MSc Sports Performance

Course Overview

Sports coaching and sports science have become vital components of sports performance. Elite athletes and teams surround themselves with professionals from a range of disciplines to ensure no stone is left unturned in their quest for success. Working in sport requires a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge, interpersonal skills and an understanding of the sporting environment. The sports industry is a competitive field and employment opportunities are dependent on a practitioner’s knowledge and experience.

This programme of study is designed to build on the technical underpinnings of an undergraduate degree in a related field and provide the applied experience that employers demand. The course will help you to develop problem solving skills and the creativity necessary to thrive in a competitive sporting environment.

Course Details

The Human Performance Laboratory at Bucks New University is central to this qualification, and you will be given the opportunity to contribute to various aspects of the facilities services. Through the delivery of an expanding sports science support service, as an MSc Sports Performance student, you will interact with clients, technical personnel and suppliers. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in marketing and expansion of the current service.

The University has strong links with local and national sporting organisations including the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme, Wycombe Wanderers F.C., local football academies and Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre. The teaching staff have many years applied experience in elite sports including The British Rowing Team, The English Institute of Sport, British Swimming, British Sailing, and Reading Ladies FC. And Reading Rockets Basketball team.

What are my career prospects

No matter the sport or your role in it, you’ll need technical skills and an ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team. We’ve designed this course to prepare you for life working with athletes and teams at any level. You could consider a career in:

• Coaching
• Sports development
• Exercise and fitness
• Strength and conditioning
• Sports academy support
• Teaching

Other career routes include further research with a PhD, or internships with organisations like national governing bodies.