hero image

Coaching

MSc Performance Analysis in Football

The role of performance analysis within football is more important than ever. Whether it’s the opposition, potential transfer targets or last weekend’s fixture, analysing performances and data can be the difference between success and failure.

Degree validated by:

Course Information

Full-time
Part-time

Attendance:

Full-time

Start Dates:

September

Duration:

1 year

Attendance:

Part-time

Start Dates:

September

Duration:

2 years

Course Overview

This programme will give students the necessary tools to understand and explore the performance analysis principles that rule the modern game. You will gain the knowledge of the theory and practice that enables enhanced performance on the pitch as well as in player recruitment.

The Global Institute of Sport’s partnership with The Professional Football Scouts Association (PFSA) means some PFSA qualifications form part of GIS entry requirements. This powerful partnership also offers GIS students exclusive access to industry leading scouting and analysis qualifications throughout their studies. Enhance your degree with these CPD accredited professional courses, that elevate your skills, broaden your knowledge and maximise your career potential.

placeholder image

Course Content

The MSc Performance Analysis in Football course encompasses all that is required of a performance analyst whilst assessing and measuring expectations of this role within an applied football context. Students on this programme have access to world-leading performance analysis tools from Hudl, the industry-standard software used by athletes, coaches and clubs across the globe.

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

There is a minimum number of students required to run the optional modules. Therefore, all optional modules may not run every academic year, the course team will decide on an annual basis which options will run based on student demand and academic factors in order to create the best learning experience.

Leadership is a fundamental element of both sport and business operating in a dynamic global arena. On this module you will review and conceptualise different approaches to leadership from both an applied and theoretical perspective to allow you to analyse critical incidents in order to judge organisational leadership performance. You will be able to apply leadership theory to examples from industry professionals who have experience of leading teams in a sporting setting. Cross-cultural leadership underpins many of the behaviours and skills discussed within the leadership framework, alongside diversity and inclusion, strategic leadership, communication and reflection. The module allows you to take responsibility for your own leadership development and effectiveness through the development of an e-portfolio and skills audit, alongside exposure to sports leaders from the global network of partners contributing to the live case studies.

This module will enable you to develop awareness and understanding of the key fundamentals and principles of football match analysis, integrating theory with practice and sharing knowledge and understanding through discussion and debate. The applied element of football match analysis will allow you to gain experience in and an understanding of match analysis, hardware, software and programmes. 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 programmes, integrate theory with practice and conduct then deliver performance analysis in the football context.

This module will enable you to develop awareness and understanding of the requirements expected within associated roles in relation to Talent Identification and Recruitment. The applied element of Talent Identification and Recruitment will allow you to gain knowledge surrounding the characteristics identified when assessing talent within a football setting and how this then transitions through to recruitment. You will learn what a scout 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 talent identification and recruitment role. You will learn how to navigate through industry standard recruitment tools to search, identify and select talent within the world of football.

This module will enable you to develop awareness and analysis of the key fundamentals and principles of football statistics and data, integrating theory with practice and sharing knowledge and understanding through discussion and debate. The applied element of football will allow you to gain experience and develop an understanding of data drawn from both competition and training contexts. You will learn which data is needed to function effectively and safely within a variety of situations, developing reflective skills and identifying which theories are most applicable when working in a specific applied football context. You will learn how to analyse data, integrate theory with practice and work with differing departments within a football club in order to improve practice and performance.

This module will enable you to develop awareness and understanding of the requirements and interactions behind the scenes within a football setting. The applied element of The Interdisciplinary Approach in Football will allow you to assess your role as a Performance Analyst and integral part this plays within the wider context of working within a professional football environment. You will learn how an analyst interacts with other disciplines and how these differing roles all work together for the benefit of improvement within a club setting. Theoretical underpinning will establish the importance of all the interdisciplinary cogs working together to achieve a shared goal. You will hear from industry professionals working within these differing sectors to share their experiences of how they interact with Performance Analysts and the mutual benefits this can provide.

This module will explore the process of reflection, its role in the development of knowledge and practical expertise and its subsequent impact on practice. You will examine and critically evaluate the key factors associated with a sound reflective process and what it is to be an effective reflective practitioner. In addition, you will review reflective processes and will develop a model of reflection, informed by a critical evaluation of existing models and current literature in this and other relevant fields.

This module will advance your research methods and critical thinking skills, and support you in applying these to the sports industry and its associated environments. This module will prepare you for research, reflective, and evidence-based development in future employment, as well as for higher study if applicable.

As part of this module, you will have an opportunity for sustained applied research and practice in the form of an applied project. Therefore, this module creates a space for you to apply competencies developed in your modules to date to a real-life football setting, leading to experiential and reflective learning.

You will direct your efforts towards addressing a topical issue in your area of interest. Your applied research project will allow you to showcase your intellectual articulation and knowledge, by undertaking an applied project, emphasising your knowledge of theory and current practice in your area of interest. By completing this project, and presenting your results, you will establish expertise in an area of academic, personal and professional interest, aiming to influence coaching practice.

Together with other modules in the programme portfolio, this module will give you real-world exposure to coaching issues that require investigation from you in the role of an applied researcher. You will gain a thorough practice-based understanding of project design, conduct and action. As result, you will be able to evidence management and leadership of an applied project, and show potential to change and influence coaching operations – something current and future employers will look for in your knowledge, experience and skills portfolio.

Meet your

Course Leader

Connor McGillick

GIS provided me with a platform to deepen my knowledge and gain work experience in the industry, as well as surround myself with so many intelligent people within the industry

Hugo Thaxter

MSc Football Coaching & Analysis graduate

Insights Analysist at Arsenal FC

Hugo Thaxter Testimonial Image

Entry Requirements

  • Undergraduate degree – minimum 2:2 (ideally a 2:1) in a relevant degree subject
  • Applicants who hold a degree in a non-relevant subject can be admitted provided they achieve the PFSA Level 1 & Level 2 qualifications prior to the start of the course.
  • 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.

Offers to applicants currently studying an undergraduate degree will be conditional on them going on to achieve the entry requirements on completion of their degree.

 

Applications that do not meet the standard entry requirements but demonstrate relevant education and/or work and/or life experience in the course subject area are welcomed.

Eligibility will be assessed on the basis of the information provided in the application – in particular the personal statement.

  • Application form
  • Evidence of highest academic and/or professional qualifications
  • Evidence of coaching qualifications, where required.
  • Evidence of relevant experience, where required
  • 500 word personal statement

Applications made through the flexible entry route may require a course leader review. The course leader will determine whether a professional reference or task is required.

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

Any student embarking on the MSc Performance Analysis in Football programme with GIS will have multiple career options to choose from. The varied content allows for students to gain insight from industry perspectives and this is reflected in assessment also. The obvious potential career opportunities from this programme include Performance Analyst, Recruitment Analyst, Football Scout, Talent Identification, Opposition Analyst and Data Analyst. Utilising the knowledge gained within the programme and depending upon student career focus, this could also open opportunities within teaching and learning environments.

99 %

of our postgraduate graduates are either employed or in full-time study

79 %

are working or studying in sport

Fees

£11,950

These discounts are open to any GIS, UCFB, Buckinghamshire New University, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and University of East London graduate who has received and accepted an offer to study at the Global Institute of Sport.

15% fee tuition discount on all Master’s programmes.

In some instances, optional activities provided may carry an additional cost for participants (e.g. qualifications with external certification such as FA Coaching Badges). Any additional costs will be provided to students in advance of any such sessions running.

 

Looking to study this course on campus?

Check out our partners University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) for more information on studying this course at one of their campuses in London or Manchester

Logo
Location
Level of Study
Subject Area
Keyword

Where are you looking to study?

Are you an undergraduate or postgraduate?

What areas of study are you interested in?

Keyword Search

Search Icon
Next Step