Details
By taking this programme you will develop the skills to critically evaluate new developments/theory and integrate this knowledge, where appropriate, into your own personal coaching practice.
Throughout the programme you will be encouraged to develop yourself as a lifelong learner, understanding the importance of learning and the theory behind coaching practice and also development of performance and expertise.
This programme is an innovative blended delivery using both high quality online resources complemented with face to face discussion time with academics and leaders in the programme fields. You will be encouraged to develop your use of theory in practice, and to reflect upon your own personal coaching philosophy and development in light of new knowledge. View the Additional Information and Module Information Tabs for more details of the course.
Students will be required to attend three to four compulsory block teaching weeks during September, December and March. When attending these taught sessions on the University’s Edgbaston campus, you will be required to book and pay for your own food and accommodation. A list of accommodation is available from the programme administrators.
For the academic year 2013-14 these weeks are as follows:
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Wednesday 18th – Saturday 21st September 2013 (including induction)
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Thursday 12th – Saturday 14th December 2013
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Friday 28th – Saturday 29th March 2014
Modules
The postgraduate diploma consists of four taught modules that are taken part-time over two years. In each year of the postgraduate diploma you will take two modules. Should you transfer to the MSc you will also complete a dissertation in a third year. The modules are briefly outlined below.
Research methods in sport pedagogy
This module will develop your research skills within the areas of sport and physical activity. It will cover the practical usage and critical analysis of methodologies providing an essential understanding of conducting research in a real world sport/physical activity environment.
Through this module you will gain an in depth understanding of conducting research in a real world sport/physical activity environment which will allow you to develop as a research-led practitioner. The module also provides the grounding for the masters’ dissertation research.
Professional practice in sport
This module seeks to develop enquiring, critical and innovative approaches to professional practice in sport. Linking theory and practice, you will be encouraged to critically evaluate strategies used to facilitate and support professional development in your own workplace. Further, in the context of sport pedagogy, you will examine the relationship between learners, educators and context in facilitating professional learning.
Player and participant development
This module develops the theory and applied practice in the coaching and participation process. Drop out and issues of sports ‘membership’ will be analysed from the viewpoint of participants, coaches and sports administrators. The theory and application of sport science in assisting and improving coaching methodology will also be covered including areas such as motor learning, biomechanics and psychology.
Professional case study
In this module you will work on a real-life case study from your own coaching. You will be expected to draw upon knowledge and skills gained in the other modules to create a fully considered and justified player or team development plan based upon a clear rationale and needs analysis. As part of this you will be expected to integrate theory into practice in the
development of the player or team. You will then implement your plan to demonstrate the competency that you have achieved in applying appropriate theory into practice and the evaluation of and impact of decisions made.
Dissertation (after successful transfer to MSc)
In this module you will integrate the areas covered in the taught modules within the programme. You will propose a research project, submit ethics, undertake and write up a piece of academic empirically based research relevant to your area of practice and interests in coaching.
Fees and funding
Fees Home/EU 2013-2014
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Code 9135 PGDip £2,160
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Code 9134 MSc £2,160
The fees shown above are annual fees for students starting their courses September in 2012. Please note that where courses last more than one year, the annual fees for subsequent years on the course may increase due to inflation.
When attending the taught sessions on the University’s Edgbaston campus, students will be required to book and pay for their own food and accommodation.
Fees Overseas 2012-2013
Please view our Fees for International Students page for further details.
Learn more about fees and funding
Scholarships and studentships
Scholarships may be available. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.
For further information contact the School directly or email financialsupport@bham.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
You will be required to be a qualified coach with an award recognised by their national governing body, normally at Level 2 of the UKCC or its equivalent. You will also be expected to regularly coach a minimum of three hours per week whilst on the programme.
We also encourage applications from coaches who do not have prior experience of higher education as well as those with first degrees.
Find our more about postgraduate entry requirements
International students
Academic requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.
English language requirements
You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:
How to apply
Please note: deadline for 2012 entry is Friday 17th August
When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages
Apply now