Master of Science in Digital Innovation for Sport

Digital innovation is transforming sports business, participation and performance.

The last 5 years has seen exponential growth across the SportsTech industry both in Ireland and globally.  Digital innovation is at the heart of the growing Irish SportsTech industry and is being rapidly embraced by Ireland’s sporting organisations to manage membership, competitions, performance, facilities, ticketing, broadcast, marketing and many more functions.  The need for sport specific digital skills development programmes like this one is echoed in the 68 National Governing Bodies, the 29 Local Sports Partnerships and other agencies who run sport in Ireland. Sport Ireland have stated their strategic priorities are to build innovation, drive collaboration across the sector and promote a digital first approach.

This programme is designed to meet the needs of the sports sector through a full time MSc in Digital Innovation for Sport.  It equips students with sport specific knowledge and skills in data, AI, digital transformation and digital innovation and allows them to specialise in an area of their choice - digital marketing & technology, programming for sports innovation or performance impact.

The programme has a combination of modules that are themed in the areas of Sports Data and Analytics, Digital Transformation in Sport, Digital Marketing and Emerging Technology in Sport, Programming for Sports Innovation, and Learning Design for Sports Performance Feedback.  In Semester 2, there are elective choice for students to make as shown below.

Semester 1 Modules

• Data Analytics for Sport Intelligence (10 credits) + Analytics and AI for Sport (5 credits)
• Ditigal Transformation for Sport (10 credits) + Leading Digital Transformation (5 credits)

Semester 2 Modules

• Digital Innovation for Sport (10 credits) + Research Methods (5 credits)

      And one of:

• Digital Marketing and Engagement for Sport (10 credits) + Emerging Technologies for Sport (5 credits)

OR

• Learning Design for Sports Performance Feedback (10 credits) + Professional Practice for Sport Performance (5 credits)

OR

• Data Architecture and Programming for Complex Sports Systems (10 credits) + Applications Programming for Sports Innovation (5 credits)

Semester 3 Modules

• Research Project (30 credits)

Entry Requirements

Level 8 Bachelor (Hons) degree H2.2 or equivalent.
Evidence of English Language Proficiency (IELTS).
Option for Recognition of Prior Learning according to ATU policy

Examination and Assessment

Assessments outputs are designed to be flexible according to the module focus. They can include, but are not limited to:

• Data analysis and visualisation
• Reflective activities
• Essays and literature reviews
• Interactive presentations to peers and industry partners
• Case studies
• Written reports and strategy proposals
• An independent research project"

On-Campus Attendance Requirements

Full time students are required to attend up to 4 days per semester in person. These are designed for team building, peer and industry networking and to take students to key Irish sporting infrastructure. Where possible these will be scheduled on Thursdays and Fridays.

This course is 18 months duration for full-time students. A part-time option is also available for this course. 

Please note that students will incur some travel and accommodation cost to attend the in-person elements of the course.

Semester 1:
1 day Induction event at sporting venue tbc before commencement
Week 5: 2 day Immersive teaching & peer learning block ATU SLIGO
Week 15: 1 day Networking & Peer Learning Event at sporting venue tbc

Semester 2:
Week 6: 2 day Immersive teaching & peer learning block ATU DONEGAL
Week 15: 2 day Project Presentations & Industry Events ATU GALWAY

Semester 3:
1 day Induction and Research event at sporting venue tbc before commencement
Week 5: 1 day Research Workshops ATU SLIGO
Week 15: 1 day Viva Presentation & Networking Event at sporting venue tbc

Contact

For course information please contact Head of Department, Damien Costello
Email: damien.costello@atu.ie

For application details, please contact Learn.galwaymayo@atu.ie