MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
BSc (Hons) Sports Performance Analysis and Talent Identification
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Sports Performance Analysis and Talent Identification at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is an innovative and intensive two-year accelerated undergraduate degree designed to equip students with crucial skills in evaluating athletic performance and effectively identifying talent within the competitive world of elite sport. This program uniquely blends theoretical knowledge with extensive practical experience, focusing on the observation, recording, and analysis of sporting performances to gain a competitive edge. Students will gain hands-on experience with the latest industry-specific technologies and software, including access to St. Mary's British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) accredited laboratories and world-class sports facilities. The curriculum is delivered through a flexible blended learning approach, combining on-campus teaching, online learning, and invaluable professional work placements. This program is ideal for individuals with a keen eye for talent and an interest in leveraging data and technology to enhance athlete development and team performance. Graduates are also eligible to apply for Level 1 and Level 2 International Society of Performance Analysis of Sport (ISPAS) accreditation.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Sports Performance Analysis and Talent Identification program is structured as a two-year accelerated degree, providing a concentrated and industry-relevant learning experience. In the first year, students establish foundational knowledge and practical skills through core modules such as "Introduction to Data Analysis," "Introduction to Performance Analysis," "Applied Performance Analysis," "Advanced Principles in Talent ID," "Youth Talent Development," "Holistic Development," "Applied Data Analysis," 1 and "Performance Analysis and Talent ID Research." These modules are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of data collection, analysis techniques, and the principles of talent identification and development. The second year builds upon this foundation with modules including a crucial "Professional Placement," a "Professional Project," "Opposition Analysis," "Recruitment Analysis," "Role of the Analyst," "Professional Development," "Reflection in 2 Practice," and "Dissemination of Research." The program employs a wide range of assessment strategies tailored around industry-specific roles, including pre- and post-performance presentations, intervention strategies, performance profiles, player/team performance reports, and case studies.
Research Focus: The BSc (Hons) Sports Performance Analysis and Talent Identification program at St. Mary's University is underpinned by a strong research ethos, with its curriculum and practical applications continually informed by the active research interests of its academic staff. Many lecturers are leading academics and industry specialists who conduct research directly relevant to contemporary performance analysis and talent identification practices. The program integrates research methods throughout its modules, culminating in a significant "Professional Project" (dissertation) in the second year, where students undertake their own original investigations. St. Mary's provides access to BASES accredited laboratories and specialized computer suites with industry-specific software, enabling students to engage in robust data analysis and research. This focus ensures graduates are equipped with an evidence-based approach to evaluating performance, identifying talent, and making informed decisions within the sports industry.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the BSc (Hons) Sports Performance Analysis and Talent Identification program at St. Mary's University, designed to provide extensive practical experience and significantly enhance graduate employability. The program includes a compulsory "Professional Placement" in the second year, offering students invaluable real-world experience within elite sporting organisations. St. Mary's leverages its strong relationships with numerous professional sports clubs and academies to facilitate these placements. Students gain direct experience using the latest industry software and hardware, preparing them for the demands of the professional environment. Teaching staff are industry specialists who actively support students in building a network of industry contacts. This direct exposure and networking opportunities are crucial for students to apply their theoretical knowledge, develop essential professional skills, and enhance their prospects in a rapidly growing market.
Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Sports Performance Analysis and Talent Identification program at St. Mary's University inherently fosters a strong global perspective, recognising that the need for competitive advantage in sport is a worldwide phenomenon. The curriculum incorporates international best practices in performance analysis, talent identification, and athlete development strategies from around the globe. By focusing on universal principles of data analysis and athlete profiling, the program prepares students to work in diverse sporting environments, from local academies to international professional leagues. The opportunity to gain ISPAS (International Society of Performance Analysis of Sport) accreditation further reinforces the program's global relevance and ensures graduates' qualifications are recognised internationally. This global outlook, combined with the use of cutting-edge technology common in elite sport worldwide, equips graduates with the skills and understanding necessary to pursue careers in performance analysis and talent identification on an international scale.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 18150
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 55.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
The BSc (Hons) Sports Performance Analysis and Talent Identification at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is an innovative and intensive two-year accelerated undergraduate degree designed to equip students with crucial skills in evaluating athletic performance and effectively identifying talent within the competitive world of elite sport. This program uniquely blends theoretical knowledge with extensive practical experience, focusing on the observation, recording, and analysis of sporting performances to gain a competitive edge.
Performance Analyst (Professional Sports): Graduates are highly sought after by professional sports clubs (e.g., football, rugby, cricket), national governing bodies, and elite sports organisations to collect, analyse, and interpret performance data (e.g., video, GPS, statistics) to provide actionable insights for coaches and athletes.
Opposition Analyst: Specialising in dissecting the strategies and tactics of opposing teams or individuals, these analysts provide detailed reports and presentations to inform game plans and tactical approaches for upcoming competitions.
Recruitment Analyst/Scout: Working within club academies or professional teams, graduates leverage data and video analysis to identify and evaluate potential talent, supporting recruitment decisions and contributing to long-term player development pathways.
Sports Data Scientist/Data Analyst: Graduates can apply their strong analytical and data interpretation skills to broader data sets in sport, working with large datasets to uncover trends, build predictive models, and inform strategic decisions for teams, leagues, or sports technology companies.
Sports Technologist: With an understanding of performance tracking systems and analytical software, graduates can work for companies developing and implementing sports technology solutions, contributing to the design and application of tools used for performance analysis and athlete monitoring.
Talent Identification Specialist: Focussed on identifying and nurturing athletic potential, these specialists often work within sports academies, governing bodies, or university sport programs, designing and implementing frameworks for systematic talent ID and development.
Performance Coach: While not directly a coaching qualification, the in-depth understanding of performance metrics and tactical analysis gained can provide a strong foundation for aspiring coaches who wish to use data-driven approaches to improve athlete and team performance.
Academic/Researcher in Sports Performance: With the program's emphasis on research methods and a final professional project, graduates can pursue postgraduate studies (MSc, PhD) and careers in academia or research, contributing to the scientific understanding and advancement of sports performance analysis.
Sporting Director Assistant/Support Staff: In administrative or support roles within sports organisations, graduates can use their understanding of performance data to assist sporting directors or general managers in decision-making related to squad management, player contracts, and performance review.
Broadcast/Media Analyst (Sports): Leveraging their expertise in analysing sporting events, graduates can work for sports media outlets, providing commentary, analysis, or statistical insights for live broadcasts, sports shows, or online content platforms.
