BSc (Hons) Coach Education

Summary 2012/13

• Take advantage of some of the best sports facilities in higher education and a teaching team at the forefront of national developments;
• Prepare for a range of employment opportunities from grassroots to elite level coaching;
• Help individuals fulfil their sporting performance potential.

Government targets of providing coaches at all levels of sport, combined with interest in developing after school and community sport provision, will require well qualified coaching professionals.

This degree will help prepare a future generation of coaches. Founded on an integrated knowledge and practice base, the Community Sport and High Performance Coaching pathways will help you gain strategically advantageous positions in the job market of your choice. If you’re seeking work at grassroots level you’ll be well placed for community coaching and youth sport development, whilst if you prefer performance/competition coaching level engagement you’ll also be distinctive because of your interdisciplinary preparation.

2012 Entry Requirements

280 UCAS tariff points overall, preferably to include PE or Sports Studies and a Science subject, plus GCSE Mathematics at grade C or equivalent.

Please note, all applicants for this programme will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate from the Criminal Records Bureau indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of 'Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults'. You should not seek to obtain this before applying to the course.

Details

Who is this course for?

Principally this programme is aimed at those who want a career in coaching, but have the flexibility to enable them to progress into a range of related sports professions. Look ahead - will you be able to spot potential champions, and if you do, will you be able to get the best from them?

What will I gain from this programme?

Our Coach Education programme gives you the chance to gain experience across the spectrum, dealing not only with the separate levels of individual performance, but also with the transition process bridging the performance groups. The course has a very strong practical element and a parallel theoretical strand. Our aim is to give you a flying start on your intended career path and arm you with the technical knowledge, organisational and coaching skills you will need, plus a greater understanding of working within structured physical activity at whichever level interests you. You will be signposted to Sports Coach (UK) courses and encouraged to develop your coaching award portfolio.

How we will support you

The Coach Education programme has a strong inclusive ethos that provides you with the support and guidance you may need from time to time. Central to this is a personal tutor system. This allocates you to specialist teaching staff who will offer academic and pastoral care, linking with the University’s student support services when required. The personal tutor will monitor and track your progress, offering guidance and support if any challenges or difficulties arise.

As a teaching team we aim to provide an inclusive learning experience to help you realise your potential.

What will I study?

In Year 1 you will study modules focused on the underpinning personal and professional competencies required for effective coaching. These modules provide a solid grounding in key areas relevant to coaching and the introduction of material specific to each named pathway enables you to make informed choices about the vocational focus you wish to pursue within the programme.

In Year 2 you will follow modules concerned with developing coaching practice as well as selecting your dedicated pathway. The pathway modules provide reinforcement, expansion and more vocationally focused application of material studied in Year 1 as well as a more detailed examination of contemporary research, coaching policy and practice, and recent issues concerned with sporting opportunities provision.

In Year 3 you will continue to enhance your knowledge, skills and understanding by studying modules focusing on how coaching theory connects with practice. Those on the High Performance Coaching pathway will conduct a piece of independent research and study Competitive Coaching. Community Sport pathway students will follow a Coach and Community Sport module and undertake a Community Sport Project to explore the relationship between coaching policy and provision.

How will I study?

Learning experiences and teaching methods include lectures, small group seminars and laboratory work, tutorials, workshops, taught practical sessions, fieldwork, directed independent study, supervised individual research and ICT based learning.

For each module you will be given a detailed module booklet that tells you what sessions are about, what to read, how you will be assessed and coursework guidance. You will be encouraged to express your own views and staff will be available to give guidance when you need it. We aim to make your learning imaginative, varied, effective and, most of all, enjoyable.

Who will be teaching me?

Each member of our teaching team is a highly experienced and enthusiastic practitioner with a real commitment to all aspects of coaching and sports performance. They are at the forefront of national and local developments in the subject and will share their ideas and interpretations to help you become a caring, reflective graduate.

How will I be assessed?

People learn in different ways, so the pattern of assessment is extremely varied and designed to ensure that you acquire a wide range of skills, particularly those required for your intended career. You will learn to write essays, projects, reports, critically analyse papers, prepare presentations, plan/deliver/evaluate teaching and coaching sessions, conduct reflective practice and propose and write a piece of original independent research. We may use formal examinations from time to time, but they never account for more than 50% of the marks for any module.

What are my career prospects?

Graduates of this programme are well placed to pursue careers in a number of coaching or allied professional occupations.

Those wishing to operate in grassroots sport are well prepared for work in youth or community sports schemes, developing participation level sport and out of school hours learning initiatives. If you select the high performance pathway the interdisciplinary preparation you receive will ensure you are well placed to help performers move along the participation-excellence spectrum.

Alternatively, you may wish to continue to continue your studies at postgraduate level.

Related Programmes

BA (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,000 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.ac.uk.

See our How to Apply pages for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £9,000 for full-time BA, BSc and LLB degrees. Eligible students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships for prospective full-time students. These include £2,000 Entrance Scholarships rewarding determination, commitment and achievement in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering. Eligible entrants with outstanding grades are recognised through the £1,000 High Achievers Scholarship.

The University will also be offering awards, worth £3,000 in cash benefits and fee/accommodation waivers for academic year 2012/13, to eligible prospective full-time students through the National Scholarship Programme.

For more information on scholarships, including eligibility criteria for each award, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. International students should check the fees and finance information at www.edgehill.ac.uk/internationalfees2012.

Not got the entry requirements?

Students returning to education may present their previous experience in work (paid or unpaid) to support their application.

Those with relevant study through either a professional body or appropriate academic course can apply to join the programme at an advanced stage.

For personalised advice based on your circumstances, please contact us or come to an open event.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Evelyn Carnegie, Head of Department
• Tel: 01695 584764
• Email: carnegie@edgehill.ac.uk

Or

• Graham Smith, Admissions Tutor for sports-related courses
• Tel: 01695 584694
• Email: smithg@edgehill.ac.uk
• Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.

Modules

SPT 1620 Personal and Professional Development. This module offers you the opportunity to integrate and develop personal and academic skills related to the study of programmes broadly concerned with sport and physical education. It also introduces the concepts of employability and professionalism in developing your appreciation of the requirements and expectations for future career pathways.

SPT 1821 Coaching Science - Introduction. The module provides you with a solid platform from which the deeper study of the fundamentals of human movement can be based. It will include a basic understanding of disciplines of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics and will facilitate your knowledge and understanding of both fitness testing principles and the profiling of performance. The module content will help facilitate your progress towards postgraduate programmes of study or associated professional studies for those wishing to work in sport or coaching related settings.

SPT 1822 Introduction to Sports Coaching. This module introduces you to practical sports coaching, covering a range of invasive, racket, striking / fielding and aesthetic games. The aim is for you to gain an understanding of the sports coaching environment and highlight methods of good practice in the development of professional sports coaches. As the module is founded on the practical aspects of performance, observation and coaching, the skills, knowledge and understanding will be of benefit to those seeking a career in a range of sports / coaching related fields.

SPT 1823 Introduction to Coaching Process. This module complements the practical understanding gained in SPT 1822 (Introduction to Sports Coaching), by providing an introduction to basic coach education and progression of good practice. You will gain further knowledge in the planning, conducting and evaluating of coaching sessions. There will be a strong underpinning of self-reflection in order for you to develop your own personal coaching skills and knowledge.

SPT 1623 Safe and Professional Practice in PE and Sport. The position of physical education and sport within society demands an exploration of its suitability for the development and protection of children. The safety of children in physical activity is now high on the agenda of all educational institutions and sport organisations. It is essential for all physical education students to have an awareness of the context and scope of the problem and an understanding of the major issues in this field. The module focuses on a range of issues concerning children and the law.

SPT 1820 Coaching Policy and Practice. This module forms a platform for Levels 5 and 6 and provides an examination of the variety of sports coaching structures that are available. The module seeks to develop understanding of the core sports coaching bodies and major organisations involved in sports coaching in the United Kingdom. The acquisition of required knowledge, skill and understanding within the context of coaching policy and practice will strengthen the theoretical and practical competences students may take into coaching or related professional careers.

SPT 2820 Delivering Organised Sport. This module develops students’ knowledge of the theoretical background to the management of sport and provision for local communities. The module examines the triangulation between HE, clubs and schools and their management of sports events. The module allows you to gain experience of planning and delivering events and will develop knowledge and skills relevant to a coach and their respective roles when working with partnerships. This will also provide the opportunity to consider the impacts of events on participants and other professionals concerned with sport-related initiatives.

SPT 2821 Coaching Science-developed. You will expand on the knowledge, skills and understanding gained at level 4 by applying principles of training, underpinned by the key physiological aspects of exercise and movement in order to enhance individual and team performance. The module content will provide you with a base to progress on to postgraduate programmes of study or related professional studies for those wishing to work in sport or coaching related settings.

SPT 2822 Practical Sports Coaching. This module develops the basic principles introduced at level 4 placing emphasis on effective communication, feedback and reinforcement. The module will combine contemporary coaching research related to communication in coaching and practical implication, highlighting how communication can greatly affect the success of a coaching session.

SPT 2823 The Coaching Process - Developed. Success in sports performance is usually dependent on well learned movement skills. This module examines the classification and characteristics of sport skills and abilities, and covers skill acquisition and motor learning theory, coupled with an understanding of the stages of learning, to provide you with an informed understanding of these concepts and how they can be utilised to improve athletic performance. The acquisition of skill will be linked to the basic mechanical principles of movement to further enhance the development of performance proficiency.

SPT 2626 School Sports Initiatives. This module will provide you with an insight into the contemporary initiatives that focus on School Sport provision with an emphasis on Government involvement and / or intervention. The module provides opportunities to review and explore school sport policy and practice. You will gain knowledge and understanding with regard to specific initiatives mindful of the relationship between PE in schools and Sport in the Community and government ideals.

SPT 2823 Performance Analysis. Drawing together components of SPT 1821 (Coaching Science – Foundation), SPT 1822 (Introduction to Sports Coaching) and SPT 1823 (Introduction to Coaching Process), this module encompasses more complex skills and provides you with opportunities to enhance your knowledge of performance evaluation. In addition the module will develop your understanding and application of notation and motion analysis systems within sport and exercise environment and allow you to develop reporting and feedback skills.

SPT 2625 Developing School Sport. This module is designed to provide knowledge and understanding of educational sporting programmes that are developed by schools in conjunction with a wide range of partners and government initiatives. Furthermore, the module allows you to see the benefits / importance that school sport can have on the holistic development of individuals within an educational setting. The module aims to give you an understanding so that you can acquire the necessary skills to evaluate school sport development over a period of time whilst reflecting upon political agendas. The knowledge and understanding gained in this module will be particularly beneficial if you’re intending to pursue a career within an educational and / or coaching setting.

SPT 3820 Developing a Coaching Business. Principles and practice of the management of sports coaching business will be developed in this module, with the opportunity to develop a business plan for a sports coaching enterprise. You will assess current provision for sports coaching, identify an area of opportunity and develop a business model to advance your potential enterprise.

SPT 3821 Coaching Diverse Populations. The module builds upon and extends work undertaken in SPT 1820 (Coaching Policy and Practice) at level 4 and SPT 2820 (Delivering Organised Sport) at level 5. Seeking to enhance your critical analysis of approaches to the content, the module facilitates the development of differentiated delivery styles to meet individual’s specific requirements. You will benefit from the knowledge, skills and understanding gained over the course of study by becoming well placed for employment in a range of coaching or sport delivery contexts.

SPT 3822 Advanced Sports Coach. The module extends level 4 and 5 work, developing your ability to effectively lead and motivate sports performers. Theory of motivation and leadership will be discussed and combined with practical experience in team building, to ensure proficiency in these. A range of modified games and problem-based learning initiatives will be implemented to allow you to further develop practical understanding and coaching abilities.

SPT 3823 Applied Coaching Process. Building upon SPT2823 (Developing the Coaching Process) module, you will begin to critically analyse current practice in coaching. The principal focus of the module is to allow you to implement selected sports psychology concepts, as they relate to the coach:athlete interface, with emphasis on performance improvement. The further development of theoretical and practical areas of coaching competence will enable you to progress to a range of employment opportunities or related professional careers.

SPT 3824 Coaching for Competition. You will be provided with opportunities to build upon knowledge gained at level 5 through critical analysis and application of contemporary practices in strength and conditioning research. The work undertaken will harmonise with and extend earlier study focusing on selected aspects of coaching science, forming a coherent basis from which to proceed to postgraduate study or work in a high performance sport setting.

SPT 3624 Active Coaching Research. Building on the research skills and subject specific knowledge and understanding developed at Level 5 (SPT 2607) this module provides you with the supported opportunity to conduct and report an independent research project based in schools. The module involves the gathering of information in real settings and seeks to enhance your knowledge of a negotiated aspect of coaching / coach education of particular interest.

SPT 3825 The Coach and Community Sport. Continuing the work undertaken at Level 5, this module requires you to explore various government initiatives such as PESSCL / PESSYP which have physical activity as a central component. You will explore developments in coaching links between schools, clubs and the community and examine the varying roles of the Coach from a broad perspective. The module aims to critically evaluate how policy developments have impacted upon current coaching in clubs, schools and the community, set against a backdrop of social and political agendas encouraging community collaboration.

SPT 3826 Community Sport Project. This module builds on the research methods, skills and subject specific knowledge and understanding developed at Level 5 by providing you with the opportunity to conduct an independent research project. The topic of the independent research project will reflect the degree programme and pathway you have followed. The project gives you the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge gained throughout the programme and to locate your selected topic in the wider context of the existing literature. The work undertaken in this module provides a coherent base from which you can proceed to further research, employment in community settings, youth sport or related professions based upon knowledge of underpinning theoretical components and their practical application.