MA Leadership in Sport
01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2028
| Course Leader | Thomas Overton |
|---|---|
| Course Team | Melanie Tuckwell, Tony Wallis, Chris Emsley, Lee Baldock, Huw Wilcox, Jay Probert, Rhian Cummings, Jayne Ludlow |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | University of South Wales |
| Modes of Study | Part Time, Full Time |
Document Version
| Version | 8 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2026 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
QAA Benchmarks
Educational Aim
The Postgraduate Certificate / Diploma aims to:
• extend students’ theoretical understanding of current issues in Sport leadership, management and development;
• provide students with the skills to independently plan, implement and evaluate ideas and approaches in applied settings;
• develop reflective practitioners with the ability to critically apply theoretical knowledge and understanding in applied settings;
• enhance students’ ability to question current thinking, draw on practice from different sectors, develop alternative hypotheses and engage in independent research and information gathering;
• facilitate vocational development in order to enable postgraduate students to help develop and deliver sports services and strategies and manage people and projects.
• encourage students to work both independently and collaboratively in order to develop personal and interpersonal skills, both within their specialist community and by networking with wider professional bodies
In addition to those identified above, the aim of the Masters degree is to build upon previous research experience and undertake a piece of discipline-related research or applied management activity.
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | An advanced analysis of the key theoretical issues in leadership and management in sport. |
| A2 | A critical appraisal of relevant business and management principles and processes required in effective leadership in sport. |
| A3 | A comprehensive understanding of relevant research and applied techniques in their chosen field, with an informed knowledge of how the results of this application may improve leadership and the delivery of sport. |
| B1 | Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to case study or ‘real life’ situations to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed approaches and practices in leadership in sport. |
| B2 | Display a level of critical understanding that develops and advances new ideas. |
| B3 | Ability to analysis and evaluate information from a range of sources to help inform practice as a leader or manager. |
| B4 | Demonstrate a reflective approach to evidence-based practice. |
| C1 | Ability to set strategic objectives, produce operational plans and manage relevant projects. |
| C2 | Demonstrate employability related competencies relevant to sports leadership and management. |
| C3 | Ability to apply learning from other business areas to a sporting context. |
Course Structure
Level 7 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR4S045 | MOD009734 | Leading People in Sport | Running | 20 | optional |
| SR4S046 | MOD009735 | Sport Business Principles | Running | 20 | optional |
| SR4S048 | MOD009737 | Strategic Leadership in Sport | Running | 20 | optional |
| SR4S049 | MOD009890 | Pedagogy in Football | Running | 20 | optional |
| SR4S055 | MOD010374 | Effective Coaching (online) | Running | 20 | optional |
| SR4S056 | MOD010375 | Enterprise and Innovation in Sport (online) | Running | 20 | optional |
| SR4S057 | MOD010376 | Leading People in Sport (online) | Running | 20 | specified |
| SR4S059 | MOD010809 | Curriculum Design and Contemporary Approaches to Player Development | Running | 20 | optional |
| SR4S060 | MOD010920 | Strategic Leadership in Sport (online) | Running | 20 | specified |
| SR4S061 | MOD010921 | Professional Work Based Development (online) | Running | 20 | specified |
| SR4S063 | MOD010923 | The High Performance Environment (online) | Running | 20 | optional |
| SR4S072 | MOD013406 | The Research Process | Running | 20 | specified |
| SR4S062 | MOD010922 | Sport Business Principles (online) | Running | 20 | specified |
| SR4D002 | MOD013481 | Research Project (online) | Running | 40 | core |
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
Employer Engagement
• Local authorities, Education, Leisure and Sports Development departments
• Professional Sporting Clubs
• National Governing Bodies
• Sport Wales
• Private and Third Sector sport organisations
Means of Assessment
Students are required to evidence knowledge and understanding through a diverse range of assessment across the course, including:
• Written reports
• Strategies and plans
• Case studies
• Academic critiques
• Evidence-based analyses
• Portfolios
• Group presentations
• Poster presentations
• Practical assessments
• A research dissertation or professional applied project on a student-chosen topic relevant to the overall parameters of the course
Learning Support
• Course leader support
• Student Services specialist advice for welfare, health or financial advice, and special needs support
• Fully equipped laboratories
• Tutorials
• Blackboard / LCSS
• Student course handbook and module guide
• Health and Safety guides
• Individual academic tutor
• Tutorials
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 credits of which at least 90 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 | Intermediate |
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 credits with at least 40 at Level 7 and no more than 20 at Level 6 | Intermediate |
| Master of Arts | 180 credits of which at least 150 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 | Final |
Progression Route
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
Normally at least a 2:2 Honours degree classification in a relevant subject (e.g. sport, leisure or business) is required although relevant experience (e.g. 3 years working in a sports development, leisure management, coaching) can also be taken into account. Applicants without a degree but relevant experience may be required to attend an interview with the course leader to assess suitability.
This course is most suitable for those who currently work in the sports development sector; or aspire to pursuing a career in this sector. The course is particularly aimed at those individuals who are keen to progress to management roles in sport.
Equivalent international qualifications are acceptable and if English is not the first language applicants must have a certificate in English Language Proficiency (e.g. IELTS at least 6.5).
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
Methods Of Quality Standards
N/A
Quality Of Standards Indicators
N/A