Course description
Structure and Content
You can study this either full-time or part-time to Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or MSc levels.
You must attain 180 SCQF points to be awarded an MSc in Sports Coaching. You will achieve this by successfully completing six or seven (depending on options chosen) taught modules and an applied research project or dissertation. Five of the taught modules are compulsory and you choose another one or two modules from a list of options. For the award of the Postgraduate Diploma students must successfully complete all the taught modules. For the award of the MSc students must successfully complete this and achieve a passing grade in the applied research project or dissertation.
Compulsory Modules
The Coaching Process: This module provides an opportunity to examine appropriate models of the coaching process, and to examine the cognitive expertise required to affect the process. It is based on the integration of research and personal practice. It will also examine the ‘orchestration’ skills required to manage the coaching process, particularly in relation to interpersonal relationships, and the day-to-day regulation of the coaching process.
Pedagogy & Practice: This module will enable coaches to apply integrated approaches to pedagogy in generating, managing, and directing coaching practice; to understand a range of theories and concepts related to the application of innovative pedagogy; to allow coaches to apply and reflect upon pedagogy and the conditions within which performers learn.
Planning the Coaching Process: As applied sports science research advances our knowledge and understanding of training effects, there is a need for coaches to integrate these findings in systematic, coherent preparation and competition programmes. This module aims to equip coaches with a greater understanding of the principles involved in effective planning and practice within the complexity of the coaching process.
Principles of Sports Management: This module provides students with a critical understanding of how environmental factors influence strategic and operational decisions in the management of sport businesses.
Independent study: All applicant coaches will have variable starting points for the course dependant on their prior knowledge, experience and abilities. This module is intended to allow coaches to identify an area of personalised, context-specific study and develop an agreed learning programme accordingly. For example, although Exercise Physiology is not a taught subject on the course, coaches may choose to study a topic such as ‘altitude training’ for a specific, independent study project, assisted by relevant members of the Department’s academic staff.
Applied coaching project: This module is the final piece of work for those working towards the MSc Sports Coaching. It will enhance the coaches’ capacity for autonomous, professional judgement and practice. The module should contribute to the development of the student as a coach who is capable of sustaining enquiry into aspects of his/her professional context. The exact form and content of the applied research project will depend on the student’s area of interest, professional relevance and contribute to knowledge about coaching practice.
Option Modules
These include:
Sports Finance
Sports Marketing
Sport and the Law
Monitoring and Evaluation in Sport: Delivering Outcomes
Ethics in Sport
Sports Research
Dissertation
For students who have completed the Sports Research double module this dissertation allows them to conduct a piece of primary research. This will be a 12 - 15,000 word dissertation. As with the Applied Research Project it will depend on the student’s area of interest, professional relevance and contribute to knowledge about coaching practice.
Delivery and Assessment
A flexible, blended approach to learning will characterise this degree. One delivery method will be a traditional, classroom based approach, with further web-based sessions through the Universities’ VLE – WebCT. Assessment modes will also be blended according to the learning programme and outcomes. Accessibility of the curriculum will be in line with institutional policies and it is anticipated that coaches with disabilities, as well as coaches of athletes with disabilities, will form part of the cohort on a regular basis.
Assessment will be conducted in such a way as to adhere to adult learning principles. This means that content and learning demonstrate relevance, problem solving, learning by doing, a strong element of self-direction and ownership, are based on the learner’s experience, and have clear goals. Assessment modes will vary according to the context of each module.
Why study on this programme?
The climate for developing sport and coaching in Scotland and the UK has never been more positive. With major international events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games being hosted here over the next decade, sport has a profile and expectation never before experienced. In particular, coach education and development have become a major focus for policy and funding decisions by government. The establishment of the UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC) across 4 levels and different coaching contexts has provided an opportunity to review and modernise existing coach qualification and learning programmes. This course intends to fully integrate with the UKCC (post Level 3) and to develop partnerships with National Governing Bodies in the delivery of challenging and stimulating coach development programmes.
