Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma/MA
Millions of people enjoy the benefits associated with sport as participants, spectators and volunteers. Sport entertains us, teaches us about winning and losing, and enriches our lives. With the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games and sport being promoted as a contributor to a range of social agendas, such as health, inclusion, and regeneration, the role of sport in society has never been more prominent. All key reasons why there has never been a better time to pursue or develop a career in this area.
The MA Sports Development course enables new graduates, career changers, or those seeking further development in the sports sector to enhance their career prospects within this dynamic profession. We have a successful group of alumni who, over the past decade or so, have graduated from the course and moved into influential industry roles. The key principles of sports development are applicable to scenarios in any geographical locale, so knowledge and experience gained from the course will facilitate students working from a distance and flexible modes of study to fit around those already working.
Some of our modules
The course specific modules for sports development encapsulate the essence of the subject, with one addressing contemporary policy and practice issues and how they shape development and delivery of schemes and initiatives. The second module focuses on community development and requires the student to engage with local schemes and initiatives and critically evaluate the practices in relation to policy, demographics, and needs of that population. In both of these modules, students will also be expected to appraise the social-cultural aspects of sport and physical activity provision, which may include:
- gender differences
- race and ethnicity
- disability
- social exclusion
- structural issues in sport and society
As part of the Contemporary Practice module, students will also have the opportunity to make links with local partners, specifically SDOs from local authorities, community and/or volunteer groups to explore the complexities and nuances of sports development practice, and craft and academic piece of work accordingly. Alternatively, students who are already working in industry can create an academic portfolio based on work they are currently involved with.
The Postgraduate Enquirer is a generic enquiry-based module, where the student will enhance the skills and knowledge required for research and project development. Depending on the nature of the subject under scrutiny, the student will have the opportunity to hone skills specific to the philosophical and practical approach required for that area of research.
Benefits
- all students have the opportunity to be involved with industry projects
- alumni members regularly assist students with job seeking and professional development issues
- the flexibility of the course enables those already working to manage the demands of studying and meeting academic deadlines
Career paths
- Sports Development Manager (Local Government)
- Sports Development with National Governing Bodies of sport
Lecturer
- Progression to research, e.g. PhD
Entry Requirements
A good honours degree, and applications are also welcomed from those with equivalent qualifications and/or appropriate experiential learning. CRB disclosure also required.
Mode of attendance
Full-time and part-time
Location
Oxstalls
Enquiries and Applications
Student Recruitment Office
Waterworth Building
The Park, Cheltenham
Gloucestershire GL50 4BS
Tel: 01242 714500
Fax: 01242 714827
Email: postgrad@glos.ac.uk