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Have an eye for talent? The first step toward your future career as a scout or analyst begins with a degree in Performance Analysis and Talent Identification.

  • Two-year accelerated degree to maximise your future earning capacity
  • Access to industry-specific technology, excellent sports facilities and BASES accredited laboratories
  • Opportunity to gain professional experience on placement with elite organisations
  • Blended learning programme taught online and on our historic London campus to allow flexibility with your learning

Why study Sports Performance Analysis and Talent Identification?

The need to gain a competitive edge within elite sport has led to an increase in observing and recording performances. These analyses allow elite organisations to identify 'talent' and make performance improvements across the developmental pathway. As a result, performance analysis and talent identification are an integral part of the coaching process.

You'll be using the latest industry software and hardware during the degree. This will give you experience of the emerging technologies at the forefront of the discipline.

Professional work placements will give you the opportunity to enhance your experience. Placements will help you to build a network of industry contacts who can support you throughout the degree and into your career.

Why St Mary's?

This two-year accelerated degree gives you a head start as you look to begin your career in elite sport. This programme offers you the flexibility to study on campus, online and within a professional workplace.

You'll have access to industry-specific technologies within Performance Analysis and access to our British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) accredited laboratories. You can also continue your development through our range of state-of-the-art sports facilities.

Teaching staff on the programme are leading academics and industry specialists. They'll help you develop the knowledge, skillset and experiences that elite employers are looking for. Their support will prepare you for a career in performance analysis, scouting and recruitment.

You'll also be able to build a network of industry contacts via the multiple elite organisations that the course team work with.

In addition, the programme will enable you to 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.

Related courses

#SportScience #DataAnalysis

Please note: Sports Performance Analysis and Talent Identification is subject to validation.

Entry requirements

96-112 UCAS points required

BBC - CCC

A Levels

DMM - MMM

BTEC Extended
Diploma

View alternative requirements

To calculate your expected UCAS points, please use the UCAS Tariff calculator.

All prospective students will be interviewed by the Programme Director. Interviews will consist of a practical task to assess your ability to complete a blended learning programme. 

Requirements for other qualifications (including BTECs, Irish Highers, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureates and Access Courses) are also available. For more information please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.

We will make you an offer if you are within the tariff band range and you meet subject-specific requirements (where applicable).

For undergraduate programmes we will take into account subjects studied at Level 3, your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile, relevant non-academic achievements outlined in your personal statement, references and your motivation for study.

International requirements

International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section (or equivalent).

We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.

Course content



Year one

  • Introduction to Data Analysis Core
  • Introduction to Performance Analysis Core
  • Applied Performance Analysis Core
  • Advanced Principles in Talent ID Core
  • Youth Talent Development Core
  • Holistic Development Core
  • Applied Data Analysis Core
  • Performance Analysis and Talent ID Research Core

Year two

  • Professional Placement Core
  • Professional Project Core
  • Opposition Analysis Core
  • Recruitment Analysis Core
  • Role of the Analyst Core
  • Professional Development Core
  • Reflection in Practice Core
  • Dissemination of Research Core

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.

Career opportunities

As a Performance Analysis and Talent Identification graduate, you will be highly sought after by employers in a rapidly growing market both nationally and globally.

Your professional placement will allow you to build your skills, knowledge and experiences within the industry, enhancing your employability prospects in elite sport.

Employment areas include:

  • Performance Analyst
  • Opposition Analyst
  • Recruitment Analyst
  • Scout
  • Data Analyst
  • Data Scientist

We work closely with National Governing Bodies and Professional Organisations to create a strong portfolio of opportunities from across the sports sector.

The Careers Service has more information on careers and postgraduate study options available to Sport and Exercise Science students who have started their studies at St Mary’s.

How the degree is taught

Teaching methods

You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham (London), on placement and online through our virtual learning platforms.

Most modules will share the common three-hour per week structure of Sport, Health and Applied Science programmes: one-hour lecture, one-hour seminar and one-hour practical. We are committed to providing the very best teaching and look to continually use innovative approaches alongside traditional methods to best support your needs.

The applied nature of the degree means you will also be supported through an industry-specific placement and specialist symposium events hosted by key industry figures.

You will be allocated a personal tutor who you will meet with on a regular basis to focus on your professional and academic development. This individualised approach looks to guide you towards your desired career in elite sport. Your personal tutor will also support you with visits whilst on you're on your professional placement.

Teaching breakdown

Learning on the course is made up through a combination of:

  • Guided learning: 40%
  • Independent study: 60%

Independent study is a key feature of your degree and is crucial to furthering your knowledge.

You will receive your timetable a week before teaching is due to start at the latest.

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

Feedback

We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within three weeks.

See how your final degree mark is calculated...

Compensated passes

Please refer to the information on compensated passes throughout your degree as outlined in the academic regulations.

Fees and funding

2020/21 fees

  • Home/EU: £11,100*
  • International: £13,500

* Please note: These fees are annual and may increase in line with inflation each year subject to the Governments review of Higher Education Funding.

Information about tuition fees, student loans and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.

The UK Government has confirmed that EU applicants starting in 2020 remain eligible for 'home fee status' and can access financial support.

Additional costs

Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.

Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken. For further information about additional costs please contact patrick.oxenham@stmarys.ac.uk.

Scholarships

A range of scholarships and bursaries are available to new undergraduate students. This includes:

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.

Facilities

View all facilities

Further information


Teaching staff

Patrick Oxenham profile photo Patrick Oxenham
Lecturer - Physical Education and Sports Coaching

patrick.oxenham@stmarys.ac.uk

Tom Hounsell profile photo Tom Hounsell
Programme Director - FdSc, BSc and MSc Football programmes

tom.hounsell@stmarys.ac.uk

Tom Howard Tom Howard
Associate Lecturer

tom.howard@stmarys.ac.uk

Claire Mulvenna profile photo Claire Mulvenna
Lecturer - Physical Education and Sport Coaching

claire.mulvenna@stmarys.ac.uk

Anthony Lockey profile photo Anthony Lockey
Senior Lecturer

anthony.lockey@stmarys.ac.uk

Visit the campus

Open days

Attending an open day is a fantastic opportunity to get an insight into what life is like as a St Mary's student. During the day you'll have the chance to:

  • Speak to current students to hear about their experiences so far
  • Meet your future academics to put a name and a face to who you'll be learning from
  • Take a tour of the University and the on-campus accommodation options
  • Get involved with activities going on across campus as you explore new surroundings

Book your place now

Campus tours

There are plenty of opportunities for you to explore the campus, even if you can't make it to an Open Day.

We run campus tours every Wednesday at 12pm. If you'd like to join us for one of these tours please register your place for your preferred day.

Sports Performance Analysis and Talent Identification video

Virtual tour

We know that for it's important to you to see where you'll be living and studying before you make your decision. However, we also know that for many people it's not always easy to make it to the campus.

That's why we've developed a virtual tour of campus, allowing you to explore that facilities and the beautiful views that we have to offer.

Launch the virtual tour

UCAS Application Timeline

1

UCAS Apply Opens

You will be able to register and begin your application, but won't yet be able to submit it.

May (year before entry)

Find out more about the application process
2

Completed applications can be submitted to UCAS

From September you'll be able to submit your UCAS application. Universities will start making decisions on applications.

September (year before entry)

Find out more about the application process
3

UCAS application deadline

You will need to submit your application by this date.

January 15th

Find out more about the application process
4

UCAS Extra opens

If you've used all five choices, but are not holding any offers, you might be able to add another choice.

Late February

Find out more about UCAS Extra
5

Replying to offers

Your deadline for replying to your offers depends on when you received all your decisions by. If you miss your deadline, UCAS will automatically decline all your offers

Spring/Summer

Find out more about the application process
6

Late applications are entered into Clearing

If your application is received after 30th June, it will be entered into Clearing.

30th June

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7

UCAS Extra application deadline

If you've used all five choices, but are not holding any offers, this will be your last chance to add an Extra choice.

Early July

Find out more about UCAS Extra
8

Clearing Opens

Clearing vacancies will be displayed in the UCAS search tool.

Early July

Find out more about Clearing
9

Clearing hotline opens

On A-Level results day, we open our Clearing hotline. If you're eligible to apply through Clearing, you'll be able to apply to us via phone.

Mid-August

Find out more about Clearing
10

Adjustment opens

If you've exceeded the conditions of your firm choice, you may be able to apply for an alternative course.

Mid-August

Find out more about the application process
11

Final application deadline

This is the final opportunity to apply for a course beginning in that year.

September

Find out more about Clearing
12

Clearing closes

This is your final chance to apply through Clearing. Please note: you will not be able to apply for Primary Education beyond mid-September.

October

Find out more about Clearing