Course description
We developed this course in response to two major developments in the study of sport. These are the
• profound changes in how sport and related cultural formations are theorised and understood
• increasing role sport plays in the health and wellbeing of society, by improving the quality of life in local communities and catering for all cultural and social groups
The course introduces you to the theoretical and empirical perspectives in the study of sport and their place in politics, culture and communities.
The course provides you with critical insights and develops your creative thinking and reflective practice. This enables you to build up a set of perspectives and tools to become an accomplished academic of social and cultural studies in sport, and bring positive change to sport in the community.
It is this approach that distinguishes the course from other UK MAs related to the study of sport.
The course is relevant to people from academic backgrounds who wish to pursue this area for further study and research. It is also suitable for sports and cultural industries practitioners seeking a wider understanding of social, economic and political issues and their effect on sports policy, process and practice.
Attendance full-time study – 12 months. Two taught modules per semester followed by a dissertation. Delivery of the taught modules is timetabled two days per week.
Attendance part-time study – minimum of 24 months, maximum of 60 months. Precise modes of study are tailored to the specific needs of the student where possible. Taught modules are followed by a dissertation. Delivery of the taught modules is timetabled one day per week.
Associated careers
Potential careers are available in • sport and community development • sports media • sports policy • local authority • voluntary sector sport • public services.
If you already work in any of these areas, the course equips you to deal more effectively with contemporary social and policy developments in the sports and cultural industries.
New opportunities are also likely to arise from the government’s modernisation agenda. This is rapidly changing the role and use of sport in local authorities and the voluntary sector. Sport is now embedded in many policy areas such as crime control, health and wellbeing, education and housing.
The course also prepares you for further doctoral study.
Course content
Modules
PgCert
• sport and community in the sociological tradition
• research matters
PgDip
• sport, community and the cultural turn
• community sport development
MA
• dissertation
To gain an MA you must submit a dissertation of between 12,000 and 15,000 words.
We supply an induction pack which includes a full reading list, before the start of the course. These introduce you to the general management and specialist modules.
There is a full induction programme at the University which prepares you for the course. During the induction we assess your existing study, IT and language (for international students) skills. This assessment leads to an individual learning plan to improve and develop your skills.
