Course overview
This programme provides a positive environment that engages independent student learning and develops transferable skills relevant to employment in the sport coaching and performance industry. It will develop your academic knowledge and practical application of sport coaching and performance studies through a flexible and innovative learning environment. The programme will help develop critical, reflective practitioners using current best practices in the sport coaching and performance industry.
What will I learn
Year 1
• Introduction to Coaching
• Personal and Professional Development
• Introduction to Psychology
• Coaching Pedagogy
• Anatomy and Exercise Physiology
• Introduction to Research Methods
Year 2
• Applied Issues in Sports Development and Society
• Career Focused Professional Development
• Psychological Issues in Professional Sport
• Coaching Skills Project
• Physiology of Strength and Conditioning Exercise
• Research Development
Year 3
• Sports Policies and Agendas
• Applied Sport Psychology
• Applied Strength and Conditioning
• Professional Development and Practice
• Research Project
How will the courses be assessed?
Teaching and learning will comprise a combination of formal lectures, small group seminars, discussion forums, one to one tutorials, computer based learning and practical laboratory or coaching sessions.
During the lectures, students will be introduced to core concepts with examples drawn from sports science and coaching contexts. Students will have the opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the lectures into a practical setting using specially designed activities during seminars and practical sessions in the Sports Science Laboratory, the Sports Hall or in the field. Seminars and practical sessions have been designed to allow students to gain ‘hands on’ experience of using equipment, testing procedures and field-based assessments.
Theoretical and practical use of research methods has been built into the modules allowing the student to analyse data when it is collected to enhance understanding and utilisation of statistical methods.
Entry requirements
Candidates are selected on the basis of their ability to cope with and benefit from the programme. Their suitability can be demonstrated either through previous educational achievement or through experience and aptitude.
Admission by prior qualification will normally require a minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points. Typically, points can be derived from:
• One GCE A level or Vocational A level pass or equivalent
• Two AS level passes
• BTEC National Diploma/ Certificate
• Other qualifications such as Scottish Highers, Welsh Baccalaureate, Irish Leaving Certificates,
• International Baccalaureate, with the required UCAS points
• A pass in a recognised Access course
• Equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications
Admission by experience and aptitude will be based on the length and type of the candidate’s employment experiences and his. Her ability to demonstrate an aptitude and enthusiasm for the subject. As part of this process, candidates may be required to undertake aptitude tests and. Or to provide personal and/ or employment references.
Candidates whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate English Language competence equivalent to IELTS 5.5 or higher.
Progression
Having successfully completed this programme graduates could look forward to employment in various jobs within the fitness industry such as coaching, sports development and personal training, among others.