Overview
Are you keen to make a difference to the prospects of those at the top tier of sport and performance? During this four-year part-time programme you’ll learn how to question practice and develop evidence-based solutions to workplace challenges.
This interdisciplinary course is a mix of research and lectures, where you’ll develop your own bespoke learning journey. Modules are designed to support professional development and encourage you to consider what underpins your practice and career trajectory. You’ll also gain an understanding of research methodologies and skills, and apply these to your own work.
Benefit from a blended-learning approach
Lectures are delivered online, while two on-site learning blocks allow you to share practice, present your research, and network with peers and faculty. Throughout your study, you’ll be encouraged to challenge methods, push boundaries and seek evidence-based approaches relevant to your own practice. Previous students have included coaches, sport scientists, allied health professionals, and performance directors from the highest levels of sports and performance nationally and internationally.
As a graduate and expert in your research area, you can apply your knowledge and skills to your current work or pursue leadership roles in your field, both nationally and internationally.
DCU People
I chose this programme to improve my ability as a practitioner in Elite Sport (rugby), mainly in research-based practice.
Read more about Peter Smyth
I chose this programme because wanted to ground my current practices with research to provide an evidence informed approach to my consultancy.
Read more about Declan O'Connell
Careers & Further Options
Careers
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.
"DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.
DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path."
Entry 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 regulations. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.
Candidates applying through RPL will be shortlisted for interview.
Programme Structure
The programme comprises both research and taught elements.
Modules 1 - 4 comprise modules (60 ECTS) that critically reflect on theories and practice of sport performance, develop an advanced 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.
Fees and Funding
Fees
How To Apply
Applicants for the Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance are required to complete a pre-application form to begin the application process
Once this form has been reviewed, the applicant will be sent information via email around how to progress their application to DCU.
For further information on the application process, please see here for a guide to the postgraduate research application
The following will be required after approval of pre-application:
- Certified academic transcripts for all years of study at college or university in original language, with certified English translations;
- Certified copy of parchment / degree certificate, with certified English translations;
- Please outline relevant academic and professional experience under each section of the application form.
- An outline proposal of 1,000 words, describing the challenges currently faced in the candidate’s performance domain. You will be required to download / upload the relevant supplemental form as part of the application process outlining your proposal.
- Two recommendation requests (references), including one from a senior individual in the candidate’s performance domain; Your nominated referees will be requested as part of the application process.
- If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml.
In line with DCU’s (2019) Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, candidates 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)
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until:
- Closing date for Non EU applicants is 30th June 2025.
- Closing date for EU applicants is 30th June 2025.
Applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of gaining entry into Ireland are advised that they are ineligible to apply for this programme.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Queries
Queries on completed applications should be emailed to postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
Commencement of Programme
The programme commences in September 2025.
Life On Campus
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.
DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.
Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.
For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.
The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
DCU Glasnevin Campus
FAQs
Is DCU all one campus?
DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree. There is a 20-25 minute walk between the campuses but there are buses and bikes available to go between them also.
Click here to see maps of all of our campuses
If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.
Does DCU provide accommodation?
DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.
