Curriculum Information

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QAA Benchmarks

Educational Aim

Learning Outcomes

Course Structure

Level 7 Modules

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

Employer Engagement

Employer Engagement will be achieved by:

Visiting Speakers

The University maintains strong links with industry experts through our network of delivery partners and alumni. Expertise from throughout this network is drawn upon within module delivery to give the students “real life” examples and experiences

Volunteering

Sometimes volunteering opportunities can arise for students as a result of making industry contacts, and are carried out in an extra-curricular way

Work Placements

Professional work-based development is a module which provides the opportunity for a student to undertake a placement with an organisation (either organised via the student or placement can be arranged by sport academic staff). Staff will inform students of potential placements opportunities as they arise and this can be via the Sports Job and Careers organisation page on Blackboard.

International (non-EU) students will need to discuss the options of doing a work placement with our Immigration and International Student Advice (IISA) team after they start their postgraduate studies at USW. The ability to undertake a work placement as part of your course may depend on your category of leave (visa type) and personal circumstances in line with UKVI requirements.

Please note that whilst applicants are not required to obtain a satisfactory DBS Check for entry to the course, there is an Professional Work Based Development module that may require students to obtain an enhanced DBS Check or evidence of subscription to the DBS Updating Service should it involve delivery to children or vulnerable adults.
(Overseas equivalent required for non-uk applicants)

Work-based Learning

Yes. Dedicated Professional Work Based Learning module involving 140 hours of WBL

Other

Coaching Observations and individual/group mentoring

Means of Assessment

Learning Support

The learning support available through the course:

Induction

As outlined in the Student Experience Plan ‘key aspects of effective retention are building a sense of belonging’ which relies on a partnership of shared responsibility between the University and its students. First year post-graduate academic induction is where and how we welcome students to academic life and establish mutual expectations which have a critical role as part of our plan to retain students.
Year 1 PG students attend a 3-day residential study block at USW and cover the following areas within the induction, which are all covered in the Course Handbook:
• Welcome to the Faculty, Course and Teaching team
• Expectations of the student
• Introduction to study, the subject area and course
• Introduction to assessment and feedback
• The who and how of academic support
• Where to go for pastoral support
• Student Voice
• Teambuilding, problem solving and getting to know the student.
• Student support services available at the University will be discussed at induction. Services include student money advice, health, counselling, mental health and disability as well as careers, library and accommodation.
• Study skills services available at the University will be discussed at induction. Module leaders will also remind students allowing them to get access from this service.

Personal Academic Coach

Not Applicable as the students have direct access to the module and course leader, who can support the student in their studies. Students will also receive a Research project supervisor to guide them through the final project.

Office hours

Office hours for each staff member will be communicated to students at the start of each academic year. They will be flexible due to consideration of students working patterns. These office hours could also be online utilising skype, teams so that students do not have to travel.

Tutorials

The Course Leader will host tutorial drop-in sessions for students on around block delivery sessions. Module leaders will also provide support for students through tutorial sessions in and outside of lectures. These tutorials will enable students to ask for support around module content, assessment guidance, feedback and also study skill advice.

Seminars

Seminars and workshops will form and essential elements of the face-to-face teaching and learning strategy. On campus conferences and seminars are made available for all students.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment is integrated into modules and utilised at appropriate points in order to feedback or feed-forward on students work.

Progress meetings

These will be informally held within each module, with more formal meetings held at each stage of study i.e., PgCert, PGDip and MSc. The university encourages review meetings at mid and end of module junctions to facilitate student feedback and be responsive to student need.

Research Supervision

Individual supervisors will be provided to each student. With a high level of expertise across all functions of sport fields (e.g. coaching, sport science, strength and conditioning), USW are well catered to meet individual student needs.

Online Resources

Online resources are frequently utilised during all modules. This can range from the online library resources, virtual classroom spaces, Blackboard, research and performance databases etc.

Advice Zone

Advice Zones are the first point of contact for advice and information regarding university life. Friendly Advice Assistants are able to answer and advise on queries, questions or concerns and can book appointments and make referrals to specialist teams and services such as Counselling, Disability and Dyslexia, Money Advice and Student Progression.
The designated advice zone is Glyntaff Advice: - https://advice.southwales.ac.uk/

Students will be told about these services at the induction but also through meetings with module or course leader where needs arise.

Disability

The Disability & Dyslexia Service provides a confidential and professional service where students can discuss their sensory physical, mental health requirements. It is located in the Library on the Treforest campus and offers regular drop-in sessions or meetings can be arranged over the phone. The service can be found: - https://disability.southwales.ac.uk/

IT/Library

IT Support and Library Services are available online via ‘the HUB’. Both services are also available ‘face to face’ at the Glyntaff and Treforest Campuses.

Course Exit Points

Progression Route

The following progression routes are available:MPhilPhD

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

Admission to the programme is in accordance with the University’s Admission Policy. The Enquiries & Admissions Unit co-ordinates admission to the MSc Sports Coaching and Performance courses. Each faculty is responsible for setting its admission criteria in line with the minimum University requirements and in conjunction with the Enquiries & Admissions Unit. Students for this course apply directly to the university via the Course Web Page. Once the student has applied the E and A team will forward the application to the course leader with a recommendation and it is at this point a decision is made for the potential student. The E and A team and Course Leader will check that the following Faculty based Criteria has been met: -

Normally entrance to the course requires an Honours degree classification (at least a 2:2) in a relevant subject although relevant experience can also be considered by the Course Leader.

This course is most suitable for those who hold a formal UKCC coaching qualification, preferably at Level 3, or those who have suitable coaching experience. Alternatively, those working within a coaching environment such as, a NGB coach, Academy coach, High performance coach, Sports development officer, strength and conditioning coach or sport science support will be considered via application and discussion with the Course Leader.
We also welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications who are looking for sports coaching and performance. Please visit the country specific pages on our international website for exact details.
In general, international applicants will need to have achieved an overall IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.
However, if you have previously studied through the medium of English IELTS might not be required, but please visit the country specific page on our international website for exact details.
International (non-EU) students will need to discuss the options of doing a work placement with our Immigration and International Student Advice (IISA) team after they start their postgraduate studies at USW. The ability to undertake a work placement as part of your course may depend on your category of leave (visa type) and personal circumstances in line with UKVI requirements.

Please note that whilst applicants are not required to obtain a satisfactory DBS Check for entry to the course, there is an Professional Work Based Development module that may require students to obtain an enhanced DBS Check or evidence of subscription to the DBS Updating Service should it involve delivery to children or vulnerable adults. (Overseas equivalent required for non-uk applicants)

Students are expected to find their own Professional Work Based placements however, the course team will support students with finding a suitable placement, if they were unable to do so themselves. Staff will inform students of potential placements opportunities as they arise and this can be via the Sports Job and Careers organisation page on Blackboard.

Will students be required to undergo a DBS check? Yes
If yes, please specify whether an enhanced or standard DBS is required - Enhanced

Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/

Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A