BA (Hons) Sports Development

Summary 2012/13

• Obtain the skills to help people live a healthier life through sport;
• Learn to plan and implement sports development initiatives - and make a positive impact on individuals and communities;
• Progress with confidence into employment in the sports environment or progress onto study at postgraduate level.

Sports Development is a growing area of the sports industry, concerned with encouraging young people to participate in sport and overcome health issues affecting the population. This degree develops the practical and theoretical knowledge necessary to plan and implement contemporary sports development programmes and initiatives and is designed for people who want to make a difference in sport and physical activity.

This is a challenging academic experience, underpinned by the principles of sports development and sports equity that will help you make an essential contribution to this expanding area of employment and make a real difference to people's lives.

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.

If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to apply for a Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of 'Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults'. Further information will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Summary 2013/14

• Obtain the skills to help people live a healthier life through sport;
• Learn to plan and implement sports development initiatives - and make a positive impact on individuals and communities;
• Progress with confidence into employment in the sports environment or progress onto study at postgraduate level.

Sports Development is a growing area of the sports industry, concerned with encouraging young people to participate in sport and overcome health issues affecting the population. This degree develops the practical and theoretical knowledge necessary to plan and implement contemporary sports development programmes and initiatives and is designed for people who want to make a difference in sport and physical activity.

This is a challenging academic experience, underpinned by the principles of sports development and sports equity that will help you make an essential contribution to this expanding area of employment and make a real difference to people's lives.

2013 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.

If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to apply for a Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of 'Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults'. Further information will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Details

What will I gain from this programme?

You will enjoy a challenging academic experience, with plenty of opportunities for hands-on work placements, both in the UK and abroad through the Department's links with the UK Sport IDEALS project, working with sports leaders in Ghana, and through projects with partner nations in the Pacific.

What will I study?

In Year 1 you will study modules which provide a foundation to understand the setting for working in sports development. Modules place sport in context to society and this is complemented by investigating how sport has engaged with welfare policy and the structures that legitimise the roles and responsibilties undertaken. Practical application through volunteering and insights into the coaching process are also highlighted. You will begin to develop your academic and personal skills throughout all the modules.

In Year 2 you will continue developing your theoretical knowledge with the opportunity to take a detailed examination of contemporary research theory. You will study the development of sport and physical activity, including current policies and the role of sports agencies, inner city sport and sport and the environment. This provides an introduction to the two available pathways of community level sports development or working with elite performers in a specific sport. During this time you will also plan and implement a sports event.

In Year 3 you will specialise in either sport specific elite development or community-based 'grassroots' level participation. The modules provide a generic framework within which you can develop your specialism. For example, an independent research project offers the means to investigate an area of interest, while the issues forum enables you to present, in a conference setting, a paper on a contemporary topic.

How will I study?

Learning and teaching methods include lectures, small group seminars, tutorials, workshops, taught practical sessions, fieldwork, directed independent study, supervised individual research and ICT based learning. For each module you will have a detailed booklet that tells you what sessions are about, what to read, how you will be assessed and coursework guidance.

Placement

You will gain valuable work experience and practical skills in dedicated modules throughout the three years of the programme. This culminates in an industrial placement which will allow you to test your skills in context.

Who will be teaching me?

Our staff are highly experienced and enthusiastic teachers with a real commitment to research and teaching. They are at the forefront of national and international developments in sport and are actively involved in research projects that have influenced the way sport has reacted to critical issues, for example, in the delivery of community sport.

You can keep up-to-date with what’s happening in the department by browsing the Sport Studies Group blog at http://blogs.edgehill.ac.uk/ssg. Written by lecturers on our Sports Studies and Sports Development degrees, the blog offers informed perspectives on current events, issues and debates relating to sport, leisure and associated topics.

How will I be assessed?

We appreciate that people learn in different ways so the pattern of assessment is extremely varied. Over the course of your degree you will learn to write essays, project reports, critically analyse papers, prepare poster presentations, plan and deliver teaching/coaching sessions and propose and write a piece of original independent research. We use formal examinations from time to time but they never account for more than 50% of the marks for any module, so you can be reassured that not everything rests on them.

What are my career prospects?

Graduates are well qualified to pursue careers as local authority sports development officers, national governing body of sport development officers, youth development activity officers, or in community recreation or commercial activity organisations. You can also go on to postgraduate study or use your transferable skills in non-sports related areas.

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 1,400 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.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply 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?

Prospective students with non-standard entry qualifications are encouraged to apply. Accreditation of Prior Learning will be considered on an individual basis.

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 about this course, please contact:

• Tony Charlton, Associate Head of Department
• Tel: 01695 584884
• Email: charltoa@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 1520 Historical and Social Analysis of Sport introduces you to the role of sport in society, from historical beginnings and development, to global expansion and commercialism. You will be encouraged to consider how the social structure, significance and values attached to sport are shaped through history and culture. This will be achieved through a careful mapping of the significant societal and sporting developments which coalesced to produce modern sport, and secondly, through an exploration of sport on a national and global scale; as a national pastime, as a political vehicle, as an international event, and a global industry.

SPT 1720 Sport and Other Agendas introduces you to how sport has been incorporated into a vast array of agendas which would not be considered relevant to the traditional expectation of developing athletes. The study of the mechanics of how sport has engaged with other areas highlights the opportunities that are available beyond the obvious sports related employments.

SPT 1721 The Sport Working Environment provides the introduction to the sport working environment and investigates the infrastructures and policies that legitimise the roles, responsibilities and functions that are undertaken. The module examines the historical development of sports policy and how it has become integrated into mainstream social welfare policy; and how sport has evolved at both community and elite levels.

SPT 1722 Leadership and Volunteering in Sport allows you to experience working in a sport development environment, and to reflect upon your initial experiences. This will develop report writing, observation and reflective skills, and allow you to begin establishing contacts and networks within the industry. You will be registered on the V programme with Lancashire County Sport Partnership to which your voluntary hours will be recorded towards V outcomes.

SPT 1723 Management for Sport Development provides an introduction to management and leadership theory including the key skills required by sport managers of organising, planning, communication, motivating, time management and decision making. Funding mechanisms, legal constraints, risk management, ethical business practices and managing conflict will all be addressed.

SPT 1724 Coaching and Leadership: Theory and Practice provides the opportunity to gain the skills to develop working relationships with children and young people through the vehicle of coaching. You will undertake a NGB award which will involve practical delivery sessions to develop an understanding of how to motivate young people.

SPT 2520 Research Methods equips you with an understanding of the research process and methodology. The skills and knowledge gained within this module will be applied to the production of a research proposal, which will then be carried forward into the final year extended study. The content throughout this module will allow the student to make informed choices regarding the research design and methods appropriate for their 3rd year work. A significant portion of the module will concentrate on methodologies and testing of data utilising both qualitative and quantitative methods.

SPT 2720 Work Experience and Practice offers the opportunity to gain experience of current workplace practices. The concept is that you will complete a set number of hours in a relevant workplace and investigate issues associated with that workplace during your attendance.

SPT 2721 Global Sport and Commercialisation provides an insight into the increasingly commercial nature of international sport through focusing on economic and financial aspects within a global context. Differences in sporting systems across the world are examined and commercial impacts including broadcasting, sponsorship, marketing and branding are assessed utilising the extensive research knowledge base. The module will critically analyse both the international labour and product markets within the sports industry underpinned by the multi-disciplinary areas of economics, sport management, finance and sociology. This module provides you with an insight into the increasingly commercial nature of international sport through focusing on economic and financial aspects within a global context. Differences in sporting systems across the world are examined and commercial impacts including broadcasting, sponsorship, marketing and branding are assessed utilising the extensive research knowledge base. The module will critically analyse both the international labour and product markets within the sports industry underpinned by the multi-disciplinary areas of economics, sport management, finance and sociology.

SPT 2722 Sport Management and Event Planning firstly provides the opportunity to build on your knowledge and skills from the Management for Sport Development module and then use these concepts and understanding within a practical sports setting. You will be expected to plan, organise and run a sporting event within the local community. It is expected that the theoretical concepts introduced in the first year will be applied within the event planning process and allow you to demonstrate the application of management theory to sport.

SPT 2723 Development of Sport will cover key issues relating to the management of sports development and the implementation of specific programmes. It will examine the relationship between mass and elite sport, investigating differences in performance pathways across sports from ‘playground to podium’. A series of workshops will closely relate to practitioner activities and are intended to develop the skills and knowledge needed to work in sports development.

SPT 2724 Development through Sport focuses on the management and delivery of community development programmes that utilise sport and physical activity for social policy purposes. A series of workshops that closely relate to practitioner activities are oriented to develop the skills and knowledge needed to work in an expanding area of employment. Evidence-based research is drawn on in assessing the capacity of ‘sport’ to deliver policy objectives around social inclusion/exclusion.

SPT 3200 Dissertation is an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and abilities through the production of an extended study. An area of interest is selected and an independent, research study carried out, overseen by a supervisor. This provides a challenging culmination of three years of study, resulting in the production of an academic dissertation.

SPT 3720 Sport and Spaces introduces you to the impact sport has in, both, acting as a major driver for regenerating derelict areas, and as a site for formal and informal sporting activities. The module will critically analyse, via the use of case studies, how cities have used mega events to rejuvenate and reinvent themselves, and what sports legacy has been created. The use of space for activity to create inclusive environments will also be investigated, particularly reviewing the concept of ‘conflict of use’ and the importance of programming to ensure that all citizens can participate.

SPT 3721 Sport and Contemporary Issues Forum allows you to fully immerse yourself in sport as an academic discipline. It involves utilising previous knowledge and skill learned and applying them to produce a journal article suitable for publication in an academic journal and ultimately to present at the 3rd Year Sport Research Conference in front of your peers, lecturers and invited guests from the sports industry and academia.

SPT 3722 Advanced Practice Project offers another aspect of the work of a sports development officer and combines academic skills within an example of the application of those skills. You will work with your peers in small teams as if representing a sports consultancy firm within a tight, focussed timeframe, to meet deadlines agreed with the client. This is part of the preparation for the work place.

SPT 3723 High Performance Sport will cover key issues relating to the emphasis placed on elite sport success by Governments and society. Examination of the structures, programmes, funding and agencies such as UK sport are involved in the elite sport system to support the development of elite athletes in conjunction with a comparison across and between different sports and different countries. The extent of the involvement and modernisation of NGBs is influenced by Government to deliver specific measurable objectives linked with funding for elite sport. Based on socio-cultural and political underpinnings, the module will provide you with a critical evaluation of the arguments for and against the provision of elite sport, and the adequacy of its infrastructure.

SPT 3724 Sport Policy and Practice enables you to gain a critical understanding of the political and policymaking context for practising sports development professionals, and to facilitate an understanding of challenges and solutions in policy and strategy implementation.