BSc (Hons) Applied Sports Coaching (Accelerated Degree)

Bristol Zoo Gardens remains open to students.

You will have private access to the zoo grounds during lectures, to carry out your observations and data collection, but as more animals are moved, this will gradually be carried out at the Wild Place Project. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Course Description

The world is changing and so is the way we interact with it. This BSc Applied Sports Coaching programme is designed to equip you with the necessary tools to adapt and become a coach of the future. This programme is taught by a team of industry specialists with academic expertise and innovative techniques to help you achieve your aspirations. This applied programme is orientated around three overarching themes of vocational experience, industry qualifications underpinned by academic knowledge. We are creating PRACademic‘s who are armed with the applied theory and experience to lead the next generation of coaching practitioners.

The journey

The Magic Academy have been instrumental in helping design content and will be a significant partner on your journey. This will be alongside a number of other external collaborations and of course the opportunity to be embedded in our nationally recognised SGS Sport Bristol Academy working with potential stars of the future. The Fast-Track degree is achieved in a condensed two year program, allowing you to enter the industry earlier and with significant financial savings. The applied focus will see you working with elite and grassroots athletes as part of your journey, utilising the knowledge gained from interactive lectures, workshops and seminars both in an online and face to face format.

Transferable skills

Assessments will again focus on your applied knowledge with portfolios and real industry-based projects forming a significant part of how you can showcase your understanding. Coaching is not a repetition of known information, it is a journey that is organic and evolves around you, our experienced coaches are experts at guiding you along this pathway and into the workplace. Employers are looking for this combined knowledge of understanding, application and experience. Our students have gone on to set up their own businesses; coaching at professional clubs and community projects; they are also working as lecturers and teachers from primary schools to universities. They all cite the transferable skills and experiences gained at SGS as being key to their success.

"Staff are great and are all very approachable"

"I chose this BSc as I hope to become a full-time football coach in a professional club. This course allowed me to develop my understanding of theoretical concepts to coaching. Staff are all great and are all very approachable. With the new University Centre WISE campus facilities and new adaptations coming to the course, it’s going to be a very exciting time for anyone thinking of coming to the University Centre, from anywhere in the country like me."

Sam

BSc (Hons) Applied Sports Coaching (Accelerated Degree)

Study Modules

SC4001

Foundations of the Knowledge: Professional Practice

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The Foundations of Knowledge module focuses on three key areas in the development of professional practice in sporting contexts: employability, academic skills and reflective practice. The module enables you to develop your academic skills as-well as enhancing your growth and development as you move through professional environments. You will develop your professional profile through C.V writing, self-analysis and goal setting as well as developing awareness of reflective practice and related theory which will allow you to develop your interpersonal skills and reflect on your development over the year.

50% Individual, Portfolio

SC4002

The Human Body: Explore the Fundamentals and Application of Anatomy

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Understanding and drawing upon anatomical knowledge is important for professional?practitioners, enabling a holistic approach to coaching, teaching and instructing. Introducing and developing knowledge related to the structures and functions of the human body, the module will focus on the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. You will explore the complex nature related to how these systems work together, with application to fundamental movements and sports performance. This module provides the foundations in order for more complex topics to be discovered including, creative coaching; integration into Physical Education; sports conditioning; training and exercise.

100% Group, Presentation

SC4003

Power of the Mind: Sport and Exercise Psychology

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This module draws on the foundations of sport psychology and looks to explore how these theories can be best applied in context. Learning is, itself, a cognitive process and understanding our minds has a significant influence on our thoughts, feelings behaviours and therefore our performance. Psychological knowledge is important for professional practitioners, enabling a holistic approach to coaching, teaching and instructing. Individuals are in a unique position to apply their knowledge, together with educating others as to the amazing and complex processes of the mind. Students are encouraged to engage with the fundamentals of psychology, together with taking this knowledge to the broader context of the course and practical application.

100% Individual, Portfolio

SC4004

Learning to Learn: The Foundations of Pedagogy

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This module allows you to explore, understand and apply pedagogical theory to enhance the learning environment and develop the knowledge and skill of others. Practitioners in both Sports Coaching and Physical Education need to understand the complexities of learning and this module will introduce a range of theories from traditional approaches to more contemporary methods. You will be supported to make links between theory and practice. This module will focus on traditional learning theories such as Behaviourism, Constructivism and Cognitivism along with more contemporary concepts such as Connectivism and games-based approaches to learning. Methods of teaching/coaching will be explored using theoretical frameworks such as Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction and Teaching Games for Understanding.

100% Group Presentation

SC4005

Coach Development

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The module will develop your understanding of the current coach education pathways operating in the country, establishing how formal, informal and non-formal methods of learning can be used. The module will also establish how others can play a fundamental part in the developmental journey; by exploring mentoring, leadership, communities of practice and coach education in the digital age. Finally, you will assume the role of Coach Developer and design and propose your own academically informed coach learning intervention to help support behavioural change.

40% Individual Assignment

60% Group Presentation

SC4006

Creative Approaches in Sports Coaching

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This module will give you a range of applied coaching and leadership experiences across a range of innovative and academically informed concepts. You will explore theory from contemporary research and practitioners who are seen to be pushing the boundaries of applied practice. This module will support and develop your continual coaching journey through helping you understand the planning, reflection and delivery of your creative practice. The module will include a huge range of applied experiences that include peer coaching in our highly respected academies, alongside integrated online and live examples with industry experts and opportunities to see some pioneering business enterprises present their strategies for growth.

50% Individual, Portfolio

50% Group, Practical Assessment

SC5005

Contemporary Coaching

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As a coach you will be exposed to a range of experiences, dilemmas and ethically challenging situations during your career. We will look to arm you with the knowledge and awareness to be able to deal with them effectively and fairly. You will navigate through a range of sociological theories and contemporary coaching scenarios where you will analyse solutions and outcomes. Contemporary knowledge about theory and practice are applied to different contexts within coaching. The multidimensional role of a coach is influenced by a range of psycho-social components. A broad range of theoretical perspectives will be examined from social psychological themes such as leadership, the coach athlete relationship and emotional intelligence. Philosophical (ethics) and sociological including evaluating the effect of power and cultural norms will also be explored.

50% Individual, Assignment

50% Group, Presentation

SC5006

Psychology in Sports Coaching

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Developing knowledge from the foundations of psychological theory in sports coaching, the module will focus on the theories of skill acquisition, learning, communication, coaching efficacy. You will explore the multidimensional psychological processes that arise in sports coaching and their effect on motor skill development and the learning environment. This module provides the foundations for the practitioner to be aware of these theories and their influence on creative coaching; innovative practice and athlete development. The initial part of your study will see you investigating a range of skill acquisition theories and attempting to apply them in context.

100% Individual, Portfolio

SC5002

Applied PRACademic Skills

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In the Applied PRACademic Skills module you will continue to develop the application of theoretical concepts in a range of sporting contexts. The term pracademic refers to a practitioner that combines theoretical research with applied practice. The module encourages you to look innovatively through the lens of business owners, policy makers, curriculum designers or National Governing Bodies to create an intervention that will support the development of people in sporting contexts. This approach will be informed by a range of empirical evidence that is used to justify your approach to people development. Throughout the module you will have a significant amount of autonomy in the direction of your project, meaning you can shape it around areas of theoretical interest and your sporting expertise

50% Group Presentation

50% Individual Presentation

SC5003

The Evolution of Lifelong Participation: An Exploration of Physical Literacy for Life

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This module will introduce you to physical literacy, linking both theory and practice. Exploring the historical development of this concept, you will consider the theoretical perspectives of monism, phenomenology and existentialism, to appreciate the subjective and personal nature of individual experiences and the impact of the surrounding world. Considering the development of physical activity through health literacy, sport and exercise, you will consider how physical literacy can be fostered to support an individuals journey, from youth to adulthood, together with the role and impact of the professional practitioner in facilitating physical literacy. Appreciating the diverse nature of physical activity, health and well-being, you will additionally consider and develop strategies and opportunities to promote positive experiences and lifelong participation, including your own journey.

100% Individual, Presentation

SC5004

The Rocky Road to the Top: Talent development

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No two people share the same developmental journey, meaning the talent identification and development process can often be complex and nonlinear. This module will consider different theoretical concepts and evaluate the design of current Talent Development Pathways. Throughout the module you will develop your knowledge and understanding of the how informed and well-designed talent programs and pathways can help can support athletes bio-psycho-social development. A range of theoretical concepts such as genetics, models of Talent Development, athlete trajectories, relative-age effect, psychological characteristics and social opportunities will be covered over the course of the semester. These theoretical concepts will be used to critically evaluate case studies of current Talent Development Pathways.

100% Individual, Presentation

SC5001

Application of Knowledge: Professional Practice and Research

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This module aims to link theory with practice further, developing the knowledge and understanding of research approaches, together with the impact of these on professional practice and application. Exploring an interest area, you will consider academic literature and research to-date, identifying and analysing the current landscape, additionally drawing upon the experiences and practices of industry professionals. Through lectures and independent study, you will explore the underpinning theory and concepts to research from both a natural and social science perspective, with greater consideration for data collection and analysis techniques. This module will result in a proposed direction for research in your chosen area, which may provide the platform for future investigation. Documenting your experiences throughout this module and engaging with an appropriate placement within the sector, you will further establish your credibility as a professional practitioner, with application informed by academic literature, research, continuing professional development (CPD) activities and applied practice.

40% Individual, Assignment

60% Individual, Portfolio

SC6001

The Curious Practitioner: Applied Research

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Developing innovative techniques and emerging as a professional practitioner in your field, this module will help you to explore and create practices which follow fundamental principles and codes of conduct, whilst building your understanding of specificity and uniqueness in programme design and delivery. You will develop safe and effective programmes, which will be bespoke to a diverse range of individuals, for example youth, academy athletes, general and specific populations, in which innovation and creativity will be the focus. Throughout the module, you will implement and demonstrate a variety of practices and tools to measure and monitor participant development, effectively analysing results over a period of time, adapting the programmes accordingly. You will additionally develop your delivery skills, with effective engagement and communication across a variety of platforms to deliver individual and group training, fitness and exercise sessions.

100% Dissertation/Major Project

40% Individual, Presentation

SC6002

The 360 Practitioner: Applied Reflective Practice

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This module continues the course theme of practice, theory and employability; affording you the opportunity to engage in a second work-based placement, explore theoretical concepts such as expertise and knowledge, and engage in reflective and critical thinking. Your continued engagement in personal and professional development will support the development of employability skills and help to create a pathway into a range of industries or postgraduate education.

60% Individual, Assignment

40% Individual, Presentation

SC6003

The Coach of the Future

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The module will extend and develop your understanding of the key sociological and pedagogical concepts previously explored. Contemporary and innovative approaches will be drawn upon and explored in terms of the extent to which a coach can effectively apply them. Knowledge of the theories and techniques that can inform effective session design will be analysed and applied reflecting on their efficacy. The effect on learning and performance needs to be showcased through a video presentation that highlights all of your experiences with these creative approaches. The latest skill acquisition theories along with the most innovative approaches of session planning, like constraints led and digital games design, will be applied and scrutinised. You will investigate the existing frameworks through which effective coaching exists and propose how this may change and evolve as technology, theory and society change.

100% Individual, Presentation

SC6004

Applied Psychology in Sports Coaching

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This module further develops student's critical awareness of the implications of key psychological principles in an applied context that underpin coaching. Developing your mental toolbox will help you navigate your way through a myriad of different situations and the complex nature of the human mind. You will be introduced to a range of psychological perspectives, that will be applied and analysed through an individual, team and interdisciplinary standpoint. The way in which sports psychologists apply their craft and how coaches interact them will also be explored focusing on the techniques and interventions that coaches can effectively apply to develop performance and help create positive change for athletes and their sporting institutions.

60% Individual, Portfolio

40% Group, Practical

SC6005

Applied Analysis: Innovative Feedback

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What is the true purpose of using different methods of analysis in sports coaching? With the increasing development of technology in the digital age the ways in which analysis can be used to increase athlete's performance and coaching expertise are becoming limitless. This module will develop your knowledge of not just the what and how (different methods and procedure) but the why? (the potential purpose of analysis). However, most importantly the module will develop your understanding of how analysis can be used in innovative ways to create feedback that has an impact on the development of both athletes and coaches.

100% Individual, Portfolio

Course Video

*Programme subject to validation by the University of Gloucestershire

APPLICATIONS OPEN IN SEPTEMBER 2023 APPLY ON UCAS_(FULL-TIME)APPLY ONLINE_(FULL-TIME)APPLY ONLINE_{(PART-TIME ONLY)}

Campus:

University Centre WISE

Level:

Accelerated Degree

Full-time Duration:

2 Years

Full-time Fee (Per Year):

£9,250

Part-time Duration:

Part-time Fee (Per Year):

UCAS Application Code:

C612

UCAS Entry Tariff:

112

Entry Requirements

The minimum UCAS tariff entry points from a level 3 qualification. GCSE Maths, English and Science at grade C/4. Mature students over 24 without the relevant qualifications will be required to demonstrate previous experience and evidence of academic ability.

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