Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• The MSc in coaching aims to support the continuing professional development of sports coaches and those working in closely related fields by.
• Further developing skills of analysis and critical reflection and their application to professional practice.
• Further developing a capacity for integrating elements of the coaching process.
• Extending problem solving skills and innovative solutions to coaching problems.
• The critical use of research evidence to underpin coaching practice thus providing opportunities for in-depth study and dissemination of selected elements of sports specific knowledge.
• Further enhancing a critical awareness of the social and ethical factors impinging on coaching practice.
• Extending the capacity to manage the coaching process.

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

• Subject Benchmark Statement (Unit 25 : Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism)
• The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
• UK Coaching Certificate Level 4/Postgraduate Benchmarking Statements

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of : 

• Devising, leading and implementing cutting edge coaching solutions.
• The concept of coaching as a complex multi-layered process through which sports performance is improved
• Delivery and evaluation of continuing professional development within the coaching process
• The importance of self-reflection and its impact upon the coaching process
• Organisational and managerial aspects of performance management
• The scientific nature of sports coaching and how to apply the theory behind principles of training and sports performance to impact athlete and coach performance
• Coaching as a research informed profession
• Current legislation and policies underpinning the coaching process

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

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

• Analyse relevant theory and make links with personal professional practice
• Critically and reflectively analyse their professional practices and their implications for performer enhancement.
• Make links between their own personal learning and enhanced athlete learning and performance. 

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

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

• Compile an annual plan for coaching based on sound scientific principles and evaluate that plan.
• Develop mechanisms for evaluation of own coaching performance.
• Assess areas of coaching strengths and weaknesses and construct personal programmes for development.
• Identify areas of practice that could benefit from small-scale research: design conduct and evaluate an appropriate study. (MSc and post-graduate diploma only).
• Employ training principles within and apply coaching theory to coaching placement and workplace in order to improve practice.

c. Key transferable skills:

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

• Communicate effectively orally, electronically and in writing;
• Determine through a process of analysis and observation learning needs of both self and athletes.
• Raise the standards of learning and performance in both themselves and their athletes
• Organise and manager personal study efficiently and effectively, particularly where distance and part-time study are involved.
• Use IT effectively as both a learning and communication tool
• Work confidently both as an individual and as part of a team both on the course and in the work place
• Work independently and use available support and resources strategically and effectively.

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. 

†Partially by Distance Learning (30%) and PSP203 (50%)

 ¹Full time candidates must study PSP001. Part time candidates must study PSP203

 ² Full time candidates must select either PSP002 or PSP003

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

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

Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XXI for candidates who have the right of re-examination to be reassessed in the University’s Special Assessment Period where modules allow.

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