by delivering hands-on professional skills and adopting an interdisciplinary approach to coaching. During the course, students will explore key areas such as talent identification, long-term athlete development, performance analysis, strength and conditioning, peak performance, technical and tactical development, marginal gains, social support and mental skills coaching. Past students have benefitted from a guest speaker programme which has featured lectures from professionals from the highest level of a variety of sports, who have shared their advice, knowledge and experience of the industry. Prior to starting the course you’ll be expected to have a placement organised that will last throughout your studies; this can be in more than one organisation if required. The placement should be in a role relevant to the course, and might include (but not limited to) coach, sport scientist, performance analyst, strength and conditioning coach, exercise physiologist, biomechanist, laboratory technician, etc. If you’ve been unable to organise a placement, the course team will support you in finding a placement. This course is for: This course is well-suited to those with a sports science-related undergraduate degree who wish to further their knowledge to pursue a career in sport at all levels.

Modules

Core modules

Applied Research Methods and Study Design

This module is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the research process and the methods of inquiry used to investigate subject specific issues or problems within the field of sports performance coaching.

Independent Research Project

This is a student-led module and as such the content is largely determined by you under the guidance of your supervisor. The module provides you with an opportunity to undertake a sustained, intensive and independent investigation into a theme of your choosing and present the work in a peer reviewed journal format. It will provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your scholarly skills within a unique area of study.

Physical Preparation in Sport and Exercise

This module examines the science behind effective training, injury prevention and rehabilitation in a practical setting. You will focus on physical and mental loading, and on the key fitness components of strength, speed, endurance and flexibility.

Psychology In Coaching And Athletic Development

Coaches and practitioners across the disciplines of sport science are expected to consider how they can develop the psychological characteristics of their athletes, and how to improve coaching practice. This module introduces you to contemporary theories on the psychology of athletic development (confidence, motivation, stress, mental toughness, resilience), asks you to critically evaluate them, and consider how they can be applied within athletic development environments through their practice.

Tactical and Technical Development in Sport

This module aims to develop student knowledge of, and skills in using up-to-date technology for developing, monitoring and testing athletic performance and equipment; and collection, assimilation and analysis of tactical and time motion information.

Placement

The aim of this module is to provide, in a structured and supported manner, opportunities for students to learn from experiencing a professional work environment. By undertaking a voluntary placement you will have the opportunity to reflect on and implement the knowledge and skills you have gained during your previous modules of study and learn about new concepts and working practices.

How to apply

International applicants

All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office. We strongly advise all applicants to check the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to visit our website to see the relevant information that outlines both Solent University and Home Office requirements for a number of language tests.

Entry requirements

• Honours degree at 2:1 or above • Acceptance is also subject to successful interview. • Admissions will consider applicants who do not have a degree at 2:1 or above, but can provide evidence of relevant work experience. • All students will be required to undertake a criminal convictions check through the Disclosure and Barring Service. Language Requirements Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are: • IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component • TOEFL IBT 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, listening and speaking • Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component or equivalent. Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6	IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with minimum of 5.5 in writing, reading, listening and speaking

Equivalent English Language may be considered

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

EU	£17065	Whole course
Channel Islands	£9675	Whole course
England	£9675	Whole course
Northern Ireland	£9675	Whole course
Scotland	£9675	Whole course
Wales	£9675	Whole course
International	£17065	Whole course

Additional fee information

While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact [email protected]. The 2024/25 other costs are: Compulsory costs Students are required to undertake DBS criminal records checks as part of their enrolment. This is compulsory and is payable by the student at a cost of £60. The DBS check is organised by the University. Optional costs Additional National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications: Prices vary.

Sponsorship information

Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.