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Coaching Science in Sport

MSc (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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Programme director: Dr Katy Horner

In this MSc programme 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. You will also 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 programme 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.

 

About This Course

On completion of this programme students should:

1. Be able to integrate the scientific, socio-ethical and psychological dimensions of sports coaching in order to develop new insights into this area of knowledge

2. Be able to make use and integrate the current and emerging technologies in sports coaching practice

3. Be able to develop a training plan and organise training sessions to maximise the learning experience and impact of those athletes with whom they will interact, but also reflect on social and ethical responsibilities associated with this process

4. Show advanced levels of essential skills such as written and verbal communication, digital literacy, numeracy and problem solving in ill-defined contexts

5. Demonstrate specialised skills of analysis, enquiry, critical reflection, evidence based practice and leadership and use these to enhance their own professional practice

6. Be prepared to undertake a career in sports coaching by understanding organisational life, skills required to succeed in this environment and its overall complexity

7. Engage in original and novel practice, also by taking responsibility for continuing professional development, to fully meet the needs of their athletes, at all levels of ability and talent, and contribute to their overall development

Programme graduates who published their dissertation. 

Publications:

- Andrew Grannell, 2017 (supervisor: Prof G. De Vito)

- Breanna Drew, 2018 (supervisor: Dr J. Matthews)

- Brian McMorrow, 2019 (supervisor: Dr B. Egan)

- Eileen Gleeson, 2019 (supervisor: Dr S. Kelly)

- Fergal Lyons and Brendan Doyle, 2019 (supervisor: Dr R. Neville)

- Jedd Pratt and Arianna Hoffman, 2020 (supervisors: Dr M. Ditroilo and Dr A. Grainger)

- David Williamson, 2020 (supervisors: Dr M. Ditroilo and Dr E. McCarthy)

- Jon Mackey, 2021 (supervisor: Dr K. Horner)

- Jamie R Queeney, 2022 (supervisor: Dr P. Horgan)

- Simon Lowry, 2022 (supervisor: Dr S. Kelly)

Conference presentations:

Kelly, S. & Gleeson, E. (2018). The role of self-confrontation interviews in exploring female players in-game decision making in elite competitive soccer. Presentation at the European College of Sport Science Congress. July, 2018.

Gleeson, E. & Kelly, S. (2018). Analysis of expert decision making in elite competitive soccer from an expert players perspective. Presentation at the European College of Sport Science Congress. July, 2018.

Andrews, F. & Kelly, S. (2017). Exploring Strength & Conditioning Coaching Behaviours in Elite Sport.Presentation at the Fourth International Coaching Conference. CMU, Cardiff, September 2017.

Andrews, F. & Kelly, S. (2017). The Behaviours of Professional Strength & Conditioning Coaches in the GAA: A Systematic Observation of Inter-County Coaches. Poster presentation at the GAA Games Development Conference. January, 2017.

Griffin, C., Egan, B., Blake, C. & Horgan, P. (2017). The Practice of Resistance Training Among Elite Irish Distance Runners and Knowledge and Perceptions Among Coaches. Poster presentation at the UKSCA Conference. August 2017

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PERS40010 Exercise Physiology and Sports Nutrition Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PERS40100 The Science of Coaching: Theory and Practice Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 SMGT40470 Applied Sports Psychology and Skill Acquisition Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PERS40020 Planning in Strength and Conditioning Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PERS40030 Research Methods and Applied Statistics Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PERS40060 Sports and Performance Analysis for Coaches Spring  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PERS40080 Dissertation Summer  30

What was your favourite part of the programme and why?

"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
Rowing Coach, University College Dublin Boat Club

 

"I loved the style in which the lectures were run. They were very interactive with many group tasks. This meant that you got to work with everyone in your class who all came from different sports and had different areas of expertise. I found this really accelerated my learning. The interactive style of lectures meant you could learn more and apply the knowledge or concepts to real world situations and possibly your sport. Reflecting on my own coaching journey was valuable and helped me to understand how my philosophy developed. The variety of subjects on this course kept me working hard but gaining knowledge across a wide range of areas. Some lectures were literally so exciting! Now I apply the skills I learned quite often reading the latest research with a critical eye. It has opened up a whole new world and way of thinking. It has given me great confidence in my sports career going forward and probably is one of the best things I've ever done for career development."

Jessica O'Keeffe, Programme Graduate
Outdoor Recreation Specialist at Ballyhoura Development CLG

 

"My favourite part of the programme was the huge variety of modules relating to high performance sport that were covered. I feel much more confident approaching my career path in sport with the sound theoretical knowledge regarding performance analysis, nutrition, strength and conditioning and sport psychology, all hugely important in an athlete’s development. I also enjoyed the practical discussions and personal development surrounding coaching and how to be the best coach you can be."

Breanna Drew, Programme Graduate
School Counsellor at St Philip's College, Alice Springs (AU)

 

"The most helpful part of the program was getting to work with a combination of both professors and a broad range of professionals working in different fields. We had lectures or worked hands on with strength and conditioning coaches, nutritionists, performance analysts, coaches, and researchers from a number of sports. This allowed me to see details into specific professions and create a better idea of what exactly I wanted to do after graduating."

Keane Hamilton, Programme Graduate
Head coach of U18 Girls Premier
Missoula Strikers Soccer Club, Montana (USA)
 

http://blog.educationinireland.com/how-i-ended-up-studying-for-my-masters-in-ireland

MSc Coaching Science in Sport (X772) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 10460
nonEU    fee per year - € 22000

MSc Coaching Science in Sport (X773) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 5000
nonEU    fee per year - € 14550

***Fees are subject to change

 

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

The fees for each of the modules taken independently as CPD are € 900 (EU) or € 1800 (nonEU).

NOTE- Please note part-time option is for returning students only.

  • A minimum of a second class honours degree (NFQ Level 8) is required in:
    • a sport-related discipline or
    •  another discipline with relevant work experience and involvement in sports coaching
  • Applicants who do not hold an honours degree will be considered on a case by case basis. These applicants should have significant relevant work experience and involvement in sports coaching, with a coaching qualification recognised by their national governing body. 
  • All applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element) or equivalent.
  • An interview with the Programme Director may also form part of the application process. For entry in 2025 and onwards, an interview with the Programme Director will form part of the application process.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


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