Matt Lockett

Current role: National endurance coordinator Athletics Ireland High Performance

Course: MSc in Elite Sport Performance

Why did you choose the program?

To assist in my current role, future coaching, and leading performance in athletics

How does the format of the program fit with your practice?

Very well-integrated and allows study to be very focused on areas of professional interest to me.

How would you describe the role and impact of your peers on your development?

It has been good to see common problems, challenges and solutions across different sports

How has it impacted your thinking?

It has made me more open to different approaches to investigating questions that arise around performance.

How has it impacted your practice?

I expected the academic research and study to contradict the ideas and beliefs I had acquired through professional/vocational practice whereas I have found good alignment between academic research and my thoughts and the approaches that should be taken. The gap has been between that and current practice.

How has it developed your career?

It has provided confidence to maybe consider other roles in performance sport in the future.

What is your favourite thing about the course?

Broadened my perspectives through the combinations or research and listening to other people teaching or participating on the course

Can you summarise your experience to date?

Rewarding and challenging mainly due to time constraints when working in performance sport, but that has been really well supported by the supervisors integrating my professional practice and studies.