SHAPE YOUR CAREER IN
A COLLEGE THAT TRULY
SETS YOU APART.
WWW.SETANTACOLLEGE.COM
ABOUT
SETANTA COLLEGE
Setanta College is an internationally renowned provider of higher education in human
performance and sports science. Headquartered in Ireland, Setanta College also operates
campus locations in the UK, Italy, USA, South Africa, and India and is led by an Advisory
Board and lecturing faculty highly experienced in the elite-level sport.
Setanta College is partnered with world-leading sports technology companies such as
STATSports and is an education partner to sporting bodies including World Rugby, the
GPA, the Irish Cricket Association, and Sport Ireland Institute. Setanta College graduates
include both coaches and athletes operating at elite sporting levels, across professional
soccer, rugby, GAA, athletics, baseball, and more.
We are committed to providing our students with a progressive learning experience that
leads to greater specialized knowledge, understanding, and practical competence in
strength and conditioning, sport, exercise, and performance science. With flexible learning
options available, athletes can further their education to suit their own schedule while
continuing to focus on their performance.
SOME OF OUR PARTNERS
COURSE INTRODUCTION
Performance Coaching is the discipline where the biological and behavioural sciences are
integrated within a coaching environment to support athletes’ preparation, performance,
and welfare within their chosen sport or physical activity.
The Setanta College Master’s Degree is the only programme that offers an online, flexible,
and world recognised qualification in this growing field. Those studying this programme
will gain a credential that is in exceptionally high demand - not only within elite sports and
human performance related activities, but also with - in the world of general exercise,
fitness, wellness and the performing arts.
A PASSPORT TO THE BIG
LEAGUES
This course will open doors for you across sport and physical activity. As such, you can expect to
achieve significantly high levels of responsibility within a variety of sports, fitness, and performance
industry sectors. These include but are not limited to:
Elite and amateur levels in team and individual sports
National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGB)
Performing Arts
Education, health, and public sector
Health and fitness industry
Freelance and consultancy
Sports technology, equipment, and performance science
By successfully completing this programme, you will join the highly sought-after alumni of Setanta
College, many of whom are eminently engaged in professional employment within the sports,
technology, performing arts, fitness industries, and within sport and exercise tertiary education.
A PERFECTLY BALANCED
PROGRAMME
Overview Duration
The programme includes: Students have a choice of course duration:
You may complete each of the 6 modules
6 Online Modules (each module is 12 consecutively, which means you can
weeks in duration) complete the entire programme in 72 weeks
2 separate on-site weeks for workshops, (6 x 12 weeks) - plus your final project.
practical application, and presentations Alternatively, you can choose to study in a
Final applied project (additional 3 months to bespoke, flexible manner that allows you to
complete) create a timeline of studies that works for
Workshop Locations: you.
Thurles, Ireland
Florida, USA
Karnataka, India Delivery Method
This is a blended-distance learning programme
with a duration of 24 months.
Accreditation
There are two one-week on-site practical
This programme is awarded by Irish American sessions that can be undertaken in:
University under its accreditation by the Middle Setanta Wellness, Thurles, Ireland
States Commission on Higher Education, one of Inspire Institute of Sport, Karnataka, India
the world’s leading accrediting bodies. Florida, United States
Furthermore, Setanta College Professional
Advisory Board, other subject matter experts, On average, a learner is required to complete 5-
and international sporting organisations have 6 hours of self-study per week. This includes the
informed, reviewed, and approved the course viewing of weekly online lectures,
content. This includes World Rugby, the Titleist recommended reading and research and
Performance Institute, and the NSCA who completing coursework.
recognise our programmes and qualifications.
Fees
Eu Students: €9,500
International Students: $13,500
*Different payment options & methods available after application.
MSC IN PERFORMANCE
COACHING
MODULES:
1. Advanced Conditioning and Recovery Methods
This module is designed to provide a multidimensional and interdisciplinary approach to
performance development, thus providing the practitioner with a variety of current tools and
approaches to assess and maximise performance in a range of related components and settings. The
two main themes of this module are closely linked; any well-planned conditioning or training method
can only be successfully applied when planning includes key factors of development and recovery.
The module begins with a discussion of key principles and approaches using the methodology of
performance development within the physical activity. Methods of conditioning are addressed and
the management of recovery and peaking for optimal performance is integrated within this
discussion. These advanced training strategies and approaches related to advancing performance
are considered and evaluated.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module students will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate traditional and current conditioning and recovery approaches in sport and
physical activity.
2. Apply scientific and practical reflection in participant and program evaluation using evidence-
based science.
3. Design a specific conditioning program informed by the needs of the participant and demands of
the sport/activity.
2. Coaching & Monitoring Technology
This module considers the many and varied approaches to monitoring a performer’s lifestyle,
workload, performance metrics and crucially the options from coaching and monitoring technologies
that are used in doing so. Advanced movement and athletic programmes and individual exercise
enthusiasts are now embracing, with varying degrees of success, technology based systems to track
adaptations to competition, conditioning, training and recovery stimuli. The operational principles
and the role of technology in this process, as well as key validatory procedures of a range of
technologies, will be considered and critically assessed.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module students will be able to:
1. Assess and critically evaluate the precision, reliability, and effectiveness of a range of sport,
exercise, and lifestyle-related technologies.
2. Effectively apply a diverse range of sport and lifestyle technologies in an efficient and meaningful
manner in performance monitoring.
3. Demonstrate the ability to develop an athlete and programme monitoring system within a
practical performance setting.
MODULES:
3. Data Management & Research Methods
A key skill of the advanced practitioner will be the ability to generate independent solutions to the
unique challenges they face in their individual training environment, particularly in the modern era of
technology and “big data”. Ultimately, they will require the ability to generate their own evidence-
based practice that blends external data, their own findings, and observations with the unique
challenges and confines of their own training environment using evidence-based and objective
science. Subsequently, the capacity for independent investigation will be critical, allowing the
generation of context-specific solutions to key performance problems and scientific principles of
research will be emphasised here. This module will extend the course aim of developing
multidisciplinary, independent thinkers, enabling practitioners to generate true evidence-based
practice that can be directly applied to their own coaching practices. The learner will also develop an
advanced understanding of Microsoft Excel for data management in the process.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module students will be able to:
1. Form compliant strategies in the gathering, storing, and management of participant and activity-
related data.
2. Present and interpret data in a meaningful format using current best practices.
3. Prepare a research project/proposal based on sound fundamentals of applied research.
4. Movement Analysis & Biomedical Aspects
This module advances the practitioner’s knowledge, understanding, and skill competence in
gathering meaningful data that assesses posture and movement quality. This means assessing for
symmetry, balance and imbalance within specific patterns that are static, dynamic and sport or
exercise-specific related. Using both observation skills and technology-based analysis such as video,
2-D, and 3-D movement analysis technology, the practitioner will learn to apply such applications to
assist and enhance observational analysis. Such skills will facilitate the practitioner to understand the
factors associated with natural age-related reductions in performance and disease-related medical
conditions. Injury is often an inevitable consequence of sport, exercise and movement involvement.
The practitioner may or may not be involved in the acute treatment of injury, however, he or she will
play a critical role in seeking to reduce the risk of injury onset. In addition, this module will enable
students to identify injury risk factors, to design programs of exercise that reduce the risk of injury,
and programs that better manage diseased conditions and that facilitate continued involvement in
sport, physical movement and exercise.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module students will be able to:
1. Assess and quantify the quality of static posture and dynamic movement using evidenced-based
criteria.
2. Demonstrate competence in the application of technology for movement analysis.
3. Critically evaluate factors associated with injury incidence in sport and physical activity.
4. Devise strategies to reduce injury risk as part of a support team.
MODULES:
5. Sport & Exercise Nutrition
The knowledge and insight gained from this module will allow the practitioner to work closely with
sport and exercise nutritionists and other support staff members in ensuring that the performer is
appropriately supported in meeting their energetic and nutritional needs. The learner will not be
expected to be an expert in sports and exercise nutrition following the completion of this module.
However, the learner will have an in-depth understanding of the best practices for ensuring that the
performer is well prepared nutritionally and energetically for the demands of his or her physical
activity, by understanding the evidence-based demands of sports and performances from an
energetic perspective.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module students will be able to:
1. Effectively use available technology and software to assess the individual macro- and micro-
nutrient requirements of the participant.
2. Critically evaluate the energetic demands of training and competition.
3. Make nutrition recommendations using best practice methodology to support the energetic
demands of the participant’s sport or activity.
6. Applied Coaching
The aim of this module is to advance the understanding and capability of the student to meet the
challenges of a changing environment of approaches and methodologies guided by evidence-based
practice in sport and exercise performance. Related topics considered in an applied manner include
applied coaching science and best practice, motor skills development and long-term athlete
development approaches and models. In addition, the key aspects and traits associated with
effective coaching practice such as communication and leadership are addressed. The skills that are
required to lead a program that is collaborative, team-focused and innovative will require sensitive
management skills and these are also addressed.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module students will be able to:
1. Use an evidence-based approach to devising solutions to complex and challenging issues within a
coaching environment.
2. Apply evidence-based coaching science to participant development
3. Critically evaluate appropriate leadership and communication strategies in a range of
performance and management situations
7. Applied Project
The individual project will enable the practitioner to focus on a specific, self-directed research
question and to generate an evidence-based solution to this challenge. The project will be selected
from a number of industry-specific options that best suit the practitioner’s current situation or future
direction. The practitioner will be challenged with developing an evidence-based, objective, and
robust project drawing from the skills developed throughout the previous modules.
For individuals working within a performance organisation, and where the practitioner is sponsored
by the organisation, the project will take the form of an agreed solutions-based project based on a
challenge faced by the organisation. Here the project will be agreed upon between the practitioner,
the College and the employer.
FEES
EU Students €9,500* International Students $13,500*
*Different payment options & methods available after application.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Candidates may be accepted onto the programme with a 2.1 degree in any one of the following:
Strength and Conditioning, Sports Science, Sports Physiotherapy, Athletic Training or a similar field
of study and at least three years relevant professional experience.
OR
An appropriate professional qualification (such as CSCS, UKSCA) and at least five years of relevant
experience
OR
Special Case Registrations: prospective participants who do not meet the entry requirements for the
programme detailed above, but who may qualify for admission by meeting certain other equivalent
criteria, should apply to the College Administrator for consideration. An interview may form part of
the selection process for all application routes.
English proficiency to be demonstrated through any of the following:
GCSE pass in English at Grade C or above
IELTS with an average overall score of 6.5 for postgraduate study with at least a 5.5 in each
component TOEFL IBT minimum score of 88 IBT for Postgraduate **
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): exams taken from January 2015 – overall score of 176 for
postgraduate study with at least 162 in each component; exams taken before January 2015 –
Grade C and no less than borderline in each skill for undergraduate and postgraduate
Trinity College English Language qualifications: ISE III Pass for postgraduate taught courses and
research applications City and Guild’s IESOL/ISESOL tests at expert and mastery levels (C2 and
C1) for the majority of postgraduate programs.
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) with a minimum of 67 points in each element
for the majority of postgraduate programs
ADVISORY BOARD
Dr. Liam Hennessy
Dr. Liam Hennessy is the President of Setanta College.
He is a qualified Physical Education teacher, Exercise
Physiologist, and Strength & Conditioning Coach. Liam
was also an international athlete, competing over 50
times for Ireland at the Pole vault. He has spent over 20
years working full-time in sport. He is Padraig
Harrington’s fitness coach and has previously worked as
the Director of Fitness with the IRFU.
Professor Ian Jeffreys
Ian is the Academic Director at Setanta College. He is an
internationally renowned coach, educator, and author
and is regarded as a world authority in the development
of speed and agility, and conditioning for team sports,
where his unique Gamespeed system and RAMP warm-
up protocols have been adopted by a wide range of
coaches and organizations. Ian was a founding member
of the UKSCA.
Des Ryan
Des is the Director of Coaching and Performance at
Setanta College. He is one of the leading youth coaches
and performance managers within the sporting industry.
He has previously served as Head of S&C at Connacht
Rugby, S&C to Ireland and as Fitness Education Manager
within the IRFU, and Director of Head of Sports
Medicine & Athletic Development (Academy) at Arsenal
Football Club.
COURSE LECTURERS
Dr Joe Warne
Programme Leader
Joe is an elite athlete, coach, and scientist. He specialises
in data analytics, biomechanics, and physiology. Joe
comes from a Sports Science background, with extensive
practical experience in the S&C setting working with
athletics and GAA Academy teams. He also has
experience being a high-performance coach. He has
become recognised as one of the world’s leading experts
in the transition to minimalist footwear with respect to
performance and injury as a result of his PhD research.
Loren Landow
Guest Lecturer
Coach Landow is highly sought after for his ability to
analyze and correct biomechanics. His goal is to
maximize human performance while decreasing the
likelihood of injury.
Loren has trained thousands of athletes of all ages and
abilities, including over 400 professional athletes in the
NFL, NHL, MLB, UFC, WNBA, and Olympic medalist.
Gary Schofield
Guest Lecturer
Gary is a Director of Sports Performance and is an S&C
specialist (NSCA). Coach Schofield’s unique background
of athletic training and strength and conditioning has
allowed him to coach and assist in the athletic
development of athletes with teams and organizations
such as the Atlanta Hawks (NBA), Georgia Force (Arena
Football), Gwinnett Gladiators (ECHL), Atlanta Trojans
(USBL), WCW Wrestling, Atlanta Silverbacks Pro Soccer
(A-League), and many other pro and amateur
organizations.
OUR STUDENTS &
GRADUATES
SOHAM DESAI
Soham is the Assistant S&C Coach for the Indian Cricket
Team and is the S&C Coach for the Board of Control of
Cricket in India. He is a Certified S&C Coach (CSCS) from
the National S&C Association (NSCA). Soham graduated
from the MSc in Strength & Conditioning in 2021.
BRITTANY WIEBE
Brittany is the Strength & Conditioning Coach for the
Minor Leagues Team - Houston Astros. Brittany
previously studied Kinesiology and Exercise Science, as
well as completed a Master of Education in Positive
Coaching, before joining the Setanta Master of Science
in Performance Coaching.
EOIN CLARKIN
Eoin Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach at Arsenal
WFC & FAI Ireland U21s. He is a graduate of the
Masters, "The course was flexible, allowing me to study
and work at the same time. It was also very practical,
most of the things that I was learning I was able to fit
directly into what I was doing as a coach at the time."
GED MCNAMARA
Ged is the Head of Athletic Performance with Munster
Rugby. Upon completing the Setanta Masters, through
our links with World Rugby, Ged took up the role of
Head of S&C at Georgia Rugby. After that, he spent a
few years as Head Coach in a gym, before he started
working with Munster Rugby, Ireland.
www.setantacollege.com
[email protected]
+353 (0504) 26723
@setantacollege
