UDSPPCFY - BSc (Hons) Sport Psychology, Coaching and Physical Education (including foundation year)

The teaching and learning strategies applied in the BSc aim to:
• further stimulate the student’s interest in and develop skills within sport psychology, coaching and physical education at BSc level
• apply knowledge of scientific concepts pertinent to psychology, coaching and physical education
• promote the student’s self-management of the learning process with a view to future continued professional development

Teaching and learning strategies are determined by:
• student feedback from individual lectures, seminars and practical sessions.
• student retention, progression and attainment
• observation and assessment of students learning styles

Students are encouraged by modules teams to:
• be actively involved in and critically reflective on their learning
• work to deadlines and balance conflicting pressures
• develop academic and scientific literacy skills through formative assessment
• review, evaluate and reflect on their own work and the work of others
• work co-operatively with staff and peers
• use appropriate resources and technology

This four-year course includes a Foundation Year (level three) which introduces students to the fundamentals of science to enable them to study Sport Psychology, Coaching and Physical Education at level four. It makes no assumptions about prior scientific study. Students will gain a solid grounding in subjects relevant to this area.

The principal aim for all awards in this pathway is to educate students, from a wide variety of backgrounds, to their full potential at graduate level. The development of potential is viewed as comprising both subject-specific knowledge, as well as a range of transferable skills. The course is designed for those students considering entering professions within the sport, exercise and health industries. Students study a range of modules considering sport psychology, coaching and teaching alongside other important sports science disciplines. Modules such as Principles of Effective Coaching and Teaching and Sport Psychology and the Elite Athlete equip students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge pertinent to effective practice in sport psychology coaching and teaching.

The course furthermore aims to develop students' ability to
• work both independently and in collaboration with others
• develop solutions to problems in a systematic and effective manner
• communicate confidently and clearly both in writing and verbally
• deploy generic work-related skills including time-management and prioritisation of tasks

Students will be encouraged to engage meaningfully with personal development planning (PDP) through the curriculum, to enable them to reflect on, plan and review their own personal and academic skills. PDP will enable students to develop well supported claims to achievements and be able to articulate these to others and the University will enable students to recognise and record their achievements.

The course learning outcomes listed below have been developed in-line with the Level 6 descriptors for Bachelor’s degree with honours as stated in the QAA’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (2008)

1. Knowledge and understanding:
On completing the course, students will:
1.1 Have a thorough and systematic knowledge of the various scientific topics studied
1.2 Have a high level of understanding of current research evidence on which knowledge of the principle areas of sport psychology, coaching, physical education and sports science are founded

On completing the course students will be able to:
1.3 Apply scientific and pedagogical knowledge in practical settings
1.4 Execute and critically evaluate research relevant to the areas of sport psychology coaching and teaching
1.5 Facilitate the enhancement of performance through coaching and teaching
1.6 an appreciation of the fundamental concepts in biology, chemistry, and numeracy.

2. Cognitive intellectual skills:

On completing the course the student will be able to:
2.1 Understand and develop clear and logical arguments in support or criticism of scientific assertions and theories, incorporating literature-base evidence
2.2 Make informed judgements when exploring research questions
2.3 Show fluency with appropriate quantitative and numerical skills, involving relevant mathematical and statistical methods
2.4 Demonstrate academic and scientific literacy at graduate level

3. Transferable skills including those of employability and professional practice:
On completing the course the student will be able to:
3.1 Communicate, both orally and in writing, in a concise, clear and scholarly manner
3.2 Demonstrate a range of transferable skills including active involvement in learning, exercise of initiative and judgement, use of appropriate resources and technology including IT, the ability to work both independently and with others, and the capacity for self-awareness and self-reflection
3.3 Appreciate the skills necessary to secure and retain employment, including communication, consideration for others, creativity, dedication and self-discipline
3.4 Understand ethical and other professional issues involved in practice as a sport psychologist, coach, teacher and sport scientist.

4. Subject-specific practical skills:
On completing the course the student will be able to:
4.1 Demonstrate an understanding of practical skills relating to work as a sport psychologist, coach, teacher and sports scientist
4.2 Critically evaluate the principles and limitations of measurement and assessment strategies in sport, exercise and physical education
4.3 Propose appropriate methodologies for a variety of measurements in sport, exercise and physical education
4.4 Facilitate the enhancement of sporting performance through effective coaching and teaching

The Benchmark Statements for ‘Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism’ were used.

Of the study areas specified as characterising sports-related programmes (p21), the present course focuses principally on 6.17 and 6.18. There is also considerable coverage of 6.19 and to a lesser extent 6.20.

A variety of assessment methods will be used including unseen and seen written examinations, essays, literature searches/reviews, practical reports, oral presentations, oral examinations and the assessment of practical coaching skills. With the exception of written examinations, most assessments have both formative and summative roles. Additional non-assessed formative assessments will be used. The final year project provides the opportunity for an extended piece of formal scientific writing.

Throughout the course reflective practice and the ability to link theory to practice are central themes in both teaching and assessments. Dialogue and discussions based on these key themes are seen as essential progressions toward lifelong learning application.

A compulsory Work Placement/Business module is taken in the third year, giving students the opportunity to gain specific work or business experience in the specific areas of coaching or teaching, as well as in the more generic areas of sports science and psychology.

For full Learning Outcomes Table, refer to Course Handbook.

There is an attendance requirement which applies to all practical elements of modules. Failure to meet this requirement will require the attendance component of the module to be re-sat at the earliest opportunity.

PR3001 Scientific Studies
PR3002 Biology
PR3003 Chemistry
PR3006 or PR3008 Nutrition & Sport Science
ST4008 Foundations of Sport Psychology and Coaching
ST4009 Human Anatomy and Biomechanics
ST4010 Human Physiology and Training Principles
ST4011 Sports Research Skills
ST5002 Psychological Factors in Sport: Individuals and Teams
ST5004 Principles of Effective Coaching and Teaching
ST5006 Sport and Exercise Physiology
ST5060 Sports Science Research Methods
ST6002 Sport Psychology and the Elite Athlete
ST6P01 Sports Science and Therapy Dissertation
ST6004 Advanced Coaching Theory, Practice and Application
ST6053 Business Developments in Health Sciences (* alternative core)
ST6W61 Sports Science Work Placement (* alternative core)

By way of modules: ST4011, ST5060 and ST6P01 students will progressively develop their PDP which will culminate in a CV and graduation statement. Students will take part in tutorials at all levels designed to facilitate discussion on what has been learnt in order that reflective learning will contribute to identifying objectives, success criteria, and action plans that can be included in PDPs.

None

Provided as part of the designated employability modules at each level. A number of employer and alumni led career events are organised by the School and each Cluster Group.

The transferable skills developed throughout the course are relevant to all forms of employment. The degree is particularly suited to students planning a career within the sport, exercise and health industries. Employment opportunities lie in both the public and private sectors.

As a graduate of our Sport Psychology, Coaching and Physical Education (including foundation year) BSc (Hons), you’ll be able to build a successful career in the public, commercial or scientific sector. Many of our graduates take on roles in the sports and fitness industries, but the general scientific knowledge you’ll receive will enable you to go into a wide range of careers.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• at least one A level (or a minimum of 32 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Subsidiary/National/BTEC Extended Diploma) but may not have achieved the appropriate grades to immediately join a BSc programme
• English Language and Mathematics GCSEs at grade C (grade 4) or above (or equivalent). Applicants who meet the UCAS points criteria but who obtained a D (grade 3) in English and/or Maths at GCSE may be offered a University test in these areas

Other applicants may have Level 3 qualifications such as A level, BTEC Extended Diploma or Access to Higher education qualifications with high UCAS points and grades, but not in the relevant subject areas eg Biology and Chemistry, which are required to study for BSc programmes in the School of Human Sciences.

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.