Physical Education and Sports Coaching
FdSc

Understanding the Coaching Process (Core)

This module aims to develop your understanding of some key theories and concepts that underpin the work of coaches. In addition, the module will provide a broad foundation in the language and discourse associated with the coaching process. Coaching research will be introduced to you so you will become familiar with the associated methods and theoretical frameworks that are the foundation of coaching practice. A key aspect of this module will be internal practical delivery where you will be set key performance tasks designed to enhance their coaching practice whilst engaging in effective self-reflection.

Holistic Approaches to Coaching (Core)

This module aims to develop your understanding of holistic approaches to learning that assist coaches when developing athletes. You will be introduced to the concept of pedagogy and develop knowledge about how models of practice can provide a framework for their practical coaching. In addition, you will gain understanding about how various groups of learners perceive coaching practice and strategies that will allow you to work effectively with such groups. You will also consider socio-cultural issues associated with the profession of sports coaching.

Introduction to Sport Psychology and Skill Acquisition (Core)

The module presents the main concepts and theories across the disciplines of sport psychology and skill acquisition through lectures, workshops and seminar sessions.

The module aims to introduce key theoretical and applied concepts in sport psychology and skill acquisition. In addition the module will provide a foundation in the language, methods, interventions and issues in sport psychology and skill acquisition. Through the presentation of theory and research the module aims to develop students’ understanding of this area of study.

• Credits: 20

Introduction to Teaching and Coaching Games (Core)

This module is an introduction to teaching and coaching games. You will be encouraged to become thoughtful about why you plan and deliver teaching and coaching activities the way you do. You will be challenged to become more deliberate practitioners; ensuring that the learners you engage with are being supported appropriately.

Health and Wellbeing (Core)

This module will develop students understanding of mental and physical health and wellbeing. Aspects such as health and wellbeing policy, curriculum design and the integration of health and wellbeing into physical education and sport settings will be covered.

Professional Development (Core)

This module aims to equip you with the underpinning knowledge and skills necessary for lifelong learning, employment and development in the professional sports coaching sector. You will also develop your CV and interviewing skills.

The Coaching Environment (Core)

This module covers the key aspects which impact the environment we create as coaches for our athletes. Environmental factors such as motivation, parents, ethics and growth mindset provide students with knowledge to shape coaching environments which are healthy and effective for athlete development.

Applied Skill Acquisition (Core)

This module aims to develop your understanding of how skills are acquired in sport and other motor domains. The module will cover different methods and manipulations that are available to coaches and practitioners to facilitate the learning process along with associated theory and research. You will have an opportunity to link theory with practical coaching strategies.

Experience and Employment in Sport (Core)

This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to experience the workplace and to develop skills and knowledge in relation to working within the sport sector.

The module will help prepare you for the workplace by raising awareness of workplace issues, and encouraging you to reflect on your own personal and professional development. It will also help you to define and then develop the specific work-related skills that you need in order to become more employable in a sporting field. You will be encouraged to share experience in order to encourage learning and to help you articulate your strengths.

Research Proposal (Core)

This module provides an understanding of the core research principles which will allow students to develop their own research ideas and help prepare students for third-year study where they will have to complete an independent research project.

Sport Psychology (Optional)

This module develops an understanding of the core psychological principles related to sport performance. An understanding of this area will help coaches better prepare athletes for competition and develop healthy and mentally robust performers.

Performance Analysis (Optional)

The module aims to introduce the fundamental concepts of objective analysis of sports performance. The module will provide a foundation and awareness of the variety of uses and types of notational analyses. In addition, you will develop an understanding of sport-specific coaching preparation processes based on the analysis of a variety of sports.

Teaching and Coaching Games (Optional)

This module draws upon the learning and performance returns for using specific game designs for teaching and coaching team and individual games. You will design your own game for the learners you work with, and justify your choice of design. This module will be a balance of practical and theoretical learning to ensure that you have a clear appreciation of the overall game design process.

Adapted Physical Activity, PE and Sport 1 (Optional)

This module will introduce you to the issues surrounding the historical, socio-economic forces and practical considerations that have shaped society's understanding of adapted PE and sport. This module aims to give you both theoretical and practical experience in sport and physical activity for those with disabilities. The module will explore current initiatives focused around disability and inclusion in sport at a local, national and global level.