Start your journey into the world of elite sport with the PGCert Performance Analysis, a focused programme designed to develop your ability to turn performance data into meaningful insight. Whether you’re aiming to become an analyst or enhance your coaching impact, this course equips you with the tools, knowledge, and practical experience to operate in today’s data-driven sporting environments.
Course Information
Start Dates:
SeptemberDuration:
1 yearCourse Overview
The PGCert Performance Analysis provides a targeted introduction to the core principles and practices that underpin modern performance analysis in sport. Through modules in Talent Identification and Scouting and Match Performance and Analysis, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how data, observation, and technology are used to evaluate performance, support decision-making, and identify future talent.
Designed as a flexible pathway into postgraduate study, this course blends theory with applied learning, enabling you to develop both technical skills and critical insight. You’ll build a strong foundation in performance analysis while preparing for progression onto a full Master’s degree or roles within coaching, analysis, and performance environments.
Course Content
Throughout the programme, you’ll develop a detailed understanding of talent identification and scouting, exploring how players are assessed, monitored, and recruited across different contexts. You’ll learn how to apply key theories and processes, use industry-standard scouting tools, and evaluate what effective scouting looks like in practice, while developing the reflective skills needed to operate in real-world environments.
Alongside this, you’ll gain hands-on experience in match and performance analysis, working with key performance indicators, analysing team and individual performance, and using contemporary analysis software to generate insights. You’ll learn how to interpret and communicate data effectively, supporting evidence-based coaching decisions and performance improvements, while building the practical and professional skills required to succeed in high-performance sport.
This programme is taught entirely in English.
Teaching Location
Study a degree from anywhere in the world, with flexible learning options to suit your schedule. With GIS, you’ll unlock access to a global network of students, alumni and industry professionals to maximise your opportunities and excel in the most exciting industry in the world.
Modules
Students studying on UEL-awarded programmes are subject to UEL’s academic regulations. These set out the rules for academic matters such as assessment, marking, progression, reassessment, academic misconduct and appeals. The regulations are available on the UEL website
This module will enable you to develop awareness and understanding of the requirements expected within associated roles in relation to talent identification and scouting. The applied element of talent identification will allow you to gain knowledge surrounding the key considerations within talent identification and scouting in different contexts. You will learn what a scout requires to function effectively and safely in a variety of situations, developing reflective skills and identifying which theories, concepts and processes are most effective. You will learn how to utilise industry standard talent identification, scouting and recruitment tools to support applied practice within football.
This module will enable you to develop awareness and understanding of the key fundamentals and principles of match and performance analysis, integrating theory with practice and sharing knowledge and understanding through discussion and debate. The applied element of match and performance analysis will allow you to gain experience in and an understanding of key performance indicators, situational factors, match analysis, opposition and individual analysis, as well as key analysis software.
You will learn what an analyst requires to function effectively and safely in a variety of situations, developing reflective skills and identifying which theories are most applicable when working in a specific applied performance analysis context. You will learn how to operate contemporary analysis software, integrate theory with practice and deliver performance analysis insights in context.
Meet your
Course Leader
Connor McGillick
Connor is a Lecturer in Performance Analysis at the Global Institute of Sport. He holds a BSc and MSc from the University of Chester and has worked with organisations including Bury FC, British Swimming, Stoke City FC Academy, GB Boxing, and university volleyball teams.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have achieved a relevant undergraduate degree of any classification.
Or
Applicants must have achieved an undergraduate degree of any classification and some evidence of analysis experience or qualifications.
Or
Applicants who do not hold an undergraduate degree must have extensive analysis experience in addition to numerous professional analysis qualifications.
Relevant Degrees may include:
- Performance Analysis
- Sport Science
- Football Coaching
- Sports Coaching
- Talent ID and Development
- Science in Football
- Any other practical football degree (coaching, analysis, scouting)
- Teaching degree with a sports specialism
- Physical Education
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Data Analysis
Experience: Experience of sports industry or business – evidenced by prior professional experience or relevancy of degree. Applicants without this but strong profile to still be considered.
English Language Requirements: English language qualifications: Applicants from non-majority English speaking countries will be asked for an English qualification which tests Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing and will be asked to achieve an overall IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 in each section) or recognised equivalent. Note that applicants from these countries who have studied to degree level in English to be accepted
Antoine Roex
GIS graduate
Fan Experience Manager at Standard de Liège
Scholarships
The Global Institute of Sport is proud to offer an extensive suite of scholarships to support outstanding students as they embark on their postgraduate study. From scholarships to aid our elite athletes, to attracting aspiring sports leaders, and scholarships which support inclusivity and diversity within the sporting industry, our scholarships are there to support students who want to make a meaningful difference to the future of the sporting world.
Career Prospects
Our students and alumni are leading the way for the future of the sports industry, working at leading names including Premier League clubs, national governing bodies and internationally acclaimed organisations.
Each course at GIS has been designed with the global sports industry in mind to ensure each student gains the skills required to give them every opportunity for success. Across the industry, GIS students and graduates are leading the way in a variety of sectors including coaching, business, media, marketing and events.
- IT Devices – Students are expected to have access to a laptop or computer from which they can access recorded content or live sessions. The device(s) used should be capable of streaming video content, accessing documents and using the internet. Students will be expected to have access to a stable internet connection, particularly for live session access. Students who study on finance modules would also require a calculator or app. If you are unsure as to whether or not your device is suitable, please contact assistance@gis.sport for advice.
- Books and Materials – When designing our courses, we make use of learning resources and books available to you through the UEL Library – you do not need to purchase, rent or pay for additional materials in order to meet the learning outcomes of the programmes.
- In person events – As an online institution, many of our events are held online and can be accessed with suitable IT Devices (see above). Where events are held in-person at one of our locations, they are entirely optional and attendance will not be required in order to complete the programme. Additional costs of any such events will be published with the event information.
- Graduation – Students who wish to attend any graduation or celebration events at GIS may need to pay an event attendance fee to secure their tickets or pay third party vendors for photos and attire. These events are optional and attendance is not required in order to receive an award. The costs of attending these events will be published when announced.
- Resits & Retakes – A resit is a second attempt to pass an assessment where the first attempt has been failed or not attempted. Where students are entitled to an assessment resit, this opportunity will not come at an additional cost. Where a student is required to retake failed module(s), in order to progress with their course, a ‘retake’ is an additional attempt to undertake the module(s) in full, engaging in the module(s) teaching learning and assessment as a student from the start. Under UEL regulations, students are required to pay for the retake in full, based on the original fees quoted in this letter.
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