Applicants must: (a) have gained; (i) a second class honours degree or better in a related discipline (for example – BSc Sports Coaching, BSc Psychology; BSc Sport and Exercise Psychology; BSc Sports Studies; Sports and Exercise Sciences or Physical Education) from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or (ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification; and (b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent); In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and/or (b), where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.

English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements

• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country

Exemptions and transferability
Exemptions from modules will be on a case by case basis depending on the prior learning of the student cohort. Regulations of the University in relation to credits will also be taken into correspondence for each student and their learning.

Your Application
You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.

Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

Start Date: September 2026.

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.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Careers and Opportunities
The climate for developing sport and coaching across the world?has never been more positive. Coach education and development has?become a major focus for policy and funding decisions by many Governmental Departments. Coaching is emerging as a recognised profession in many countries, this has created a fast moving and dynamic environment in which coaches are challenged to continually develop their practice.?In this context many coaches and coaching professionals (e.g. coach educators) undertake study at post graduate level to both enhance?their practice and improve?their career prospects. ?Graduates who successfully achieve a Masters in Sports Coaching & Performance?fulfil roles in a wide range of sport and non-sport related organisations.

For example:
Sport Governing Bodies:
Director of Coaching
Coaching Manager
Strength and Conditioning coach
Coaching Development
Talent Identification & Development
High Performance Coach
Professional?Coach
Talent/youth/children Coach
Performance analyst?

Local Authorities:
Sports Development Officer
Active Schools Coordinator
Coach (after schools, multi-skills, sports specific)
Physical Activity Coordinator

Education:
Physical education teacher
High school coach
University lecturer
Director of Sport
Researcher

Other:
Self-employed business
Full-or part-time coach

The expectation of what makes a high performing coach is growing and there is a need therefore for coaches at all levels to become highly qualified; this can be achieved by continuing in education at postgraduate level.