Elite Coaching Practice

All modules are assessed and you’re expected to complete all those you are registered for. In some instances we’ll provide authorised extensions or allow you to defer and we provide special arrangements for disability. You’ll agree a submission timetable with your director of studies and will be expected to manage your time effectively to meet the deadlines. 

We offer well-defined postgraduate progression routes with our master’s degree in Sports Coaching with a specialisation in Adventure Sports.

On this course you’ll develop specific coaching skills, such as climbing or kayaking, while studying coaching within a community of peers from others sports. This is designed to emphasise coaching as a discipline and give you networking opportunities beyond the outdoor sector.

And there are two doctoral routes - one is a traditional PhD and the other a professional doctorate or DProf within the Institute of Coaching and Performance. The latter is an innovative approach to Level 8 study with an emphasis on practice-based expertise.

Modules you’ll study include:

Coaching practice; which will help you identify your coaching behaviours, critically self-reflect on your coaching practice and philosophy, and develop more effective coaching practice. You’ll study sports psychology to explore ways of developing successful coach-athlete relationships.

Planning for development allows you to explore the issues of planning and preparation to meet the individualised needs of participants in a talent development programme. This will range from session development through to global training systems. A focus will be on how people learn and the associated pedagogical approaches as well as the integration of lifestyle factors into performance development plans.

Planning for competition examines the range of factors that a coach needs to consider and embraces a thorough understanding of the theory and practice of periodisation. It takes this further to the examination of competition preparation to ensure that all performers maximise their potential in games and competition.

Coaching analysis is where you apply theory to practice via a sustained period of analysis of your coaching delivery. You’ll be encouraged to demonstrate a creative and innovative approach to coaching leading to effective coaching programmes. You’ll show that you can adjust programmes in response to this analysis, and develop successful working relationships with other related professions.

Work based learning uses theoretical and practical knowledge developed within your programme. Through reflective learning you’ll ensure you are coaching using a sound theoretical basis and a robust practical application.

The sporting environment module looks at contemporary issues in coaching and sport, for instance the impact of government policy and legislation, sport and the media, sport and the law, equity in sport, talent identification and development, and the use of ergogenic aids in sport. You’ll study issues relevant to all sports within the group but will also experience interventions with specific relevance to your sport. You’ll analyse the structures and policies of your sport and identify potential constraints / opportunities for your practice.

Issues in performer development focuses on the systems and environments that maximise performer development. You’ll consider the relationships between the coach, performer and other influential stakeholders in the development process. You’ll also look at the key factors that occur during a performer’s development, from a physiological, psycho-social and skill development perspective.