FdA Sports Coaching

Programme Specification

Awarding Institution/Body / Teesside University
Teaching Institution / Leeds City College
Collaborating Organisations
(include type)
Delivery Location(s)
[if different from TU] / Horsforth Campus, Leeds City College
Programme Externally Accredited by (e.g. PSRB)
Award Title(s) / FdA Sports Coaching
LeadSchool / School of Social Sciences and Law
Additional Contributing Schools
FHEQ Level
[see guidance] / Level 5
Bologna Cycle
[see guidance] / Short Cycle (within of linked to the first cycle) Qualifications
JACS Code and JACS Description / C610 – The study of the delivery (teaching, instructing and coaching) of enhanced sport performance and the critical analysis of the integration of the variables involved.
Mode of Attendance
[full-time or part-time] / Full – Time and Part – Time.
Relevant QAA Subject Benchmarking Group(s) / Foundation Degree Qualification Benchmark Statements.
Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Subject Benchmark Statements.
Relevant Additional External Reference Points
(e.g. National Occupational Standards, PSRB Standards) / SkillsActive Sports Coach Education Endorsement.
Date of Production/Revision
Criteria for Admission to the Programme
(if different from standard University criteria) / A typical offer is likely to be 2 x D at A level, or a Merit profile in a relevant BTEC National Diploma, together with a minimum of 4 GCSE grades at C or above including English.
Students will be subject to the DBS (Disclosure of Barring Services) process.
International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria. Speakers of other languages need to have an IELTS score of at least 6.0 or a recognised level 2 English qualification.
In the absence of formal learning qualifications applications are welcomed from persons who can demonstrate relevant work experience, including work in a voluntary capacity.The course structure actively supports claims for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
We welcome applications from mature candidates who may not have met the academic criteria, but can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.
All students must be able to demonstrate either by qualifications or testing that they have the required literacy skills to complete the course.
Educational Aims of the Programme
The overall aims of the programme are to:
  • Provide student focused and engaging opportunities to discuss and develop specific content such as; theories of coaching pedagogy, scientific principles of coaching practice sociological perspectives of sport coaching.
  • Provide a challenging high quality vocational programme in the sports coaching industries, including core and specialist modules, which facilitate access and progression for a wide range of students from diverse and varied backgrounds.
  • Provide curricula, informed by external sports coaching reference points,which develop a range of technical, professional, vocational, employability, transferable and key skills appropriate to the level of the award and industry demands.
  • Provide the fundamental skills to develop independent and reflective learners in the sports coaching industry.
  • Provide students with an opportunity to undertake an ethical approach to both sports coaching and independent research.
  • Widen participation in sports coaching education and training and to increase access to higher education from under-represented groups in the local community.
  • Provide a framework in which employers, employer bodies and providers can collaborate to develop the sports coaching curriculum.
  • Produce capable and well-rounded sports coaching graduates who will contribute to the skill base of the local economy and region.
  • Provide students with a broad range of work related learning opportunities across the sports coaching sector.
  • Enhance the employability and career prospects of all sports coaching students.
  • Enable learners to progress onto an Honours Degree relevant to the sports industry.

Learning Outcomes
The programme will enable students to develop the knowledge and skills listed below. On successful completion of the programme, the student will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
K1 / Demonstrate the knowledge of the theoretical components of sports coaching.
K2 / Demonstrate a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of the sports coaching industry, being able tocritically appraise and evaluate appropriate knowledge / concepts as an aid to problem solving.
K3 / Evaluate the moral, ethical and legal issues, which underpin both the study and practice of sports coaching.
Cognitive/Intellectual Skills
C1 / Appraise and evaluate evidence from appropriate sources to make independent judgements in relation to sports coaching.
C2 / Question orthodoxy of sports coaching literature, using balanced, logical and supported argument.
C3 / Demonstrate intellectual flexibility and openness to new ideas in a sports coaching context.
C4 / Confident and flexible in identifying and defining complex creative and practical problems and the application of appropriate sports coaching knowledge, tools/methods to their solution.
Practical/Professional Skills
P1 / Can operate ethically in complex and unpredictable sports coaching context, requiring selection and application from a wide range of standard or innovative sports coaching techniques.
P2 / Be able to operate autonomously with limited supervision or direction within agreed guidelines and/or constraints.
P3 / Manage and apply range of practical, academic and professional skills in the sports coaching industry.
P4 / Demonstrate skills in critical thinking and problem solving.
Key Transferable Skills
T1 / Plan, manage and evaluate the acquisition of new sports coaching knowledge and skills as part of a lifelong learning strategy.
T2 / Demonstrate both employment potential and ability to manage future professional development in the sports coaching industry.
T3 / Communicate clearly, fluently and effectively in a range of styles appropriate to the sports coaching context and engage effectively in relevant academic discussion and present arguments in a professional manner.
T4 / Select, apply and evaluate appropriate data and statistical methods for sports coaching based research.
T5 / Select and evaluate software applications for different tasks within the context of the sports coaching discipline.
T6 / Recognise and evaluate factors, which enhance group processes and team working and modify and evaluate own personal effectiveness within the sports coaching industry.
Key Learning & Teaching Methods
The lecture programme will impart the necessary principles and concepts, which will then be embedded in practical sessions.
The seminars will be a mixture of students and tutor led sessions considering practical examples of the principles and concepts.
The tutorials will take the form of individual support and feedback for students by tutors or other students.
Tutor led sessions will be held to provide an opportunity for students to work on examples and case studies in the areas covered by the lectures.
Student led tutorials will consist of action learning activities, discussion groups and report- back sessions which will allow students to develop their research, communication and teamwork skills.
Students apply theory into practice through work related learning, but also bring work related experiences into the classroom e.g. experience sharing discussions and critically analysing working practices.
Where appropriate embedded assessments and activities are based on vocational/employability skills required in the sports coaching industry.
Group work will allow students to develop projects that include research, problem solving, peer reflection and other teamwork skills.
Practical sessions will be used to supplement the theory and allow students to develop a range of employability skills.
Work experience will form a vital part of the course. Opportunities exist for students to undertake a range of placements, for example, community based and elite sports coaching, teaching assistants, private sector coaching and sports development.
Key Assessment Methods
Article.
Coaching Resource.
Coursework.
Debate.
Exam.
Practicals.
Presentations.
Portfolios.
Reflective Learning Logs.
Report.

Programme Specification – FdA Sports Coaching – Version 1 – Dec 2013

Programme Modules
(additional copies to be completed for each named pathway)
Level 4
Code / Title / Credits / Status / Non-Compensatable / Compensatable
Coaching Process / 20 / Core / Y
Coaching Practice / 20 / Core / Y
Professional Development 1 / 20 / Core / Y
Sociology of Sport Participation / 20 / Core / Y
Sport Psychology / 20 / Core / Y
Training and Fitness / 20 / Core / Y
Level 5
Code / Title / Credits / Status / Non-Compensatable / Compensatable
Coaching Behaviour / 20 / Core / Y
Coaching Programme / 20 / Core / Y
Inclusive Recreation / 20 / Core / Y
Independent Study / 20 / Core / Y
Professional Development 2 / 20 / Core / Y
Work Related Learning / 20 / Core / Y

Programme Specification – FdA Sports Coaching – Version 1 – Dec 2013

Programme Structure
Overview of structure of the modules across the Academic Year.
Level 4:
The programme at level 4 is based on giving learners the underpinning knowledge and skills in a wide variety of areas, to include: Coaching Process and Practice; Sociology of Sport Participation; Sport Psychology and Training and Fitness, thus allowing them to specialise at level 5. Within the Professional Development 1 module, the learners are introduced to a range of academic skills, thus providing them with the necessary skills to perform a range of academic tasks that are required in the other modules delivered. For example, Harvard Referencing and bibliographies; presentation skills, essay and report writing, note taking, listening skills, as well as time management and organisational skills and an introduction to the concept of reflection and reflective practice.
Coaching process will be delivered in semester 1, thus providing the learners with the underpinning knowledge and experience to allow for practicals to take place within the Coaching Practice Module during semester 2. It will also provide them with the appropriate skills to aid them in finding suitable work experience placement at level 5.
Level 5:
The programme at level 5 challenges the learners to become more independent by providing them with more autonomy, for example, giving them the opportunity to choose the subject matter that they want to research as part of the Independent Study Module. Alongside this, learners will be required to undertake, as part of the Work Related Learning Module, a minimum of 80 hours of work experience in the sports coaching industry. It is envisaged, that this will provide them with an opportunity to develop themselves both personal and professionally and thus, gain the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to gain employment in their chosen field upon successful completion of their programme of study.
To complete the course on a full-time basis, students will attend for two academic years and for those who wish to study through the part-time option, they will attend for three academic years.
FdA Sports Coaching Full-Time Structure
Level 4 (Year 1) / Level 5 (Year 2)
Semester 1 / Semester 2 / Semester 1 / Semester 2
Coaching Process
(20 Credits) / Coaching Practice
(20 Credits) / Coaching Behaviour
(20 Credits) / Inclusive Recreation
(20 Credits)
Sport Psychology
(20 Credits) / Training & Fitness
(20 Credits) / Independent Study
(20 Credits) / Coaching Programme
(20 Credits)
Professional Development 1 (20 Credits) / Professional Development 2 (20 Credits)
Sociology of Sport Participation (20 Credits) / Work Related Learning (20 Credits)
FdA Sports Coaching Part-Time Structure (Year 1)
Semester 1 / Semester 2
Coaching Process
(20 Credits) / Coaching Practice
(20 Credits)
Professional Development 1 (20 Credits)
Sociology of Sport Participation (20 Credits)
FdA Sports Coaching Part-Time Structure (Year 2)
Students studying on a part-time basis would be expected to attend taught sessions for 4 hours per week
Semester 1 / Semester 2
Sport Psychology
(20 Credits) / Training & Fitness
(20 Credits)
Coaching Behaviour
(20 Credits) / Inclusive Recreation
(20 Credits)
FdA Sports Coaching Part-Time Structure (Year 3)
FdA Sport Coaching Year 3 (Part-time)
Semester 1 / Semester 2
Independent Study
(20 Credits) / Coaching Programme
(20 Credits)
Professional Development 2 (20 Credits)
Work Related Learning (20 Credits)
Support for Students and Their Learning
The award adopts the approach to student learning support as identified in the Scheme programme specification.
  • Tailored induction support begins before students arrive with the admissions team, and is reinforced at the detailed induction programme.
  • A robust communications system functions to give students access to lecturers and management; this includes e-mail, the VLE and notice boards.
  • All necessary information about the programme is provided by means of the student handbook, module handbooks and the VLE.
  • Each student is allocated a tutor for regular tutorials and personal development planning. This is implemented in the first term and continued throughout the two years of study.
  • There is an extensive range of learning resources in the Library, supported by specialist staff who provide bespoke study skills sessions for students.
  • The College provides an extensive range of services for students, for example, access to counselling, finance and welfare services.
  • Support is available for students with additional learning needs.

Distinctive Features
  • The FdA Sport Coaching Programme is subject to high levels of employer engagement in areas such as curriculum and module design. Employer engagement is encouraged throughout the programme, particularly regarding curriculum development, evaluation and placements.
  • An emphasis on the balance between practical and employability skills and a strong grounding in student led research.
  • Students have access to an excellent range of facilities including: sports facilities and fitness testing room.
  • Extremely strong teaching team in terms of variety of sports coaching industry experience and academic and professional qualifications.
  • Moodle, the College’s VLE is used extensively to support learning.
  • Wide and varied range of work placement opportunities in the sports coaching industry, such as West Yorkshire Sport, Youth Sports Trust, Sports England, Bradford City Council, Leeds City Council, York City Council, Leeds Carnegie RUFC, Leeds Rhinos RLFC, Bradford City Football Club, Leeds United Football Club, York City Football Club and County Football Associations, as well as a range of sports clubs and organisations within the Yorkshire region, who can provide work experience placement and opportunities for students to undertake action research projects.
  • Links within the college, for example, Sports Academies, Level 3 Sport and Public Services students and students with additional learning needs.
  • The HE Sport Programme Team is also in the fortunate position to offer overseas placements for students at the National Institute of Sport in Vierumäki, Finland or Toni and Gerhard’s Snowshop, in Alpendorf, Austria.
  • Opportunity is given to acquire specialist additional qualifications such as,Coaching Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Equity in Sport and How to Coach Disabled People in Sport.
  • Work Related Learning opportunities providing a valid range of sports coaching experience, networking opportunities within the sports coaching industry and a chance to apply academic theory in a working environment.

Programme Specification – FdA Sports Coaching – Version 1 – Dec 2013

Stage Outcomes (Foundation Degrees)

Please give the learning outcomes for interim stages of the programme for each named pathway or award, e.g. for Honours degrees programme, Stage/Level 4(1) outcomes, and Stage/Level 5(2) outcomes and for Foundation Degrees, Stage 1/Level 4 and programme outcomes. Separate Stage/Level 6(3) outcomes are not required as it is assumed that these are consistent with the programme outcomes I the programme specification. (If there have been no significant changes made to the programme outcomes as part of the review, then the stage outcomes from the original programme documentation can be included). Please add additional rows where necessary.

Key:K = Knowledge and Understanding C = Cognitive and Intellectual P = Practical Professional T = Key Transferable [see programme specification]

NO / Programme Outcome / Stage/Level 4(1)
K1 / Demonstrate the knowledge of the theoretical components of sports coaching. / Identify and explain selected research methods used in the sports coaching sector of the industries and apply them in defined and limited contexts.
K2 / Demonstrate a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of the sports coaching industry, being able tocritically appraise and evaluate appropriate knowledge / concepts as an aid to problem solving. / Describe, explain and use key areas of foundational knowledge about the sports coaching sector and how they link to key concepts.
K3 / Evaluate the moral, ethical and legal issues, which underpin both the study and practice of sports coaching. / Identify the moral, ethical and legal issues, which underpin both the study and practice of sports coaching.
C1 / Appraise and evaluate evidence from appropriate sources to make independent judgements in relation to sports coaching. / Show an ability to gather records and describe, with guidance, evidence from a range of sports coaching sources.
C2 / Question orthodoxy of sports coaching literature, using balanced, logical and supported argument. / Justify relevant conclusions in defined and limited contexts.
C3 / Demonstrate intellectual flexibility and openness to new ideas in a sports coaching context. / Recognise the way that ideas and concepts in the sports coaching sector are constantly changing and evolving.
C4 / Confident and flexible in identifying and defining complex creative and practical problems and the application of appropriate sports coaching knowledge, tools/methods to their solution. / Given tools/methods can be accurately and appropriately applied to a well-defined creative problem with an emerging appreciation of levels of complexity.
P1 / Can operate ethically in complex and unpredictable sports coaching context, requiring selection and application from a wide range of standard or innovative sports coaching techniques. / Be able to utilise a specified range of techniques appropriately and with some skill within a well-defined context of the sports coaching industry.
P2 / Be able to operate autonomously with limited supervision or direction within agreed guidelines and/or constraints. / Be able to show some limited autonomy, under direction or supervision, within defined guidelines.
P3 / Manage and apply range of practical, academic and professional skills in the sports coaching industry. / Recognise appropriate practical, academic and professional skills in the sports coaching industry.
P4 / Demonstrate skills in critical thinking and problem solving. / Identify skills in critical thinking and problem solving.
T1 / Plan, manage and evaluate the acquisition of new sports coaching knowledge and skills as part of a lifelong learning strategy. / Identify own learning strengths and areas for development using feedback from assessments and create a clear strategy for personal improvement.
T2 / Demonstrate both employment potential and ability to manage future professional development in the sports coaching industry. / Identify and articulate personal skills, abilities, interests and motivations and relate these to career opportunities in the sports coaching industry.
T3 / Communicate clearly, fluently and effectively in a range of styles appropriate to the sports coaching context and engage effectively in relevant academic discussion and present arguments in a professional manner. / Demonstrate the use of communication skills as a practitioner but also as a facilitator, in discourse, or in the conveying of information in varying contexts. This may be oral, visual, written or multi-dimensional.
T4 / Select, apply and evaluate appropriate data and statistical methods for sports coaching based research. / Demonstrate an ability to understand the application of simple data and statistical skills in various aspects of the sports coaching industry.
T5 / Select and evaluate software applications for different tasks within the context of the sports coaching discipline. / Use basic IT tools (e.g. word-processing; spreadsheets; information searching) or basic technology linked to the sports coaching industry in tutor-defined contexts.
T6 / Recognise and evaluate factors, which enhance group processes and team working and modify and evaluate own personal effectiveness within the sports coaching industry. / Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others to advance a group learning experience or to complete a project.

Map of Outcomes to Modules

Please provide a map for each named pathway or separate award. Insert outcomes key across the top of each column, adding in additional columns where necessary, insert module names in the left of the grid and place an “A” in the box where the programme outcome is assessed.