Unlock the power behind elite performance with the MSc Performance Analysis in Sport, a cutting-edge programme designed for those who want to turn data into competitive advantage. From match analysis and scouting to data visualisation and performance technology, you’ll develop the technical expertise and analytical mindset needed to influence decision-making, optimise performance, and operate at the highest levels of modern sport.
Course Information
Start Dates:
September, JanuaryDuration:
1 year full-time or 2 years part-timeCourse Overview
Performance Analysis in Sport is a specialist programme designed to develop the next generation of analysts working at the forefront of elite performance. Combining theory, technology, and applied practice, the course explores key areas such as match and performance analysis, data analytics and visualisation, talent identification, and strategic performance insights, giving you a comprehensive understanding of how analysis underpins success in modern sport.
Suited for those looking to work in high-performance environments, this programme equips you with the technical, analytical, and decision-making skills required to translate data into meaningful insights. With a strong emphasis on real-world application and emerging technologies, you’ll learn how to support coaches, enhance performance, and contribute to evidence-based strategies across teams, athletes, and organisations in an increasingly data-driven sporting landscape.
Course Content
The MSc Performance Analysis in Sport provides a detailed, practical understanding of how data, technology, and analysis are used to enhance performance in elite sporting environments. You’ll explore key areas such as match and performance analysis, talent identification and scouting, and data analytics and visualisation, learning how to interpret performance data and translate it into actionable insights. The course also examines the role of emerging technologies, equipping you to critically evaluate and apply the most effective tools to support coaching processes and performance outcomes.
Throughout the programme, you’ll develop hands-on analytical skills, using industry-relevant software and methods to assess performances, produce scouting reports, and generate both objective data and video analysis. You’ll learn how to compare technological solutions, support evidence-based decision-making, and design applied projects that address real performance challenges within sport. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking, practical application, and professional communication, you’ll graduate with the expertise to analyse, present, and influence performance at individual, team, and organisational level.
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.
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
This module will enable you to develop awareness and understanding of the key fundamentals and principles of technology in sport. The module will cover contemporary hardware and software that can be used to analyse sporting performances in training or competition. Varying types of wearable technology will feature in the module as students uncover how such technology can be used to automate performance measurement in various sports. The use of AI in sport will also feature. Overall, this module will provide you with a contemporary insight into how technology can be used to support individuals, departments and sporting organisations to support performance improvements.
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 provides an opportunity to undertake an applied professional project that bridges academic learning with real-world practice in the sports industry. It is designed to enhance your professional skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities by engaging with a current issue or challenge within a sporting context.
You will take ownership of a sustained, independent project that draws on the knowledge, competencies, and experiences developed throughout your programme. Working within a live or simulated sports environment, you will apply theoretical understanding to practice, with the aim of generating meaningful insights or solutions that have direct relevance to coaching and performance, or sports business and management, marketing or media.
The module fosters experiential learning by encouraging reflection on your personal development and professional impact. Through this process, you will demonstrate leadership, initiative, and the ability to manage and deliver a project from conception to completion, all of which are highly valued by employers in the sport sector.
Your chosen project will allow you to explore an area of personal or professional interest, showcasing your ability to integrate academic knowledge with industry practice. By presenting your findings and outcomes, you will contribute to the enhancement of professional standards and demonstrate your readiness to influence and improve sporting environments.
In high-performance sports, the ability to turn data into actionable insights is essential to player development and delivering competitive advantage. This module provides an in-depth exploration of performance analytics in sports, focusing on the practical application of data analysis techniques to enhance individual and team performance. Students learn how to collect, interpret, and apply performance data in sporting settings to inform coaching decisions, improve player development, and optimise team strategy.
The module integrates theoretical frameworks with hands-on projects using real-world datasets, enabling students to understand the analytical tools and technologies used in performance analysis. Emphasis is placed on ethical data use, communicating insights effectively, and adapting analytical approaches to different sporting contexts.
This module will enable you to develop awareness and understanding of the interactions that occur between different departments disciplines within a sports setting, for example, performance analysts, coaches, medical staff, recruitment staff and more. The applied aspects of interdisciplinary approaches will allow you to assess your role as a performance analyst and the part this role plays within the wider context of working within a professional sporting environment. You will learn how an analyst interacts with other disciplines and how these differing roles all work together for the benefit of a sports organisation. Theoretical underpinning will establish the importance of the interdisciplinary cogs working together to achieve a shared goal. You will hear from industry professionals working within varied disciplines to share contemporary experiences from the industry.
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
Relevant undergraduate degree 2:2 and above. 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
Flexible Entry Requirements: Relevant undergraduate degree less than a 2:2 or an undergraduate degree 2:2 and above in a non-relevant subject and one of the following:
- PFSA Level 3 in Performance Analysis
Or
- PFSA Level 3 Advanced Reporting
Or
- FA Level 2 Talent ID (National Talent Identification & Scouting in Football)
Or
- Extensive analysis or scouting experience within a professional or semi-professional club
Or
- Extensive playing experience – Professional football player
Ashley March
Exeter City FC
First Team Scout
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.
Find out more about our other courses
