Admission Criteria

Candidates must be able to satisfy the general admission requirements of the University of the West of Scotland as specified in Chapter 2 of the University Regulatory Framework together with the following programme requirements:

SQA National Qualifications

As of academic year 2022-23, this programme is now closed and is no longer accepting students. Please see new programme descriptor for BSc (Hons) Sport Development 2022.

Year 1 entry Higher Grades: BBBB or ABBC, or AACC (or 108 UCAS Tariff Points) to include Highers in English and PE. Maths is desirable at least at Standard Grade/Intermediate 2.

Year 2 entry Advanced Highers: BBC (or 136 UCAS Tariff Points) including English and PE.

or GCE

Year 1 entry A-Level: CCC (or 96 UCAS Tariff Points) including English and PE.

Year 2 entry A-Level: BBC (or 112 UCAS Tariff Points) including English and PE.

or SQA National Qualifications/Edexcel Foundation

Year 1 entry with SQA HNC Sport Coaching with Sport Development, Sport and Recreation Management, or Fitness, Health and Exercise with B in the Graded Unit.

Year 2 entry with SQA HNC / BTEC Level 4 HNC: Sport Coaching with Sport Development; Fitness, Health and Exercise; Sport and Recreation Management (for SQA awards, with a minimum of Grade A in the Graded Unit)

Year 3 entry with SQA HND / BTEC Level 5 HND: Applied Sports Science; Coaching and Developing Sport; Fitness, Health and Exercise; Sport and Recreation Management (for SQA awards, Grade A in the Graded Unit and a minimum of a Grade B (preference of an A) in the Graded Unit for the HNC element of the HND). Year 2 entry only for HND Sports Therapy with a B in Graded Unit.

Other Required Qualifications/Experience

In addition to your academic qualifications, your application will also be assessed on your interests, experience, other relevant qualifications and academic reference.

Further desirable skills pre-application

Applicants may be invited to attend an interview and may be assessed on a piece of academic writing.

Year 2 or Year 3 entry may be possible for mature applicants who can demonstrate the following: Level 3, or above, coaching award. A demonstrable history of attending professional development short courses delivered by an NGB, Sports Coach UK or other agency. Significant coaching experience, evidence of having achieved a Community Sport Leaders Award, a recognised National Governing Body Award, or United Coaching Certificate Level 1 qualification (UKCC L1) is preferred. Mature applicants without formal qualifications, who have relevant work experience, may be considered for entry

Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme (PVG)
Successful applicants who gain a place on this course will need to register on the PVG Scheme, managed and delivered by Disclosure Scotland. Application will be managed through the University once you have accepted your offer, and further guidance will be provided during induction. There is a fee for joining the scheme and the appropriate fee should be covered by the student. Those students already part of the scheme may apply for an update which incurs a reduced fee. Current fees are available at https://www.mygov.scot/apply-for-pvg

General Overview

The BSc (Hons) is a four year, full-time programme, with students normally undertaking three modules per term.  The degree can also be offered on a part time basis, the structure of which would be discussed with the Programme Leader.

Level 7 consists of six introductory modules common to both the Coaching and Development degrees.  This commonality is maintained for the majority of Level 8 with the exception of two specialist modules in Term 2.  The unison of Coaching and Development in the early stages allows students to develop a broader appreciation of the field of practice but also permits some flux between programmes until Term 2 of the second year of study.  At levels 9 and 10, students undertake more specialised modules, designed to develop knowledge and skills directly related to their area of expertise and to provide a critical academic underpinning to the industry both locally and globally.

This degree has been developed in order to deliver current practical and professional skills underpinned by appropriate academic theory to produce graduates who are ready for the global workplace. The philosophy adopted by the programme team in developing the Sport Development degree has been to produce a degree that equips students with vocationally focused, transferable skills, allowing them to work within national and international agendas in sport development.  The teaching approach is student-centred with learning taking place in an active, supportive, participatory, and context-specific environment. Students will be given support to develop an autonomous approach to their learning as they progress through the programme, with the balance between independent and directed learning remaining appropriate to the level of study.

The degree is also designed to furnish students with the skills and attributes required to progress to postgraduate study and previous cohorts have been successful in migrating to a range of courses, both taught (for example, Physical Education teaching, Sport and Events Management, Sport Marketing) and research based (MRes, MPhil, PhD).

The aim of the programme is to foster in students the range of graduate attributes that will prepare them for their future career and study options, therefore the focus is on developing a broad range of both practical and academic skills.  Programme delivery makes use of a range of teaching and learning methods as suggested in the QAA benchmark statements which include:

• Tutor-led lectures

• Tutorials and seminars

• One to one interaction

• Practical workshops and exercises in a simulated work environment

• Small group teaching and group project work

• E-learning (Moodle)

• Peer learning through discussion of colleagues work

• Independent learning

• External work experience (work related/based learning)

Learning outcomes are assessed by a variety of methods aimed at enhancing the student experience. These methods include, but are not limited to the following: group and individual work, multiple-choice exams, reflective practice reports, essays, open-book exams, poster presentations, oral presentations, case study deconstruction, programme planning, debate & discussion, reflective learning logbooks, seen question examinations, research production, and journal article reviews.  Students are expected to undertake independent study both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught in formal classes. Much of the teaching is supported by the Moodle virtual learning environment (VLE) and other online materials developed by staff.  The assessment spread and type is also important for the student experience and this is reconsidered on an annual basis.

Graduate Attributes, Employability & Personal Development Planning

Employability is a primary focus of the BSc (Hons) Sport Development, as evidenced by consistent scaffolding of work-based skills throughout the programme.  Preparation begins at Level 7 with the module, Introduction to Sport Practice, which encourages reflection on field of sport and facilitates the acquisition of a number of introductory sport qualifications. Students then progress to Professional Experience at Level 8 during which they engage in a 48 hour placement, further developed at Level 9 by a 60 hour placement in Professional Development.  At Level 10, students are offered a number of opportunities to engage in personal development planning, delivered by both academic staff and the university Careers Service.

The continued emphasis on relating academic knowledge to professional practice is key in securing students the best possible opportunities of graduate employment.  This is further assisted by the repeated exposure to external agencies, boosting personal networks and social capital.

Work Based Learning/Placement Details

 Procedures for work related learning are fully in line with both QAA Code of Conduct on Placement Learning and the University policy. WRL opportunities are available throughout the programme

The core module in Level 8 of Professional Experience offers the students the opportunity of relevant work experience by undertaking a project in a professional setting. Professional Experience will provide the student with a practical focus to address issues relating to securing employment and training beyond the university.

The core module in Level 9 of Professional Development offers the students the opportunity of relevant work experience by undertaking a more advanced project in a professional setting. This module is specifically designed to enhance student’s employability skills and experience by continuing to integrate current theory with practice within the sports industry.

Both modules are offered in conjunction with partners at South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, who provide valuable workplace training and a range of placement opportunities.  Students may still choose to source their own placement, pending approval from the module leader.  This partnership provides a more supportive environment for those students with fewer connections in the sport community and allows consistency in delivery of training.

Students are required to meet the expenses (e.g. travel) relating to the WBL modules.

The Division of Sport and Exercise have a range of branded sports kit available for purchase by students via our provider’s online store. Purchase of such kit is not a mandatory part of the course; however, it is advised that attending placement in branded kit will increase the professional appearance of students whilst representing the university. Any kit purchased is at the personal cost to each student. 

Engagement

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time.

Where a programme has Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requirements these will be listed here:

Students are defined as academically engaged if they consistently attend timetabled teaching sessions (including placements), engage with course-related learning resources including synchronous and asynchronous learning activities and tasks, regularly access VLEs, and complete and submit assessments on time.

Equality and Diversity

The University's Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Procedure can be accessed at the following link: UWS Equality and Diversity Policy

In line with current legislation (Equality Act, 2010) and the UWS Equality, Diversity, and Human Rights Code, our modules are accessible and inclusive, with reasonable adjustment for different needs where appropriate. Module materials comply with University guidance on inclusive learning and teaching, and specialist assistive equipment, support provision and adjustment to assessment practice will be made in accordance with UWS policy and regulations. Where modules require practical learning or assessment, alternative formats and/or roles will be provided for students with physical disabilities which impact participation.

Knowledge and Understanding

Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills

Generic Cognitive Skills - Problem Solving, Analysis, Evaluation

Autonomy, Accountability and Working With Others

Knowledge and Understanding

Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills

Generic Cognitive Skills - Problem Solving, Analysis, Evaluation

Autonomy, Accountability and Working With Others

Knowledge and Understanding

Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills

Generic Cognitive Skills - Problem Solving, Analysis, Evaluation

Autonomy, Accountability and Working With Others

Knowledge and Understanding

Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding

Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills

Generic Cognitive Skills - Problem Solving, Analysis, Evaluation

Autonomy, Accountability and Working With Others

Regulations of Assessment

Candidates will be bound by the general assessment regulations of the University as specified in the University Regulatory Framework.

An overview of the assessment details is provided in the Student Handbook and the assessment criteria for each module is provided in the module descriptor which forms part of the module pack issued to students. For further details on assessment please refer to Chapter 3 of the Regulatory Framework.

To qualify for an award of the University, students must complete all the programme requirements and must meet the credit minima detailed in Chapter 1 of the Regulatory Framework.

Combined Studies

There may be instances where a student has been unsuccessful in meeting the award criteria for the named award and for other more generic named awards existing within the School. Provided that they have met the credit requirements in line with the SCQF credit minima (please see Regulation 1.21), they will be eligible for an exit award of CertHE / DipHE or BA / BSc in Combined Studies.

For students studying BA, BAcc, or BD awards the award will be BA Combined Studies.

For students studying BEng or BSc awards, the award will be BSc Combined Studies.