Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance (Sport)
The Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance (Sport) (Level 10 NFQ, 240 ECTS) is a four year part-time, blended learning programme, comprising both research and taught elements. The programme will exploit the working context of students by supporting them to develop evidence-based solutions to their ‘real world’ workplace problems from across the sporting landscape.
Aimed at the next generation of practice leaders in sport, the qualification is designed to enhance and acknowledge the quality of innovation, critical review and systematic application of appropriate theories and research to sport performance. The part-time nature of the course enables students to embed their learning and research within their own professional practice and ensure that the acquired knowledge and understanding gained through the research journey then be integrated directly into the organisations and systems in which they work.
The flexible structure and applied nature of the Professional Doctorate allowed me to commit to the programme and continue to work in full-time professional sport. My motivation to undertake the Prof Doc. in Elite Performance was to develop a portfolio of tools, skills and experience to expand the prospect of future employment opportunities, outside of my specific domain. From the outset, the course content was highly practical and immediately enhanced and supported my current coaching practice.
The reason I chose DCU was because of the quality and expertise of the course leaders and the levels of support they provide on an individual basis, based around your own context and work commitments.
Ian Costello, Assistant Coach Wasps Rugby
The content has been fantastic. Every presentation has genuinely excited me and as a whole given me an insight into becoming a critical researcher and ensuring I get to the heart of the matter and ask why. Also the depth of knowledge and expertise we have on the course is phenomenal and I have utilised this on a few occasions even just to "shoot the breeze" or as I call it "therapy" :).
I'm thoroughly enjoying the journey and I'm positive that it has and will continue to improve me along my coaching career. If like me you're looking for an avenue to explore your area of expertise and personal journey as to how you got there, then the Prof Doc will give you the roadmap to better understanding and answering some of those questions you have.
Michael Black, National Head Coach, Triathlon Ireland
I chose to pursue the Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance (Sport) at DCU firstly because of the opportunity it presented to work directly with leading experts in my area of interest which is primarily Talent ID and Development. Secondly, the professional nature of the course meant that the entire doctorate journey can be completed in a real-world setting with real-time feedback as to the impact of the work. As such this has allowed me to apply more academic rigour to my day-to-day job in the Olympic sports world.
I cannot speak more highly of my experience on the course up this point – excellent support, stimulating and challenging debate and a balanced work load that, while demanding, recognizes that we all have jobs to do as well.
Phil Edwards, USA Field Hockey, Senior Manager of Coaching and Performance
The programme comprises of both research and taught elements. Modules 1 - 4 comprise modules (60 ECTS) that critically reflect on theories and practice of sport performance, develop an advance understanding of research methodologies and skills, and provide students an opportunity to relate this knowledge and understanding to their own applied and professional context. Module 5, the DProfElite (Sport) Thesis (180 ECTS), involves the completion of a research project and thesis.
The taught elements of the programme will be delivered using a blended learning strategy, with delivery being undertaken using a combination of online and face-to-face. Supporting the blended learning approach, two ‘on-campus’ learning blocks will be a feature of the students’ learning journey and will offer opportunities for assessment, sharing of practice, face-to-face teaching and networking amongst the student cohort.
Throughout the modules, as is typical of doctoral level study, students will engage in independent study of relevant issues and ideas raised during the module. Participants will be expected to engage in reading and critical review of literature relevant to the module and their own performance area.
The flexible structure and applied nature of the Professional Doctorate allowed me to commit to the programme and continue to work in full-time professional sport. My motivation to undertake the Prof Doc. in Elite Performance was to develop a portfolio of tools, skills and experience to expand the prospect of future employment opportunities, outside of my specific domain. From the outset, the course content was highly practical and immediately enhanced and supported my current coaching practice.
The reason I chose DCU was because of the quality and expertise of the course leaders and the levels of support they provide on an individual basis, based around your own context and work commitments.
Ian Costello, Assistant Coach Wasps Rugby
The content has been fantastic. Every presentation has genuinely excited me and as a whole given me an insight into becoming a critical researcher and ensuring I get to the heart of the matter and ask why. Also the depth of knowledge and expertise we have on the course is phenomenal and I have utilised this on a few occasions even just to "shoot the breeze" or as I call it "therapy" :).
I'm thoroughly enjoying the journey and I'm positive that it has and will continue to improve me along my coaching career. If like me you're looking for an avenue to explore your area of expertise and personal journey as to how you got there, then the Prof Doc will give you the roadmap to better understanding and answering some of those questions you have.
Michael Black, National Head Coach, Triathlon Ireland
I chose to pursue the Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance (Sport) at DCU firstly because of the opportunity it presented to work directly with leading experts in my area of interest which is primarily Talent ID and Development. Secondly, the professional nature of the course meant that the entire doctorate journey can be completed in a real-world setting with real-time feedback as to the impact of the work. As such this has allowed me to apply more academic rigour to my day-to-day job in the Olympic sports world.
I cannot speak more highly of my experience on the course up this point – excellent support, stimulating and challenging debate and a balanced work load that, while demanding, recognizes that we all have jobs to do as well.
Phil Edwards, USA Field Hockey, Senior Manager of Coaching and Performance
Graduates of the Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance (Sport) will have established their authority in their area of doctoral research by making a domain-specific contribution at the forefront of professional practice. Graduates will be prepared to take leadership roles in their domain which will allow them influence the way in which their profession is approached both nationally and internationally. Graduates will gain a formal academic recognition of their professional development and standing that exemplifies the specific contribution made to extending knowledge and professional practice in sport performance.
Requirements
Reflecting the nature of the Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance (Sport), candidates must be working in an area of professional practice, where they have reasonable experience of that profession, and an opportunity to contribute significantly to the performance within/of that profession. Evidence that may be provided to support this include:
1. Holding a position or role in the promotion of sport performance
2. Professional qualifications in the domain
Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance (Sport) specific requirements:
Candidates will be expected to hold a primary Level 9 qualification (NFQ or equivalent) in an area of sport and performance. Those who do not meet this entry requirement will be considered on a case by case basis only.
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). RPL applicants will be required to demonstrate that their learning is comparable in terms of academic level training and assessment (all decisions will be consistent with DCU PG regulattions) - Please find more information here: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) | Dublin City University | recognition-prior-learning (dcu.ie)
Candidates applying through RPL will be shortlisted for interview.