Requirements
Reflecting the nature of the MSc in Elite Sport Performance, candidates should be working in sport or a related area, or intend to work in the sport domain.

Evidence that may be provided by the applicant to support this include one or more of the following:
1. Holding a position or role in the promotion of sport performance or related area
2. Holding an appointment or professional position in the domain
3. Professional qualifications in the domain, with clear articulation of intention to progress to work in the domain.

Candidates will be expected to hold a primary Level 8, minimum 2. 2 qualification (NFQ or equivalent) in an area of sport and performance.
In line with DCU policy, students who do not have the appropriate level of academic attainment for direct entry may apply for access via the Recognition of Prior Learning process (RPL).

All RPL applicants will be invited to interview and required to demonstrate that their learning is comparable in terms of academic level training and assessment.

As part of the application process applicants may be called for interview.

Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme.

All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal

Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until:
Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2025.
Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025.

Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU are advised to apply as early as possible.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.

Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email [email protected]

For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email [email protected]

The programme commences in September 2025

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This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Careers
There is an increasing demand for postgraduate study for early and mid-career professionals working in sport performance. The MSc in Elite Sport Performance will provide students with the opportunity to secure a professional qualification that will allow them to stand out against their peers, and will significantly and positively impact their employability and ability to progress to the next stage of their career.

The MSc in Elite Sport Performance will provide a clear progression route for undergraduate students to complete their studies at Masters level.

The MSc in Elite Sport Performance will also provide mid-career professionals an opportunity for professional advancement in their current or future area of work.