PE & Sport for Young People

Programme Aims

The Masters Level programme aims to develop and enhance in students the following academic and professional skills:



To critically engage students in the pursuit of meeting the needs of children and young people through PE and sport in NI while reflecting on their own professional development for employability and career enhancement.



To promote in our students the professionalism, knowledge, understanding, leadership and pedagogical skills indispensable for the achievement of the best practice in the service of children and young people through PE and sport.



To empower students to reflect on and critically analyse, using a range of applied

scientific approaches, rapidly emerging challenges to contemporary society, education

and community sport, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to children and

young people, and evolve new strategies to overcome these challenges.



To utilise their advanced knowledge and understanding of working with and for

children and young people in PE and sport to deal with complex issues systematically

and creatively, identify and overcome barriers, and solve problems and communicate

their conclusions clearly.



To develop originality in the application of knowledge together with a practical understanding/application of applied scientific methods and research skills necessary to create and interpret knowledge in PE and sport for young people.



To support a culture of self-reflective study, critical inquiry and scholarship through workshops, practical classes and lectures to enhance preparation, planning and practical skills.



To educate participants in knowledge transfer strategies and enhance their awareness of networks for disseminating new knowledge.



To further develop their key and vocational relevant skills and independent learning ability required for continuing professional and personal development through professional practice in working in PE and sport for young people.



To enhance skills in gathering and providing evidence, the application of appropriate scientific methodologies for analysis, and engaging in the submission of evidence and analytical review in a supportive and critical framework of their work in leading change.



To seek opportunities to achieve greater recognition of their work in PE and sport for young people in the form of publications, leading innovation and change among practitioners in their work setting and advanced qualifications at Masters level.



MSc in Physical Education and Sport for Young People (180 credits)



MSc in Physical Education and Sport for Young People is awarded to students who have accumulated 180 M-level credit points which includes a dissertation, either as a consultancy-based project or an academic research paper. The dissertation is equivalent to 60 M-level credit points. The MSc may be completed within one academic year of three academic semesters, but can be extended over a period of up to six academic semesters. The award of the MSc in Physical Education and Sport for Young People requires the successful completion of three core modules, in module options allowing students to specialise in Sociology, Pedagogy or Psychology of PE and Sport for Young People by choosing the appropriate pathway.



Awards

A pass with commendation will be awarded to those graduating with a Master of Science, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate who achieve an average mark of at least 60%. A pass with distinction will be awarded to those graduating with a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate who achieve an average mark of at least 70%. A pass with distinction will be awarded to Master of Science candidates who achieve at least 70% in the dissertation, no less than an average of 65% in each of the other modules and an overall average of at least 70%.

CORE MODULES



MPE5001

Leadership and Professional Development in PE and Sport working with and for Young People



MPE5002

Research Methods in PE and Sport working with and for Young People



OPTIONAL MODULES



MPE5003

PE and Sport and the Social Sciences



MPE5004

Cognitive Development and Pedagogy through PE and Sport



MPE5005

Psychology: Culture, Coaching and the Young Person



RESEARCH PATHWAY OPTIONS



MPE5006

Consultancy based project



MPE5007

Dissertation or Academic Paper with Presentation

Candidates for admission to the MSc in Physical Education and Sport for Young People should normally hold:



A good honours degree (2.2 or higher) or equivalent qualification in a related field

Application forms for entry to the MSc should be submitted to the Academic Registry Office by 30th June 2025.



Late applications will be considered subject to the availability of places. Email e.mclaughlin@smucb.ac.uk

The programme is delivered in a full-time study mode over a ten month period (September to June) with flexible scheduling of classes allowing students to maintain their professional development while studying full time.

Academic Year: 2025-26