MDX Dubai’s New Sport Performance Analysis Programme : An Exciting Evolution in the UAE Sports Industry

Use adaptable data analysis techniques to master the art of sport development at an elite level

The UAE has witnessed significant growth in the sports sector, with an emphasis on health and wellbeing being placed within the nation's cultural and economic landscape. The UAE won their first Olympic medal in 2004 and continue to compete at a global level, with 14 incredible athletes representing the UAE at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. A report by FootballCo determined that those in the Middle East were inspired by the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, increasing interest in the sport of football and specifically the individual players. 

Athletes competing at an elite level don’t get there on their own. Years of training in fitness and technique propel them to greater heights, but the often-overlooked skill of data analysis is what makes the ultimate difference to their overall development and athletic performance. 

With a significant growth in interest within the sports industry in the UAE, sports teams, coaches, personal trainers, and sports professionals need to get serious about their sport performance analysis. Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai has just launched a new programme at Master’s level that changes the game of elite sporting in the UAE and beyond.

MSc Sport Performance Analysis New for September 2024 Intake

The UAE’s sports industry’s evolution is driven by substantial investments in infrastructure and community engagement. The National Sports Strategy 2031 aims to increase the participation rate in diverse sports to 71%, develop sports professionals, and enhance regulations governing the sports sector. The UAE Vision 2071 emphasises the quality of sports, recognising its role in cultivating the skills of the next generation and enabling them to represent the UAE on international platforms. 

MDX Dubai has always embraced a culture of fitness, with 11 sports teams within the university including basketball, football, athletics, badminton and volleyball. With the launch of the new programme MSc Sport Performance Analysis, the University reaffirms its commitment to providing education tailored to growing industry needs. 

The MSc Sport Performance Analysis programme is designed to immerse students in the dynamic and data-driven world of sports, where data analysis takes centre stage. This programme covers relevant topics such as performance indicators, profiling, reliability testing, and statistical analysis using industry-standard software packages. By equipping students with the tools and knowledge needed to drive performance improvements in various sports, MDX Dubai is preparing the next generation of performance analysts to thrive in the competitive sports industry.

The MSc in Sports Performance Analysis at Middlesex University Dubai offers a hands-on curriculum that blends practical with theory. Students are exposed to the latest software such as Sportscode and Dartfish, developing expertise in techniques and procedures relevant to performance analysis. The programme includes a research project component, equipping students with the skills needed for research-based careers and further PhD studies.

What is Sports Performance Analysis? 

Performance analysis is used in a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, tennis, cricket, rugby, and hockey… almost any professional sport you can think of! Sports performance analysis is key for enhancing athletic performance and achieving excellence in competitive sports. By collecting, analysing, and interpreting data related to sporting events and individual athlete performances, performance analysts provide objective feedback and valuable insights. This information helps athletes, coaches, and support staff optimise training strategies, improve tactical decisions, and enhance overall performance. The role of performance analysis is key to identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, ultimately helping athletes and teams reach their full potential.

Career-Led Education and Student Support

The career-led education approach in the Sports Performance Analysis programme at Middlesex University Dubai guarantees that the students are not only learning theoretical aspects but also gaining practical experience that can be used in their future careers. The programme includes modules on data analysis and visualisation skills, enabling students to manage and interpret complex datasets. By learning to visualise data using various software packages, students can provide actionable insights to coaches and athletes, contributing to their success on and off the field. 

Graduates of the MSc in Sports Performance Analysis are well-prepared for a variety of career paths and roles, including as performance analysts, sports scientists, coaches, sports technology consultants, and data analysts. The programme's focus on data analytics and AI skills also opens doors to broader positions in business and technology. This degree provides a versatile and future-proof qualification that empowers graduates to excel in diverse sectors. Graduates will also be capable of establishing their own consulting business or progressing to additional study or research. 

Dr Krishnadas, Associate Professor and Deputy Head of the Computer Engineering and Informatics Department, said:

“With the launch of the pioneering MSc in Sport Performance Analysis, Middlesex University Dubai is transforming the landscape of what can be achieved in professional and elite sport management and analytics in the UAE. This unique programme not only caters to the sports industry but provides extensive data analytics and AI skills applicable across various sectors. Our graduates will excel in diverse roles from sports performance analysts to broader positions in business and technology. Moving beyond traditional sports management, the programme provides participants with the skills and tools to generate data from various sports and analyse the data using AI tools and algorithms. This is truly a versatile and future-proof qualification.”

Students who choose to study Sports Performance Analysis at Middlesex University Dubai receive not only an industry-standard education but also comprehensive support from the Centre for Academic Success (CAS). The dedicated CAS team provides both in-person and online advice. Students can benefit from various programmes, including the Academic Enrichment Programme, confidential learning disability support, and pre-sessional workshops in Digital Literacy and Academic Skills. With this extensive support and guidance, MDX students are well-equipped to tackle any challenges they may encounter during their academic journey.

Ensuring Accessible and High-Quality Education

MDX Dubai is committed to providing high-quality UK education that is accessible and affordable for all, including those already in employment. 

The course is taught through a series of practical workshops as well as self-directed study and project-based learning, and classes take place in the evenings to accommodate other commitments. With the option to study full-time over one year or part-time over two years, and specialist facilities developed on campus exclusively for this degree, students will be taught in an optimal environment for their learning. 

At Middlesex University Dubai's MSc in Sports Performance Analysis programme, students not only receive a quality British education but also immerse themselves in an exceptional student experience. MDX Dubai boasts a diverse student body of over 5600+ students from more than 120+ nationalities, fostering a global community where students forge lifelong friendships and participate in a wide array of sports clubs, recreational activities, and social events.

The Dubai Knowledge Park campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped classrooms, specialised labs for robotics and VR, a fashion studio, and the MDX Studios with a dedicated podcast studio, Dolby Atmos Theatre, and a mixing studio, recording studios, and more. These facilities contribute to a dynamic and enriching student life experience.

This Sport Performance Analysis programme is for students who would like to develop key skills and competencies, acquire a body of knowledge, and gain exposure to new and innovative areas of the subject. This degree will open doors to exciting career paths and excellent career progression opportunities to students not only in the UAE but also internationally. 
For more information about the MSc Sport Performance Analysis and to apply visit https://www.mdx.ac.ae/courses/msc-sport-performance-analysis