UCAS - Sport

Sport

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Sport degree programmes are very diverse and come from different philosophical foundations and backgrounds. They have largely emerged from physical education departments, science faculties or leisure and recreation departments. Hence a graduate in sport might have knowledge that is predominantly science-based from a sport and exercise science degree, arts-based from a sports studies degree, or management-based from a sports development degree. They will all share a concern for enriching the life experiences of people through sport and exercise, both as consumers, participants and providers.

In the past, sports science degrees were very general (sports science, sports studies, human movement studies). More recently, the curriculum has been developed to include elements covering exercise and health. Furthermore, there are now numerous highly specialised courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level in areas such as water sports science, equine sports science and sport psychology. Medical students are now able to complete an intercalated sport and exercise science degree. Since 2000, the focus of sport and exercise sciences degrees has begun to shift from sports performance towards exercise and health in line with recent government initiatives to create a healthy lifestyle.

Where the subject programme title contains the word 'management' then students should be able to demonstrate vocationally relevant managerial skills and knowledge. Where a programme title contains the word 'science' students should be able to understand the philosophical basis of scientific paradigms and be competent in scientific methods. Where a programme title contains the word 'studies' then students should be able to critique the contributions of relevant academic disciplines and to display an integrated knowledge of the subject domain. The creation and development of knowledge in these subjects is typically achieved both inductively through the development of theory and deductively through an engagement with practice. All programmes are multi-disciplinary with most having an applied and inter-disciplinary focus. There are active links with professional bodies and associations and with employers.

The QAA benchmarking group made use of the UCAS directory in identifying those course titles, which properly fall within the remit of the group. The full range of degree titles can be found in the UCAS directory, but an example of degree titles is:

Sports science; sport and exercise sciences; sports studies; sports management; sports development; sports coaching; football science; sport and the media; sport education; sports injury/therapy; sports performance analysis; sports technology; sports tourism management; coaching studies; sports economics; exercise science; exercise studies; exercise therapy; fitness science; fitness studies; health and fitness management; exercise physiology; movement studies; movement science; sports psychology; physical education.

Depending on the focus of the degree studied, a graduate in sport typically will have the ability to:

Knowledge

understand the development of knowledge in human responses to sport and exercise
understand the performance of sport and its enhancement, monitoring and analysis
understand the need for a multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary approach to study, drawing from service, research and professional contexts
make effective use of knowledge and understanding of the disciplines underpinning human structure and function
understand the historical, social, political, economic and cultural diffusion, distribution and impact of sport
understand the coaching process and factors which influence the coaching process
understand the study of the policy, planning, management and delivery of sporting opportunities.

Intellectual skills

research and assess subject specific facts, theories, paradigms, principles and concepts
analyse, critically assess and evaluate evidence and interpret data and text, applying problem solving skills
develop reasoned argument and challenge assumptions
take responsibility for own learning and continuing professional development
understand the subject through academic and professional reflective practice
plan, design and execute practical activities using appropriate techniques and procedures
in some cases, undertake fieldwork with regard to safety and risk assessment
plan, design, execute and communicate a sustained piece of independent intellectual work
respond to moral, ethical, environmental and safety issues which directly pertain to the subject domain including relevant legislation and professional codes of conduct.

Subject specific skills

display a critical insight into the organisations and structures responsible for sport, and the political ramifications arising from these
understand and apply the theories, concepts and principles of practice from the generic management areas of operations, finance, human resources, economics and marketing to sports facilities and events
employ strategic planning and development planning skills in analysing, understanding and addressing the development needs and intentions of sport organisations and communities
employ social, economic and political theory to explain the development and differentiation of sport throughout society
demonstrate a critical appreciation of sport development and facilitation principles in at least one vocational context
appraise and evaluate the effects of sport and exercise intervention on the participant
demonstrate the application of the social and cultural meanings attached to sport and their impact on participation and regulation
provide a critical appreciation of the relationship between sport and exercise activity and intervention in a variety of participant groups, including special populations such as the elderly, disabled and children
monitor, analyse, diagnose and prescribe action to enhance the learning and performance of the component elements of sport
exhibit the skills required to monitor and evaluate sports performance in laboratories and/or field settings
display a critical appreciation of the integration of the variables involved in the delivery (teaching, instructing and coaching) of enhanced sport performance.

Transferable skills

demonstrate competence in interactive and group skills
work within an ethos of teamwork and interdependence
know how to learn, adapt to changing circumstances, self-appraise and reflect on practice
plan and manage own development and learning
apply techniques of safety and risk assessment
exercise communication and presentation skills, numeracy and ICT skills
apply motivation and aptitude for intellectual enquiry, critical assessment, creative innovation and a commitment to lifelong learning
work both independently and collaboratively
apply customer service and customer satisfaction concepts and best practice to subject studied
demonstrate appropriate and effective coaching skills where studied
demonstrate learning from work experience.

Graduates from any of the subjects covered are likely to be reflective and reflexive thinkers, capable of independent judgement, initiative and empowered decision-making. They can work within an ethos of teamwork and interdependence, and are able to offer specific vocational skills and also know how to learn and adapt to changing circumstances and to manage their own development. They are likely to be well prepared for the wide range of professional and vocationally orientated careers in this still growing and maturing sector.

The QAA Subject Benchmark Statement upon which the Student Employability Profiles for hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism will be based is under review. The Employability Profile for tourism and updated versions of those for hospitality, leisure and sport will be available on www.heacademy.ac.uk/hlst from 2008.

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