MA Sport and Development (Part Time)

This course aims to be at the leading edge of international and UK study in sport and development – a specialised professional and research field that is built upon the role of sport in the development process.

Course overview

It is designed to empower current and future leaders working in the area, providing advanced skills and knowledge necessary to enter and excel in this dynamic field.  

The course has two primary focuses.  

Firstly, the development of sport, with an emphasis on developing talent, increasing sport participation and providing sustainable pathways.  

Secondly, development through sport, where sport is used as an effective and cost efficient tool for human and social development. Some of the key thematic areas for this field, in relation to sport, are:

• development policy and practice
• social inclusion
• public health issues
• economic development
• disaster response
• education
• conflict resolution and peace building.

The course programme is designed to meet the development needs of individuals already working, or wishing to work, at local, national, regional and international level within sport and development-related initiatives. It will provide you with advanced knowledge and understanding of policy, research and theory underpinning sport and development initiatives in the UK and abroad.

The course aims to use theory and evidence in evaluating policy and practice. All units therefore integrate work-based learning opportunities in their teaching and assessment. In addition, the course includes relevant themes in research methods, which is useful for the dissertation that you will complete as a key part of your study.

Download - MA Sport and Development course leaflet.pdf|   

Course structure

The course combines taught elements and individual study. In order to complete this course, you will study compulsory and specialist optional units as listed below:

Core units*

Development Theory and Practice
This unit presents an introduction to the ideologies, paradigms, concepts and theoretical models of development within the community and international context. It focuses on the social and political aspects of development and offers a critical comparison between developed and developing world perspectives.

Sport Development Policy
This unit examines the context of policy and practice in the management of sport development. Sport Development is interpreted as vision and process of social change from at least four contemporary views of development: Neoliberalism, Structuralism, Interventionism and People-centred Development. 

Managing Sport and Development
This unit will focus on the factors influencing management approaches to a variety of Sport and Development situations, reviewing the implications at strategic and operational levels and analyse international and cultural influences on the management approach.  

Social Theories and Issues in Sport and Development

This unit examines a number of sociological perspectives pertinent to the study of sport and development, and offers students the opportunity to critically examine various issues from different theoretical view points.  Each theoretical perspective will be discussed using a range of contemporary sport and development issues.  Applying sociological theories to these issues, students will be expected to demonstrate the significance of a theoretical analysis of sport and development, and the importance of applying sociological theory to guide such an analysis.

Monitoring and Evaluation for Sport and Development
This unit will examine the area of monitoring and evaluation in sport and development programmes. Students will develop advanced skills to critically explore the varying monitoring and evaluation models being implemented in the field. This unit will also provide students with an appropriate monitoring and evaluation knowledge base for them to implement and deliver within their own field of sport and development.

Research Methods

This unit will develop the skills of inquiry and research required primarily for the dissertation. The unit will cover the major theories and concepts associated with empirical and library based research. The unit will also develop the students’ ability to apply the concepts to practical research situations.

Dissertation and professional reflection
The unit presents students with an opportunity to undertake in-depth study of an issue or problem which is: (a) of particular interest to them; (b) is related to the expression, demonstration, development and critical evaluation of the professional expertise they exercise as practitioners; and (c) is sufficiently challenging as to demonstrate the required leaning outcomes at master degree level. 

* It is anticipated that the majority of these units will become University-accredited independent short courses.

Option units

• Work-based project
• Mega Sports Events and Development
• People in Organisation
• Project Management

Assessment
The course is assessed in a variety of ways, including essays, online discussions, oral examinations, work placement reports and a dissertation.  

Key career skills
Problem solving, critical analysis, communication, presentation.

Projects/work experience

In line with dissertation work and coursework, you will be given the opportunity to carry out a national or international work-based project within the industry.

Fees

Fees for the 2011-2012 academic year are:

Full Time: UK and EU students - £4,100; Overseas students - £9,400

|

To view PDF files, you need to have Adobe Reader™ installed. Adobe Reader™ is available free from the Adobe website.|