“The lecturers have worked in many different fields and sports, which is great as they each bring different experiences.”
MScSport Science for Performance Coaching
Contact admissions
- 2024
- 2025
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
Entry requirements: 2:1
Or higher
Up to: 20% alumni discountFind out more
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a sport science for performance coaching master's degree at Solent University
Further your knowledge of sport science and athletic development with a master’s degree designed in partnership with industry experts and tailored to industry requirements.
- £0minvested in our campus estate and facilities in the last five years
- 0thUK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022)
- You'll have full use of our physiology laboratory, which is officially accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), marking it as one of the UK’s leading sport and exercise science facilities.
- Students have access to the University’s professional sport and exercise science facilities, including fully equipped physiology, psychology, and biomechanics labs, health and exercise gyms.
- You'll also have use of our Sports Complex, featuring two sports halls, two fitness studios, strength and conditioning and high-performance gyms, health and fitness and personal training teaching gyms, and a sport and exercise therapy clinic.
- The course has a built-in work placement, allowing you to gain experience in a professional work environment alongside your studies.
- Continue your studies with a research degree. The course will equip you with research and academic skills helping you to pursue a PhD or an academic career.
- Receive free performance coaching career consultation for life. Our careers advice service, Solent Futures is available to all Solent students and graduates for life, helping you to progress in your current career or discuss options for a change in career.
- This course is eligible for the Postgraduate Master's student loan. The loan is from Student Finance England and can be used to cover costs (ie, accommodation, tuition fees) associated with postgraduate studies (it was up to £12,167 for 2023 entry).
Course overview
Built on a successful and popular undergraduate programme, this high-level master’s degree helps to prepare students for a career in the sports industry by delivering hands-on professional skills and adopting an interdisciplinary approach to coaching. The course has been designed in partnership with industry experts to help equip students with skills, experience and knowledge precisely tailored to industry requirements.
During the course, students will explore key areas such as talent identification, long-term athlete development, performance analysis, strength and conditioning, peak performance, technical and tactical development, marginal gains, social support and mental skills coaching.
Past students have benefitted from a guest speaker programme which has featured lectures from professionals from the highest level of a variety of sports, who have shared their advice, knowledge and experience of the industry.
Prior to starting the course you’ll be expected to have a placement organised that will last throughout your studies; this can be in more than one organisation if required. The placement should be in a role relevant to the course, and might include (but not limited to) coach, sport scientist, performance analyst, strength and conditioning coach, exercise physiologist, biomechanist, laboratory technician, etc. If you’ve been unable to organise a placement, the course team will support you in finding a placement.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Speak to a tutor
Speak to a tutorCourse features
Professional membership
You have the opportunity to obtain a professional membership as part of this degree
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Apply direct
You can apply direct to Solent University for this course
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
This course is for
This course is well-suited to those with a sports science-related undergraduate degree who wish to further their knowledge to pursue a career in sport at all levels.
What this course leads to
The course has been designed in conjunction with industry experts, ensuring you gain skills and theory tailored to industry requirements. Graduates would be well-placed to work with:
- Professional, elite or Olympic athletes
- Hospitals and health organisations
- Schools and/or colleges
Meet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Year one
Core modules
Applied Research Methods and Study Design
This module is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the research process and the methods of inquiry used to investigate subject specific issues or problems within the field of sports performance coaching.
Independent Research Project
This is a student-led module and as such the content is largely determined by you under the guidance of your supervisor. The module provides you with an opportunity to undertake a sustained, intensive and independent investigation into a theme of your choosing and present the work in a peer reviewed journal format. It will provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your scholarly skills within a unique area of study.
Physical Preparation in Sport and Exercise
This module examines the science behind effective training, injury prevention and rehabilitation in a practical setting. You will focus on physical and mental loading, and on the key fitness components of strength, speed, endurance and flexibility.
Psychology In Coaching And Athletic Development
Coaches and practitioners across the disciplines of sport science are expected to consider how they can develop the psychological characteristics of their athletes, and how to improve coaching practice. This module introduces you to contemporary theories on the psychology of athletic development (confidence, motivation, stress, mental toughness, resilience), asks you to critically evaluate them, and consider how they can be applied within athletic development environments through their practice.
Tactical and Technical Development in Sport
This module aims to develop student knowledge of, and skills in using up-to-date technology for developing, monitoring and testing athletic performance and equipment; and collection, assimilation and analysis of tactical and time motion information.
Placement
The aim of this module is to provide, in a structured and supported manner, opportunities for students to learn from experiencing a professional work environment. By undertaking a voluntary placement you will have the opportunity to reflect on and implement the knowledge and skills you have gained during your previous modules of study and learn about new concepts and working practices.
Learning resources
At Solent, our aim is to deliver innovative, inclusive and intellectually stimulating teaching to develop self-confident and highly employable graduates. All our courses are designed with employability in mind, which makes industry-based learning a priority.
The course combines theory-led sessions with practical sessions, working individually and in groups, both in the laboratory and the field. On all modules, you'll work with real-life clients in a placement either organised yourself or by members of the course team.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Learn transferable skills
You will develop transferable skills such as presentation, project and time management, leadership, communication, and IT and numeracy skills, both in the classroom and in practical placements.
Facilities
Students have access to the University’s professional sport and exercise facilities, including fully equipped physiology, psychology, and biomechanics labs, a health and exercise gym, and a sports therapy suite.
Our physiology laboratory is officially accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), marking it as one of the UK’s leading sport and exercise science facilities.
Alumni network
As part of our global alumni community, you can take advantage of a range of benefits.
Whether it's been days or decades since you left us, or you're soon to don your cap and gown, things are constantly changing at Solent. We're always innovating, but we're also immensely proud of our heritage. And that means you.
Research and knowledge exchange
Research doesn't just live in publications and journals - the effects of groundbreaking research can be found everywhere you look. That's why research at Solent has always been firmly rooted in industry needs and real-world application.
Solent University prides itself on carrying out not only pioneering research, but also research that addresses real world problems. We offer opportunities to study for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in a number of areas.
At Solent, we want to help you achieve your best and discover new insights. Whether you're thinking about applying for a PhD, or already underway with your research studies, you'll find useful guidance and information in our research pages.
Find out moreSupport at Solent
All students at Solent University have access to a range of specialist support services. Whether you are having financial difficulty, need additional help with academic skills or want advice on setting up your own business you'll find that help is always on hand.
Most of our specialist support services are based around the Student Hub, a central space where you can access all of the information and support you may need during your time at University. The Student Hub is the first point of contact if you have any queries relating to your course, including questions about your timetable, options, and assessments and extenuating circumstances.
We work in partnership with the University to build a sense of pride and confidence in your Union, University and student experience.
Find out more
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2024/25 academic year are:
- UK and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,675 per year
- International full-time fees: £17,065 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2024/25 other costs are:
Compulsory costs
- Students are required to undertake DBS criminal records checks as part of their enrolment. This is compulsory and is payable by the student at a cost of £60. The DBS check is organised by the University.
Optional costs
- Additional National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications: Prices vary, please click here to view courses.
Alumni discount
Solent alumni are eligible for a 20% reduction of tuition fees if returning to study a postgraduate course.
Find out moreBursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
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Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
Honours degree at 2:1 or above
- Acceptance is also subject to successful interview.
- Admissions will consider applicants who do not have a degree at 2:1 or above, but can provide evidence of relevant work experience.
- All students will be required to undertake a criminal convictions check through the Disclosure and Barring Service.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at our 2023 course entry statement document.
An honours degree at2:1 or higher
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Speak to a tutor
Speak to a tutorYour application checklist
Applications for postgraduate courses can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. However, we strongly recommend you apply at your earliest convenience.
Please ensure you upload the following mandatory documents with your application:
- Two academic references.
- Certified transcripts of qualifications, including English language proficiency if non-UK student.
- Copy of passport.
- Copy of current visa (if applicable).
- A personal statement.
- Employer sponsor form, where appropriate.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, listening and speaking
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component
or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Study options
Make your application
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
