Be part of Performance Sport Performance Sport

Start your university journey with your sporting development in mind

The Talented Athlete Entry Scheme is designed for students who demonstrate sporting potential and are looking to develop their performance while studying at Ulster University.

The scheme provides an opportunity to become part of the Performance Sport environment from the outset of your university experience. Students receive access to targeted development opportunities, practical support and guidance to help them understand what it takes to progress as a student-athlete.

Support may include:

• Reduced Grade Course Entry - a two-grade reduction in entrance requirements or the equivalent in other accepted entrance qualifications.
• Performance Skills Workshops - opportunities to develop knowledge and skills relevant to sporting performance.
• Welcome Pack - practical resources to help students make the transition into university sport.
• Group Strength & Conditioning - access to structured physical development opportunities.
• Programme Mentor - guidance and support from an experienced member of the Performance Sport team.

The scheme is particularly suited to athletes who have demonstrated potential and are committed to developing their sporting performance alongside their studies.

Further details on the Talented Athlete Entry Scheme can be found here Talented Athlete Entry Scheme.

Develop your performance. Represent UU. Compete at your best.

Performance Teams & Individuals are those competing at a high level through Ulster University teams or as individual athletes.

Their support programme is designed to help athletes manage the demands of training, competition and university study, while providing access to a range of services that support their continued development.

Depending on individual and sporting requirements, support may include:

• Performance Sport Scholarship opportunities.
• Screening and testing to help inform individual performance development.
• Group Strength & Conditioning to support physical preparation and athletic development.
• Competition support, including assistance with travel and accommodation costs where applicable.
• Sports Science & Sports Medicine support.
• Performance Skills Workshops covering areas relevant to athlete development and performance.
• Kit Bundle to support participation and representation.
• Access to a Programme Mentor for ongoing guidance and support.

Students can also benefit from being part of a wider performance environment, connecting with other athletes and teams across Ulster University.

Further information on Performance Sport Scholarships can be found here Individual Performance Sport Scholarship Opportunities.

For information on Performance Teams Scholarships please contact;

• Ladies Hockey - Mark Tully at m.tully@ulster.ac.uk
• Men’s & Ladies Gaelic Football - Micky Quigg at m.quigg@ulster.ac.uk
• Men’s Basketball - Deirdre Brennan at da.brennan@ulster.ac.uk
• Golf - Richie Marsden at richiemarsdenpga@icloud.com

Supporting athletes competing at the highest levels

High Performance Athletes are those competing at the highest levels of their sport i.e. those representing their sport at senior national and international level.

At this stage, sporting commitments can involve significant training volumes, competition schedules and travel. Our support is designed to recognise these demands and help athletes maintain a positive balance between high-level sporting performance and academic progression.

High Performance Athletes may have access to a comprehensive package of support, including:

• Dual Career Support
• High Performance Sport Scholarship opportunities.
• Accommodation support, where applicable.
• Flexible study options to help manage academic commitments alongside training and competition.
• Kit Bundle to support training and competition.
• Tailored Performance Services based on the athlete's individual sporting requirements.
• Personal Mentor providing dedicated support throughout the student-athlete journey.
• Access to an Academic Adviser to help students plan and manage their academic studies alongside their sporting commitments.

Our aim is to create an environment where high-performance athletes can pursue ambitious sporting goals without having to compromise their educational development.

Further information on Performance Sport Scholarships can be found here Individual Performance Sport Scholarship Opportunities.

Build your future beyond sport

A successful sporting career and a successful academic career do not have to be mutually exclusive.

The Dual Career Programme supports student-athletes in managing the demands of high-level sport alongside their academic studies, recognising that both are important elements of their long-term development.

Through a combination of academic guidance, flexible study options, mentoring and performance support, the programme helps athletes navigate the challenges associated with intensive training and competition while continuing to progress towards a university qualification.

Students may receive support such as:

• Flexible study options to accommodate sporting commitments.
• Academic Adviser support to help manage academic requirements.
• Personal mentoring throughout their university journey.
• Performance support and specialist services aligned to their sporting needs.
• Opportunities to develop the skills, knowledge and experience needed for life during and beyond competitive sport.

The Dual Career Programme is about looking beyond the next competition. It helps student-athletes develop the academic, professional and personal foundations that can support their future, whether that ultimately involves elite sport, employment within the sports industry or a career in another field.