5B027E - Research in Practice 01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2032 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 5B027E
Module Title: Research in Practice
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Sport
Faculty Sub Group: Sports Coaching
Module Leader: Christopher Marley
Module Team: Stuart Jarvis, Lee Baldock, Brendan Cropley, Huw Wilcox
First Intended Intake: SEP 2026 Final Year of Intake: 2031
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100433 - sport and exercise sciences
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2026
Valid To 31 Aug 2032

Module Aims

The aims of the module are: 

  • To highlight the importance of research within both an academic and professional context. 

  • To raise students’ appreciation of the research process and a range of approaches to research utilising qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods designs. 

  • Reflect on the role of research in improving practice. 

Content Summary

This module equips you with essential research skills while giving you the opportunity to apply them in a real-world sport or exercise setting. You’ll explore key research methods used in sport science, including experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis, and ethical considerations. 

Alongside classroom-based learning, you’ll undertake a short work placement in a relevant sport, exercise, or health environment. This experience allows you to observe and contribute to professional practice, while identifying real-world questions that can be explored through research. This module bridges theory and practice, preparing you for future research projects or careers in sport science, coaching, and health promotion

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Guided Study 46
Problem/Challenge Based Learning 80
Practical Classes and Workshops 56
Formative Assessment 10
Summative Assessment 60
Work Placement 48
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Apply and communicate research principles and methods, including design, data collection, statistical analysis and ethical considerations, that could be used to investigate real-world questions in a sport, exercise or health context.
LO2 Reflect upon the learning experience and deployment of relevant skills in the context of a sport, exercise or health workplace environment.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Research Plan / Proposal / Project/ Log 1 It enables students to apply research principles, develop critical thinking, and plan feasible projects while considering ethical standards 0 2500 70 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Student Choice 1 Students will have the choice of presenting their reflections through a written report or oral presentation, promoting autonomy and inclusivity 10 1200 30 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Research Plan / Proposal / Project/ Log 1
Student Choice 1

Reading List

- Smith, M, F. (2021) Doing Research in Sport and Exercise; a students guide. London: Sage Publications.  

- British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (2023). Code of Conduct and Ethics.? 

- Thomas, J.R. (2022) Research Methods in Physical Activity. CHAMPAIGN: HUMAN KINETICS. 

- Smith, M.F. (2018) Research methods in sport. 2nd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.?? 

- Smith, M, F. (2021) Doing Research in Sport and Exercise; a students guide. London: Sage Publications.  

- Field, A.P. (2018) Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics. 5th edition. London: SAGE Publications.?? 

- Ntoumanis, N. (2001) A step-by-step guide to SPSS for sport and exercise studies. London: Routledge.?? 

- Smith, M, F. (2021) Doing Research in Sport and Exercise; a students guide. London: Sage Publications.  

- Field, A.P. (2018) Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics. 5th edition. London: SAGE Publications.?? 

- Sparkes, A.C. (2014) Qualitative research methods in sport, exercise and health: from process to product. New York: Routledge.? 

- Ntoumanis, N. (2001) A step-by-step guide to SPSS for sport and exercise studies. London: Routledge.?? 

- Smith, M, F. (2021) Doing Research in Sport and Exercise; a students guide. London: Sage Publications.  

- Cottrell, S. (2010). Study Skills for Success: The Personal Development Planning Handbook. 2nd Ed. London: Palgrave? 

- Helyer, R. (2015) The Work-Based Learning Student Handbook. 2nd ed. Basingstoke: Macmillan. 

- Moon, J. (2008). Reflection in Learning & Professional Development: Theory and Practice. London: Routledge Falmer? 

- Helyer, R. (2015) The Work-Based Learning Student Handbook. 2nd ed. Basingstoke: Macmillan. 

- Moon, J. (2008). Reflection in Learning & Professional Development: Theory and Practice. London: Routledge Falmer? 

- Helyer, R. (2015) The Work-Based Learning Student Handbook. 2nd ed. Basingstoke: Macmillan