This degree begins in September and is available full-time (one year) or part-time (two years)

Degree 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.

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.

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Locations, learning options & intake dates
Distance Learning (online)

Intake Date: September

This degree is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.

Our Distance Learing degrees are taught by the same leading industry experts who teach our on-campus degrees with teaching delivered online via our dedicated Online Hub which can be accessed anytime making this a flexible study option that fits around your existing commitments.

Each module typically has 6 live teaching sessions for you to attend, enabling you to interact and collaborate with academics and your peers. These sessions are also recorded.

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UCFB provided a really good underpinning of the football coaching and management environment during my degree, combining practical and academic experience well.

Adam CooperGraduate and Foundation Phase Coach at Bolton Wanderers

Your Course Leader

Connor McGillick
Academic staff Connor McGillick Course Leader
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Modules

Degree specification documents & information

The Global Institute of Sport is an embedded college of the University of East London. All GIS graduates will receive a degree from the University of East London.

Click here for the course specification for this degree

Modules
Global Sports Leadership

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.

Applied Football Match Analysis

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.

Talent Identification and Recruitment

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.

Football Statistics and Data Analysis

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.

An Interdisciplinary Approach in Football

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.

Applied Reflective Practice

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.

Applied Research Project

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.

Requirements overview

Entry requirements
Standard 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 PSFA 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.

Flexible entry requirements

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.

For further detailed entry requirements for MSc Performance Analysis in Football, please click here.

For more information, please contact admissions@gis.sport.

Applications
How to apply

To apply for this degree, please click here and follow the instructions to complete your application via our Learner Portal.

Application Documents
  • 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.

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.

The Employability & Enrichment programme

At GIS we bridge the gap between education and business, allowing a unique approach to education. We provide two curricula; the academic curriculum which encompasses exams and coursework and the Employability & Enrichment programme – a three year journey of professional and personal development.

This provides access to best-in-class industry guest speakers, additional qualifications and exceptional opportunities to apply for work experience placements to ensure our students graduate as well-rounded, empowered professionals.

Graduate and Sports Development Officer at the Foundation of Light, Sunderland AFC Jake Hannah

Many fans grow up hoping that one day they can pull on the shirt of their favourite club and run out in front of their adoring supporters. If that doesn’t happen though, working for the club is a decent second option, right?

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Jake Hannah
Student and professional footballer for Tottenham Hotspur Women Elisha Sulola

She may have recently made her Women’s Super League (WSL) debut and be one of Tottenham Hotspur’s brightest young prospects, but it’s her abilities as a coach that are what drives Elisha Sulola to be an inspiration in her local community.

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Elisha Sulola

Fees

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Part-time option

For part-time courses the tuition fee will be split accordingly per year i.e 75 credits in year 1 and 105 credits in year 2 (for a two year programme) as per below table.

Course type

Total fee 75  credits 105  credits
UK On campus (Home students) / Distance (with attendance) (residentials in the UK) £11,950.00 £4,979.50 £6,970.50
UK On Campus (International students*) £17,950.00 £7,479.50 £10,470.50
Distance (with attendance) (residentals in the US) $19,950.00 (USD) $8,312.50 $11,637.50
Distance (with attendance) (residentals in Australia) £11,950.00 (Approx $22,950 AUD) £4,979.50 £6,970.50
Distance £11,950.00 £4,979.50 £6,970.50

*International students require a visa to study on campus

Available tuition fee discount
Postgraduate Loyalty Discounts

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.

GIS Alumni

If you’d like to extend your time with us, we’re pleased to offer all GIS graduates:

UCFB and GIS business partners

We're pleased to offer all UCFB and GIS business partners 15% fee tuition discount on all Undergraduate, Master's programmes.

Additional information about fees
Additional fees

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 on campus in the UK?

University Campus of Football Business offers this degree on campus in the UK at UCFB Wembley and UCFB Manchester, click the link to learn for more information about studying with UCFB.

Visit UCFB
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