MRes Scholarship - Performance Analysis in Football: Academy Development

The MRes project sits within a larger collaborative partnership between BU and AFC Bournemouth which is focused on developing the performance analysis coaching provision within the 1st team and academy. The coaching process is inherrintley qualitative with subjective information typically being communicated orally to athletes. Performance analysis is an objective way of recording performance so that key elements of that performance can be quantified in a valid and consistent manner. The quantified information is then presented to the players using videos, numbers and graphics. This information is vital to the development of footballers tactical understanding to enhance team premier league performance and personal tactical understanding developing the financial cost of the individual players.

Within this particular MRes, the focus will be on creating and understanding of the current tactical approaches used within academy level football. As players progress year on year, previous research has demonstrated that how they play changes. This opens a debate around should they play a set style (dictated by the club) or should they be allowed to develop naturally? Evaluation of these tactical changes can be monitored and evaluated over the duration of the project, firstly as a confirmation of earlier results but with a larger sample, and secondly to identify changes and adaptations based on the competition they face. Based on the literature in the area, this will involve utilising the tactical key performance indicators from football and assessing the in-game preferences used through objective observational research.

Key information:

Next start date: 17 September 2018

Location: Executive Business Centre, Lansdowne Campus, Bournemouth University

Duration:12 months

Entry requirements: Outstanding academic potential as measured by either a 1st class or upper second (2:1) honours UK bachelor’s degree or equivalent. For more information check out our full entry requirements.

International entry requirements: If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS 6.5 (Academic) or above. Please note this is open to UK & EU candidates only.

Please see the website here for details of how to apply.