Robert Gordon University (RGU) has launched a new postgraduate sports performance analysis course, which is the first of its kind in Scotland, for those who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in the industry.
The MSc Applied Sports Performance Analysis course is aimed at individuals who wish to gain or develop skills to monitor and record sporting performances, as well as liaise with coaches and athletes in training and competition environments to improve their performance.
Delivered by RGU’s School of Health Sciences, the one-year, full-time course has been developed with input from experts within a range of sports, including football and basketball. It will start at in January 2017 and applications are now open.
Donnie MacDonald, subject lead in Sports and Exercise Science, said: “Individuals with skills in analysis and evaluation of sporting performance are in high demand in order to maximise athlete potential and to minimise risk of injury.
“The main driver for this is an increased number of people engaging in performance sporting activities and increased media coverage of sport, along with a greater range of technology available to support athletes and coaches.
“This new course, which is the first of its kind in Scotland, aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to collect, analyse and effectively present data relating to a range of different sports performance parameters.
“We are delighted to be able to offer it here at RGU and believe our expert lecturers are best placed to help students enhance their skills in this field and their employability prospects by studying with us.”
Students will be taught in a variety of ways including lectures, interactive workshops and tutorials, practical classes and individual projects and the course will cover a number of topics, including:
- Feedback-based Analysis of Sports Performance
- Principles of Biomechanics and Instrumentation
- Analysis of Sports Technique
- Athlete Monitoring and Analysis
Students will also undertake a research project and have the opportunity to gain placement experience with organisations such as Aberdeen Football Club, ALTIS Aberdeen Athletics and basketballscotland.
Mr MacDonald said: “Placements with professional sports clubs and organisations are one of the key options within the course which will give students the chance to develop their knowledge in the field and also gain learn important workplace and employability skills.”
Greig Thomson, head performance analyst at Aberdeen Football Club, said: “Elite football teams are constantly looking for any competitive edge they can make, which will improve performance on the field. Due to this there has been a steady increase in job opportunities for performance analysts.
“It is critical that graduates understand evidence based interventions and methods whilst also gaining practical skills which allow them to interact effectively with coaches and players.
“The MSc Applied Sports Performance Analysis course at Robert Gordon University balances the theoretical knowledge but also gives the practical skills needed to succeed in a very competitive and rewarding environment.”
Barry Lang, Head of Basketball at basketballscotland, added: “Performance Analysis is crucial to remain ahead in high performance sport. Getting essential data to both coaching staff and players at the key time is a major asset.
“At basketballscotland, our sport demands real-time team and player analysis, in addition to background data on opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.
“We would welcome individuals with the skills, knowledge and ability to convey this essential information in to our performance programme.”
For more information about the course and to apply, please visit: www.rgu.ac.uk/sports-performance-analysis