Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

Aims:

• To develop an advanced understanding of theory, research and practice in sociology of sport
• To critically integrate and translate theory and research into practice as ‘practitioners’ in various branches of the sports industry
• To prepare students who are intending to pursue a PhD in sociology of sport

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

Subject benchmarks for Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Group;

Learned Society's Standards e.g.  British Sociological Association

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of the programme, students should be able to:

• understand advanced theorietical models of the interrelationship between sport, culture and society
• understand advanced sociological approaches to the study of sport, globalization, nationalism and development
• understand advanced sociological approaches of the interrelationship between the body, disability, health and medicine in society
• understand how advanced sociological theories, social research methods and empirical literature can be combined to produce theoretically informed empirical research into sport, culture and society

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

•  critically evaluate the sociological concepts employed in the analysis of sport, culture and society

•  critically analyse the sociologically informed empirical evidence on sport and physical culture

•  critically analyse the methodological techniques applied in the sociology of sport and cognate areas

•  critically analyse the policies and practices employed in global contemporary sport

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

•  use theory to develop nuanced understandings of policy and practice in sport and physical culture

•  use empirical data on current sport trends to reflectively analyse sport policy and practice

•  use knowledge of social scientific research methods to design, conduct and evaluate advanced level investigations

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

•  effectively communicate advanced level research concepts and complex evidence orally, electronically and in writing

•  manage personal learning efficiently and effectively exercising initiative and personal responsibility

•  develop and utilise advanced level qualitative and quantitative research skills

•  work both independently and as part of a small team, accessing support strategically and effectively, to produced advanced levels of knowledge

4. Programme structure

In the following table, ‘C’ indicates a compulsory module and ‘O’ indicates an optional module

*Candidates undertaking a Project need formal approval of a research proposal by the Programme Director and an agreed Supervisor.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification