Fast-track your future in sports with a 2-year performance analysis degree at St Mary's
Evaluate sports performance for elite organisations with our unique 2-year Sports Performance Analysis degree. This accelerated programme provides the unique opportunity to complete a master’s within three years. On successfully graduating from the BSc, you’ll be eligible to apply for the MSc programme, where acceptance depends on meeting the entry requirements for postgraduate study.
You’ll become confident in topics such as data analytics, analysing performance, and understanding talent ID and recruitment, while also conducting your own research.
With tailored work placements designed through your Individual Development Plan (IDP), small class sizes for a more personalised learning experience, and a strong focus on employability, this course ensures you’re fully prepared for a career in sports performance.
A true representation of the industry, a highly trained and experienced programme team, engaging lectures, and the opportunity to further your career.
Course Talk: Sports Performance Analysis
Learn with the latest technology and world-class facilities
You'll have access to the latest industry software, world-class sports facilities, and British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) accredited labs, including:
- Computer Science Suite
- Mac Computer Performance Analysis lab
- E-sports gaming studio
- Fitness and Conditioning Suite
- Sir Mo Farah Athletics Track
- Performance Hall
- Biomechanics Laboratory.
As part of the course, you’ll also develop your skills in data analysis, coding, and the use of performance analysis software that's critical for evaluating athletic performance. This hands-on experience prepares you to interpret and apply complex data in real-world scenarios, giving you an edge in a data-driven industry.
This blend of technological and practical learning is ideal for students who are passionate about combining sports performance with analytics and technology.
Contribute to real-world sport
During your Sports Performance Analysis degree, you'll get exciting opportunities to analyse real-life athletic performance. Our students and staff have worked at:
You’ll be on placement with one of our sporting partners who are there to support you with your individual development. You’ll leave the degree with a robust set of real-world experiences supporting your chances of employment on graduation.
Expert teaching and support
You'll learn from leading academics and industry specialists. They’re devoted to your studies, as well as your personal and professional growth. Our student, Aikaterini, tells us she was “always encouraged and fully supported”.
Find out more about how, here at St Mary's University, we have enhanced sports analysis education.
Guest lectures from industry experts
Throughout the degree, you'll have the opportunity to hear from industry leaders and experts across the world of sport during guest lectures and networking events.
Recent guest lecturers include Rafal Juc, one of the longest serving international scouts in the NBA. Rafal drafted Nikola Jokić for the Denver Nuggets, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and helped the team secure their first NBA Championship in 2023.
Gain extra qualifications while you study
On our Sports Performance Analysis BSc, you can apply for Level 1 and Level 2 International Society of Performance Analysis of Sport (ISPAS) accreditation.
You'll also have extensive opportunities to complete industry-specific qualifications throughout the degree.
Work placements: professional experience with elite organisations
You can also complete work placements with elite organisations. This experience will help you apply your studies to a professional setting and build your network of industry contacts.
Hear from our students
Everything I did at St Mary's has got me to where I am today. All the modules that we covered were very applicable to the real-world, and what I do now in my job as an Academy Performance Analyst at Chelsea FC.
Find out more about Gabby's time on the course in our Made at St Mary's campaign.
in London
out of all universities (National Student Survey 2026).Teaching quality
in the UK (The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025)Employability
of graduates are in employment, vocation or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA, 2024)Career opportunities
Our Sports Performance Analysis and Talent Identification BSc will help you develop essential transferable skills, such as communication, attention to detail, and resilience.
When you start your course at St Mary's, you'll have access to our Career Services, which provides students and graduates with impartial advice on their career progression and development.
Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of Sports Performance Analysis and Talent Identification (Accelerated) BSc (Hons) include:
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Course content
Modules on our Sports Performance Analysis degree
These modules are available in the current academic year and are intended to illustrate what may be offered in future years. Modules are subject to change.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
How the degree is taught
Teaching methods
You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.
Most modules will follow the common three-hour per week structure of Sport, Health, and Applied Science programmes: one-hour lecture, one-hour seminar, and one-hour practical. However, this course also incorporates a blended teaching approach, with more online learning, giving you the flexibility to dedicate additional time to your professional placements and practical experience.
The applied nature of the degree means you will benefit from an industry-specific placement, tailored to your career aspirations through an Individual Development Plan (IDP). This personalised approach ensures that your placement aligns with your interests and future goals, giving you the experience and skills necessary to excel in elite sport.
Specialist symposium events, hosted by key industry figures, will provide opportunities to learn directly from professionals and build valuable industry connections.
You will also be allocated a personal tutor, who will work closely with you throughout your studies. Regular meetings will focus on your professional and academic development, while your tutor will also provide ongoing support during your placement visits. This individualised approach ensures you receive the guidance needed to maximise your potential and achieve your goals in sports performance analysis.
- Contact time
- 40%
- Independent study
- 60%
Assessment methods
There will be a large range of assessment strategies tailored around industry-specific roles in performance analysis and talent identification. These include:
- Pre and post-performance presentations
- Intervention strategies
- Performance profiles
- Player/team performance reports
- Case studies
- Professional reviews
Assessments are designed to reflect real-world scenarios, focusing less on traditional exams and more on practical applications. Students will engage in presentations, case studies, and other industry-relevant tasks that mirror the challenges faced by professionals in the field. This approach ensures that graduates are equipped with the problem-solving and communication skills demanded by employers, making this a truly unique degree.
Feedback
We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Who teaches this course?
Entry requirements
2026 to 2028 entries
Start date
Standard offer
112 UCAS points
Contextual offer
96 UCAS points
About Contextual Offer:
Not sure about your grades? We consider all factors when reviewing your application, as we know not everyone has the same support to reach their potential. So we may make a contextual offer below the standard Tariff if you meet our criteria. Read more about contextual offers.
We expect applicants to achieve a grade C (or equivalent) in either IT, Science, Maths, PE, Sport, or Business Studies. Applicants not studying these subjects will still be considered where they meet the tariff point requirement. These applicants will be reviewed by the course lead and may be invited to interview. Interviews will consist of a practical task to assess your ability to complete a blended learning programme.
We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:
- subjects studied at Level 3
- your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
- non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
- your references and motivation.
FAQs
Sports performance analysis is the use of data and video to evaluate how athletes and teams perform, identify strengths and weaknesses, and inform coaching decisions. Analysts work across elite sport in roles spanning match analysis, opposition scouting, recruitment, and talent identification.
Most performance analyst roles ask for a relevant degree, alongside practical experience with industry software and real-world placements. Our BSc combines both – you'll graduate with a degree, elite placement experience, and the option to gain Level 1 and Level 2 ISPAS accreditation while you study.
This is an accelerated programme, covering the same depth as a traditional three-year BSc in a fast-tracked format. You'll graduate a year earlier and can progress straight onto the MSc, meaning you could hold both a bachelor's and a master's within three years.
Graduates go on to roles including performance analyst, opposition analyst, recruitment analyst, scout, data analyst, and data scientist – working in professional clubs, national governing bodies, and sports technology companies. Our graduates include an Academy Performance Analyst at Chelsea FC.
Yes – while the degree covers analysis across all sports, your work placement is tailored to your career goals through an Individual Development Plan, so you can focus your practical experience on football analysis, scouting, or recruitment if that's your target industry.
Fees & funding
September 2026
Home
£11,750
International
£18,600
*Please note: The above fees are for September 2026 and September 2027 fees will be published shortly. Tuition fee increases for undergraduate Home students are subject to regulatory control by the UK Government. These fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
For more information on foundation year fees for home students, please check the details on our tuition fee page.
For more information about whether you are likely to pay home or international fees, please visit our 'understanding your tuition fee status' page.
Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.
Scholarships
Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.
Living costs
A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.
Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.
Apply now
If you're currently living in the United Kingdom and Ireland, you'll need to apply through UCAS. You can check our step-by-step application guide for detailed information. You will also need to apply directly if you want to study any course part-time.
If you're an international student and you would like to apply for Foundation and Placement Year courses, you can submit an application directly or add St Mary's University as a choice on UCAS. Check our guideline for more information.
September
Transferring from another institution?
St Mary's is happy to consider applications from students who wish to transfer from another university. If this is you, please follow these instructions. Please note: we do not currently accept transfers into our LLB courses.
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