Others who applied for Sports Performance Msc UL

OneShay

Hi guys,

Im just looking to hear from some other people who applied for the Msc in Sports Performance at the University of Limerick in the last few years particularly the one beginning Jan 2015.

Id like to hear from both successful and unsuccessful applicants who might have anything to say. If any successful applicants could offer any advice it would be much appreciated.

Im basically hoping to just start a discussion that might help people applying in the future.

OneShay

I myself was unsuccessful.

I had an unrelated degree and was applying through the recognised prior learning pathway. I have the nsca cscs accreditation and my work experience was in a voluntary capacity working with a local sports rehabilitator and fellow nsca coach. I assisted him with a number of senior gaa club teams, a minor inter-county team and local rugby clubs.

gymfreak

I applied for the course starting Jan 2013 and was sucessful but I deferred it for a year so that I could get the time off work.

I've an unrelated degree (Primary School teacher) but a very keen interest in youth sports development and performance. I also came from a sporting background and have various fitness certs (PT etc)

OneShay

gymfreak wrote: »

I applied for the course starting Jan 2013 and was sucessful but I deferred it for a year so that I could get the time off work.

I've an unrelated degree (Primary School teacher) but a very keen interest in youth sports development and performance. I also came from a sporting background and have various fitness certs (PT etc)

Hi dude thanks for the feedback.

Can I ask how extensive a sporting background you have and at what sort of level? Also could you expand upon your development and performance involvement. I understand if you don't want to get too detailed.

gymfreak

OneShay wrote: »

Hi dude thanks for the feedback.

Can I ask how extensive a sporting background you have and at what sort of level? Also could you expand upon your development and performance involvement. I understand if you don't want to get too detailed.

Perhaps you would be better off asking about the backgrounds of the class in general and how many got accepted through the recognised learning pathway rather than asking me to justify my credentials:p:)

OneShay

sorry dude i didnt mean for it to come across that way at all. Im just trying to get a clearer picture of what they are looking for. But thats a valid suggestion. Do you have any idea how many people gained access by the rpl pathway? Did you notice any common trends amongst them as far as experience and background is concerned?

Hanley

Have you asked them why you weren't accepted? What did they say? Then follow up and ask exactly what you'd need to do to get accepted, and go do that!

OneShay

Hi Hanley,

I have asked. They are very reluctant to suggest things as it would be "inappropriate". Which I understand. So unfortunately they can be quite vague. I even emailed back after the initial feedback kind of pushing for a bit more info but to no avail. I think they are bound a bit by certain ethical guidelines. That's why I decided to test the waters here.

Hanley

OneShay wrote: »

Hi Hanley,

I have asked. They are very reluctant to suggest things as it would be "inappropriate". Which I understand. So unfortunately they can be quite vague. I even emailed back after the initial feedback kind of pushing for a bit more info but to no avail. I think they are bound a bit by certain ethical guidelines. That's why I decided to test the waters here.

Get em on the phone or arrange a meeting down there if you haven't already... Way more likely to get info that way. Organisations are very reluctant to put stuff in writing in case it's used against em, so don't expect much by way of email!

OneShay

Yeah I know what you mean. I did talk with him on the phone already though and he was again he was reluctant to divulge anything really important. I might try the meeting approach though. I appreciate the advice, thanks.

gymfreak

OneShay wrote: »

sorry dude i didnt mean for it to come across that way at all. Im just trying to get a clearer picture of what they are looking for. But thats a valid suggestion. Do you have any idea how many people gained access by the rpl pathway? Did you notice any common trends amongst them as far as experience and background is concerned?

I think there was 33 in the class (including part timers) and of that 33 there were only 5 of us who came through the recognised prior learning pathway. The 5 of us had a very varied sporting background- Weightlifter, golfer, badminton player and 2 county footballers.

I'd be very surprised in the course director did not agree to meet with you, he's a very fair and helpful man.

OneShay

Thanks again gymfreak.

Having briefly spoken with him the course director does seem like a good guy and I will try that approach.

Do you think though that it would be fair to say that having a good history of sporting achievement is something that they are looking specifically for in the context of the rpl pathway?

gymfreak

OneShay wrote: »

Thanks again gymfreak.

Having briefly spoken with him the course director does seem like a good guy and I will try that approach.

Do you think though that it would be fair to say that having a good history of sporting achievement is something that they are looking specifically for in the context of the rpl pathway?

Not necessarily tbh. We all had to submit an essay stating why we think we should be chosen and what we were going to do to develop sport and sports performance if we got chosen etc. I work with young children so my essay reflected that.

OneShay

I understand. Do you know if any of the rpl group has the nsca cscs accreditation? Or is there another certificate common to the group perhaps? I hope im not being too pushy here or overly inquisitive. Let me know if I am.

gymfreak

I'm not sure tbh. I never went around asking everyone to list their credientials.

But we all have the CSCS now as it is part of the course.

TBH I'd look into your essay, as far as I'm aware that was the major factor in the application process? But perhaps that has changed since?

OneShay

Okay thanks. I appreciate all your input.