Courses covered:

1. Research Methods & Data Management
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   Module 1: Research Methods & Data Management

   The capabilities to both manage data and prosecute research are considered essential for the modern performance focused coach. The plethora of data that may be derived from a variety of sources can often create much confusion for the coach, analyst and support members of the team and indeed the athlete. Further, having the skills to meaningfully manage and interpret this data will allow the student to synthesise and apply relevant data across a wide variety of sporting and physical activity contexts such as within the general fitness industry. The module will also advance the students skills in their approach and competence in identifying and prosecuting sport and exercise related research. 
   Learning Outcomes
   At the end of this module students will be able to:
   1. Articulate issues and form compliant strategies in the gathering, storing and management of sport related data.
   2. Interpret and present data and results in a meaningful format using current best practice.
   3. Prepare a research proposal based on sound fundamentals of applied research  

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2. Athlete Monitoring & Coaching Technology 
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   This module considers the many and varied approaches to monitoring an athlete’s lifestyle, workload, performance metrics and the technologies that are used in doing so. Advanced athletic development programmes and individual exercise enthusiasts are now embracing, with
   varying degrees of success, technology-based systems to track adaptations to competition, conditioning, training and recovery stimuli. The operational principles and the role of technology in this process, as well as key validatory procedures of a range of technologies, will be considered and assessed. This module will promote a principle led approach to monitoring and assessing such that the coach becomes more critical, effective, efficient, competent and confident in the use of and application of technology in monitoring his or her athletes/clients.
   Learning Outcomes
   At the end of this module the student will be able to:
   1. Assess and critically evaluate the precision, reliability and effectiveness of a range of sport and lifestyle technologies
   2. Effectively apply a diverse range of sport and lifestyle technologies in an efficient and meaningful manner in performance monitoring.
   3. Demonstrate the ability to develop an athlete and programme monitoring system within a practical performance setting

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3. Performance Analysis and Data-Informed Coaching 
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   Practitioners are expected to showcase proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting performance data through the use of relevant software and tools. It emphasizes the development of data-driven coaching strategies, which involve creating athlete-specific training plans and game tactics based on thorough performance analysis. The module further emphasizes and justifies the importance of effective communication, as coaches should be able to convey data-driven insights to athletes and coaching staff, promoting collaboration and ultimately enhancing overall team performance.
   Learning Outcomes
   The student will be able to:
   1. Demonstrate proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting performance data, using relevant software and tools, to inform coaching decisions. 
   2. Apply data-driven coaching strategies, including athlete-specific training plans and game tactics, based on thorough performance analysis. 
   3. Effectively communicate data-driven insights to athletes and coaching staff, fostering collaboration and enhancing overall team performance .

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4. Sports Data Analytics & Performance Modelling 
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   Module 4: Sports Data Analytics & Performance Modelling

   This module explores advanced techniques in sports data analysis, focusing on statistical methods, machine learning, and predictive modelling. Students will work with real-world datasets to develop insights that enhance athlete performance, optimize training programmes, and prevent injuries. Topics include big data in sports, advanced statistical techniques, data visualization, and ethical
   considerations in data use. Through practical applications and case studies, students will gain the skills to implement data-driven solutions in sports coaching and performance management.
   Learning Outcomes
   At the end of this module students will be able to:
   1. Apply advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to analyse sports performance data and develop predictive models.
   2. Use real-world datasets to optimize training programmes, enhance athlete performance, and prevent injuries.
   3. Critically evaluate and communicate data-driven insights through effective visualization and ethical decision-making. 

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5. Reflective Practice & Professional Skills 
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   Module 5: Reflective Practice & Professional Skills

   Reflective practice lies at the heart of the work of the influential coach, teacher, instructor, and health practitioner, providing a core principle around which careers can be built. This module will explore critical topics for practitioners, ensuring they develop the skills and competencies to undertake consultancy at the individual, group, community, or wider population levels. The module provides a comprehensive understanding of the importance of maintaining legal, regulatory, and ethical standards and essential insight into the various frameworks adopted in applied work. It aims to develop the ability to work with a range of athletes and sports settings and to develop, monitor, and evaluate interventions used in the rehabilitation process. It will also assess the potential role of emerging approaches to rehabilitation programmes and the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills for a successful career.
   Learning Outcomes
   At the end of this module students will be able to:
   1. Demonstrate systematic understanding of professional practice issues in coaching and critically reflect upon own professional skills to benefit future learning and practice.
   2. Identify ethical issues in applied sports coaching and performance and use effective frameworks to develop overarching practice principles.
   3. Demonstrate competence to work effectively with a range of various athletes, clients and populations 

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6. Biomechanics & Sports Engineering  
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   Module 6: Biomechanics & Sports Engineering

   This module integrates biomechanics with engineering principles to explore the mechanical aspects of sports performance and injury prevention. Students will analyse sports movements, investigate the design of equipment and surfaces, and apply innovative technologies to
   enhance athletic performance. By bridging science and engineering, the module prepares students to develop practical solutions for real-world challenges in sports.
   Learning Outcomes
   At the end of this module the student will be able to:
   1. Analyse and evaluate sports movements using biomechanical principles and motion analysis techniques.
   2. Apply engineering concepts to design and assess sports equipment, surfaces, and technologies that enhance performance and reduce injury risk.
   3. Critically assess emerging trends and technologies in biomechanics and sports engineering for their potential impact on athletic performance. 

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7. Applied Project
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   A key skill of the advanced practitioner will be the ability to generate independent solutions to the unique challenges they face in their individual performance environment.  Ultimately, they will require the ability to generate their own evidence-based practice that blends external data, their own findings and observations with the unique challenges and confines of their own performance setting. Subsequently, the capacity for independent investigation will be critical, allowing the generation of context specific solutions to key performance problems. This module will extend the course aim of developing multidisciplinary, independent thinkers, enabling students to generate true evidence-based practice that can be directly applied into their own coaching practices. It will enable the student to apply the skills and knowledge generated through the previous modules to the generation of a solution to an applied question they face in their own practice and to communicate these findings in both written and oral formats.  The individual project will enable the student to focus on a specific challenge they face and to generate an evidence-based solution to this challenge. For individuals working within a performance organisation, or where the student is sponsored by the organisation, the project will take the form of an agreed solutions-based project based on a challenge faced by the organisation.  Here the project will be agreed between the student, the college and the employer. 
   Learning Outcomes
   At the end of the project the student will be able to:
   1. Demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of effective enquiry in the strategic development of a performance-based solution.
   2. Demonstrate the ability to plan and conduct an effective professional enquiry following a systematic approach to an identified problem.
   3. Effectively present the findings of the enquiry, along with key practical application for future practice.

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Programme Duration

The programme duration is 21-24 months. This includes:

• 6 Online Modules (each module is 12 weeks in duration)
• On-site residential week, practical application, and lectures.
• Final Project (additional 3 months to complete)

Residentials

Much of the learning on the programme will occur through a mix of online courses and experiential learning, however, a key part will be the residentials. Whilst the content of each residential will be dependent upon the modules undertaken, the overarching objectives will be similar.

Our residentials are offered in the following locations:

Ireland: GAA National Games Development Centre, Dublin.

The objectives:

• To provide hands-on instruction and experience in the practical elements of the course content. Even though the course is focused mainly on an evidence-based practice approach, practical competency in the application of theory to practice and in the ‘art’ and ‘craft’ of coaching will be emphasised. Further, the competence in the use of and interpretation of data using a wide range of coaching technologies and the coaching process will be central to the face to face environment and thus the residential will ensure that practitioners receive high-class instruction in the key practical elements required for effective industry practice.
• To allow for practical assessments and presentation-based assessments to be carried out.
• To provide contextualisation and critical discussion of the topics covered in the online material. This will essentially be a flipped classroom approach to teaching. This medium will allow practitioners to share experiences and provide a highly interactive learning environment.