Module: Talent Development & Sports Systems

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Talent Development & Sports Systems
Module Code	SPO1042 (ITS: SS429)
Faculty	Health & Human Performance	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10

Description

The aim of SS429 is to explore in detail sport systems and talent development pathways. Specifically, the module will focus on identifying and developing talent drawing upon recent research and exploring various approaches taken in sports from Ireland and around the world. Students will critically analyse various approaches of talent development focusing on key concepts in both applied and academic practice.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain and discuss the critical components of Long Term Athlete Development models and the factors determining the successful implementation of these in sport
2. Compare and contrast the considerations and factors influencing talent identification and transfer within elite sport
3. Describe and synthesise talent development and analyse various approaches and considerations drawing upon and applying recent research.
4. Highlight and evaluate high performance coach education pathways and contrast varying international models of developing coaches.
5. Draw upon and applying previous modules (coaching, psychology, nutrition, strength and conditioning) understand how these are drawn together in developing athletes

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Assignment Completion	60	Completion of CA1 - HP Planning
Seminars	12	6 two hour seminars to discuss research and modular content
Assignment Completion	60	Completion of Periodisation assignment
Independent Study	94	Background reading and research
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	11602	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Áine MacNamara	Module Teacher	Anna Donnla O'Hagan, Robin Taylor, Stephen Behan

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Project	In groups, students will develop, present, and justify an applied resource focused on a particular aspect of talent development.	45%	Week 10
Assignment	Drawing on research and practise, in this written assignment will critically compare and analyse talent development systems in sport	45%	Week 24
Participation	Regular (weekly) and sustained (every week) engagement with module tasks and engagement with Flipgrid	10%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to the SPLISS model of high performance sport

High Performance Culture and Environments

Sport national governing bodies, policies and funding

Talent Identification

Talent Transfer

Talent Development - Long Term Athlete Development Models

Talent Development - the major factors impacting on effective TD

Elite Coach Development

Athlete support and lifestyle

Periodisation - science or art?

Periodisation - strength and conditioning

Periodisation - Nutrition

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None