Sports Coaching & Performance

The aim of this course is to facilitate the continuing development of sports coaches by enhancing their knowledge, skills and ability to reflect upon their current practice. The term "high performing" underpins this Masters programme, students will be challenged to develop their coaching practice through a range of modules which focus on individual development and current approaches to coaching. The course content is based on the requirements of the sports coaching profession, employers, associated professional bodies, community and industrial interests. The MSc is offered in both full- and part-time modes. Students will complete 180 credit points for the award of MSc, with the option to exit after completing 120 credits for the award of Postgraduate Diploma or 60 credits for the award of Post Graduate Certificate. Full-Time students will take 60 credits in each of the three semesters, while the part-time students will take 30 credits in each semester of years one and two and 60 credits in year three.

There are six taught modules on the course, all of which are compulsory. Three of the programme modules are 30 credits points whilst the Research Project Preparation and Motor Cognition & Performance are 15 credit point modules and the dissertation is 60 credits (the dissertation is not necessary for those who choose to exit with the PgDip). Students wishing to graduate with a PGCert will study 60 credits which is offered in semester 1 of the programme. All modules are compulsory, with students being offered the opportunity to choose what aspect of coaching and specific sport they will research for their assessments. The Dissertation module also provides students with a choice of topic.

Work placement / study abroad
There are a range of approaches that will be utilised in this programme with regards to work based learning from minimal workplace guidance in some modules to full mentoring support in the Advanced Coaching Process module which entails the academic mentor viewing the student in their coaching environment. The value of this model of work-based learning is that it enables students to receive observational assessment in the workplace. All assessments will be reflective in nature which will ensure the engagement of work based practice.

Work placement / study abroad
There are a range of approaches that will be utilised in this programme with regards to work based learning from minimal workplace guidance in some modules to full mentoring support in the Advanced Coaching Process module which entails the academic mentor viewing the student in their coaching environment. The value of this model of work-based learning is that it enables students to receive observational assessment in the workplace. All assessments will be reflective in nature which will ensure the engagement of work based practice.

For further course details please see "Course Web Page" below.

Year one
Research Project in Sports Coaching
Performance Analysis and Monitoring
Personal Skill and Leadership Development
Advanced Coaching Process
Research Project Preparation in Sports Coaching
Motor Cognition and Performance

Standard entry conditions
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

Applicants must:
(a) have gained;
(i) a second class honours degree or better in a related discipline (for example – BSc Sports Coaching, BSc Psychology; BSc Sport and Exercise Psychology; BSc Sports Studies; Sports and Exercise Sciences or Physical Education) from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard;

or (ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification;

and (b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent); In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and/or (b), where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.

Your Application
Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink").

Attendance
This programme will be delivered in FT and PT mode. The means of delivering will be in blocks throughout each semester of study. Block teaching requires students to attend for approximately 2/3 days per month in semesters one and two. For the PT mode, this usually entails approximately 6 days per semester.

Start Date: September 2024

Career options
The climate for developing sport and coaching across the world has never been more positive. Coach education and development has become a major focus for policy and funding decisions by many Governmental Departments. Coaching is emerging as a recognised profession in many countries, this has created a fast moving and dynamic environment in which coaches are challenged to continually develop their practice. In this context many coaches and coaching professionals (e.g. coach educators) undertake study at post graduate level to both enhance their practice and improve their career prospects.

Graduates who successfully achieve a Masters In Sports Coaching & Performance fulfil roles in a wide range of sport and non-sport related organisations.

For example:
Sport Governing Bodies:
Director of Coaching
Coaching Manager
Strength and Conditioning coach
Coaching Development
Talent Identification & Development
High Performance Coach
Professional Coach
Talent/youth/children's Coach
Performance Analyst

Local Authorities:
Sports Development Officer
Active Schools Coordinator
Coach (after schools, multi-skills, sports specific)
Physical Activity Coordinator

Education:
Physical education teacher
High school coach
University lecturer
University coach development officer
Director of Sport
Researcher

Other:
Self-employed business
Full-or part-time coach

The expectation of what makes an high performing coach is growing and there is a need therefore for coaches at all levels to become more highly qualified, this can be achieved by continuing in education at postgraduate level.