University of Portsmouth - MSc Sports Performance

University of Portsmouth

MSc Sports Performance

Whether you’re interested in analysing and optimising sports performance through individual and community engagement, or at international and elite-level, this course will give you the skills you need and will deepen your knowledge of physiology, psychology, performance analysis and biomechanics of sport.

Sports science at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 3rd of all post-1992 universities for research quality

On this MSc course, you'll learn the biomechanics, physiology and psychology that underpins performance enhancement. You'll develop applied techniques, practical skills and research expertise which show how scientific support can be integrated into the world of top-level sport.

The UK is Europe’s leading market for sport and sports tech with sport and physical activity contributing £39 billion to the UK’s economy. The global sports market is expected to reach $707.84 billion in 2026. During your studies, you can choose to work toward British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) accreditation as a sport and exercise scientist.


Entry Requirements

  • A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0

Career Prospects

This course prepares graduates for careers in teaching, sports development, science support, and health and fitness sectors. It also provides the theoretical basis for further academic research, allowing students to pursue a ProfDoc in Sport Exercise and Health Science or Sport and Exercise Psychology. Graduates have gone on to work in various roles, including fitness and health manager, sports physiologist, personal trainer, performance analyst, sports coach, sports physiologist, and wellbeing personal trainer. They have worked for companies like Lotus Strength and Fitness, Nuffield Health, and the English Institute of Sport. The course offers expert career support from tutors and the Careers and Employability Centre, which can be accessed for up to five years after graduation. Career outcomes are sourced from the latest graduate outcome surveys.

Our previous graduates have gone on to work for organisations including:

  • national governing bodies

  • sports agencies

  • local authorities

  • UK Sport

  • NHS

  • primary care trusts

  • county sports partnership

Career opportunities include:

  • high-performance sports coach

  • personal trainer

  • exercise specialist

  • corporate fitness manager

  • university or college lecturer

  • sports facility manager

  • PhD study

  • clinical trials manager

  • sports scientist - such as biomechanist, psychologist, physiologist or performance analyst

  • performance pathway scientist

  • sports projects officer

  • sport science laboratory technician

  • research assistant

Course Details

Master's degree students may face more demands due to work or family responsibilities. The course structure includes on-campus or online lectures, seminars, and self-directed study. Hands-on practical components, including laboratory practicals and using information technology, are encouraged. Full-time students should allocate 37 hours per week to their studies, equivalent to a full-time job, while part-time students should allocate around 18 hours per week.
Studies include teaching time, course work, independent learning, and assessments. Teaching is on-campus and in person over two teaching blocks (September to January and January to May). The Research Development and Practice project is typically developed and realized across both blocks, with an increasing emphasis towards the end of the studies.
Master's study is deeper and more specialized than an undergraduate degree, allowing students to focus on something important to them and their career. Independent study and research are more common, with most teaching time being in-person and face-to-face. Interactive workshop sessions are mainly taught.
Assessment methods include practical and written exams, laboratory reports, role plays, presentations, and projects. Students can test their skills and knowledge informally before undergoing assessments that count towards their final mark. Feedback on practice and formal assessments can be incorporated as students progress through the modules to their final project.

Course Modules

Applied Performance Analysis - 30 credits
Applied Sports Biomechanics - 30 credits
Applied Sports Physiology - 30 credits
Applied Sports Psychology - 30 credits
MSc Research Development and Practice - 60 credits

Attachments

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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