MSc Performance Analysis

Overview & facilities

This course is due to start in September 2011 - subject to validation.

The MSc Performance Analysis at Middlesex is a new course which has been developed by Professor Nic James with assistance from Professor Mike Hughes, Middlesex staff from the London Sport Institute and the school of Engineering and Information Systems and through collaboration with external software companies (SportsCode, Focus, Quintic and Dartfish).

This new programme is the only one of its kind in London,and itwill prepare you for the certification requirements of the International Society of Performance Analysis of Sport (ISPAS). You will learn to design evidence-based, sport specific performance analysis interventions based on a needs analysis, and you will gain the practical skills essential for communicating with athletes and coaches. Work placements (a required element of the course) with London sporting organisations will help put your learning into practice.

Our new laboratory facilities at the Hendon campus provides all of the equipment and resources necessary to learn the skills of being a Performance Analyst whilst also engaging in cutting edge research. The course aims to provide the experiences necessary for working in a professional environment which meansyou get to learn how to use the software that the top sports teams use.

 Download the flyer.

Content & modules

Modules

• Year 1

  Biometric Modelling and Performance Profiling (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide the students with the ability to undertake a technical analysis of sports performance. Students will also learn how to design and analyse technique in relation to an applied problem. With experience of a number of different software platforms they will have a good understanding of the different analysis techniques possible and know which software packages are suitable for undertaking different types of technique analysis.

  Dissertation (60 Credits) - Optional

  To support students to undertake research, with a focus appropriate to their programme and area of practice and building upon the research proposal formulated in SES4430. To create a peer learning community for students to critically support each other in the research process To provide guidance, additional to that provided by the students supervisors, on matters of ethical application, research methods, data collection, analysis and writing-up.

  Performance Analysis (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to allow the students to critically engage in the process of analysis of sports performance. It also aims to develop the students research skills so as they may generate analysis data for appropriate dissemination to both coaches and athletes. The ability to critically analyse research will be gained in order to design and interpret and synthesize analysis data and literature. Finally, this module aims to prepare students for the certification requirements of ISPAS.

  Research Methods (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module is designed to provide a critical overview of the main methods and approaches used for research into topics areas related to psychology and performance analysis, and to equip the student to apply this knowledge in the planning a research proposal. The module affords students opportunities to appraise the strengths and weaknesses of published work in their specialist area, or in health care in general. Students will learn in groups and will explore philosophical, ethical and methodological differences which underpin various approaches to knowledge generation that can inform health care work. Interprofessional workshops will allow the student to develop a research proposal, to consider its adequacy and limitations, and justify the approach taken.

  Work Based Learning - Triple Module 1 (60 Credits) - Optional

  The rationale, aims and objectives of this module are drawn up by students in the learning agreement. It follows that each WBS 4861/2 module will be unique in terms of its aims. Students will be required, however, to demonstrate that the project leads to a product which has useful outcomes for specific work-based activity. All students will be required to maintain a personal learning log for reflection on practice.

  Work Based Research Methods (30 Credits) - Optional

  To develop critical awareness of research and development issues in the workplace. To reflect upon the position of the worker-researcher and the ethical issues involved. To develop a work-based research project proposal supported by a critical commentary and other output demonstrating engagement and developing understanding of work-based research.

  Work Placement (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to develop the student s ability to apply and see the application of knowledge gained from other modules in relation to a real work scenario. You will be required to adopt a reflective and critical approach to your working practice and to promote a problem-solving approach in a work environment.

Modules subject to validation.

SES4005 Performance Analysis

This module aims to allow the students to critically engage in the process of analysis of sports performance. It also aims to develop the students’ research skills so as they may generate analysis data for appropriate dissemination to both coaches and athletes. The ability to critically analyse research will be gained in order to design and interpret and synthesize analysis data and literature. Finally, this module aims to prepare students for the certification requirements of ISPAS.

SES4011 Modelling Technical Performance

This module aims to provide the students with the ability to undertake a technical analysis of sports performance. Students will also learn how to design and analyse technique in relation to an applied problem. With experience of a number of different software platforms they will have a good understanding of the different analysis techniques possible and know which software packages are suitable for undertaking different types of technique analysis.

SES4030 Research Methods

This module aims to develop critical awareness of research and development issues in the work place; to reflect upon the position of the worker researcher and the ethical issues involved; to develop a work based research project proposal supported by a critical commentary and other output demonstrating engagement and developing understanding of work based research.

SES4013 Work Placement

SES4095 Dissertation

Entry & applying

Ideally, students will have attained an undergraduate degree in a sport or exercise related field (2.1 or above). However, we would also welcome applications from students with undergraduate degrees in all sciences, maths and I.T. areas. (Students with 2:2 degree classifications may be considered though this is discretionary).

Alternatively prospective students who have completed the ISPAS accreditation and have extensive experience in the area will be considered via interview. Prospective students who fail to meet some of the above criteria may be directed to some preliminary study e.g. Summer school or distance learning courses. All prospective students will require an interview, either in person or via Skype/telephone.

Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 575 (no less than 4.5 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 90 (with no less than 19 in each component) Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

Applying

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. You will need to fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application. Apply now

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for MSc Performance Analysis for the academic year 2012/13 is as follows:

UK/EU Students

Full-time students: £6,000
Part-time students: £50 per taught credit

Find out about our flexible payment plans for UK/EU students, and how they can help you spread the cost of your course. 

International Students

Full-time students: £10,600
Part-time students:£93 per taught credit

Careers & placements

Career opportunities exist for well qualified Performance Analysts in both professional and amateur sports. Previous graduates in Performance Analysis who have been taught by Professors Nic James and-or Mike Hughes are currently working in soccer (English Premier League, English Championship, the FA); rugby (Welsh Rugby Union, professional rugby teams in England and Wales); multiple Olympic sports (working for the English Institute of Sport is sports such as cycling, canoe slalom, disability swimming, hockey, judo); squash (England Squash); badminton (England badminton) and regional bodies (Irish Institute of Sport) Work placements typically coincide with the sporting season (August to April for soccer, rugby).

Work Placements can involve weekends, holidays and evenings. The London Sport Institute has a number of links with professional sports organisations e.g. Tottenham Hotspur, London Wasps, Lee Valley, England Rugby Football Union, English Institute of Sport; each of which often take Masters students on work placements. These placements will be arranged by the tutor and may include an interview process. Students will have the opportunity to work with elite athletes within a professional organisation. Experienced performance analysts will show students their methods and valuable experience, which is paramount in elite sport, will be gained.