External summary

The key aim of the B.Sc. (Honours) Sport and Recreation Management programme is to develop knowledge, skills and understanding of the significant elements of generic management; human resources, financial management, operations management, marketing, business planning and strategic management as applied to the sport and recreation. An understanding of sport management is developed as well as an in depth understanding of social and cultural issues as they relate to sport and recreation from local and global perspectives. It is designed to reflect the needs of the increasingly commercialised and professionalised sport and recreation industry, whilst critically examining sport management and sport policy as well as social and cultural aspects of sport and physical recreation.

The programme provides in-depth knowledge of management practices and the professional skills required by managers working in sport and recreation. Knowledge and understanding is progressively developed through both academic study and through work based learning. This is ensured by provision of two key strands in socio-cultural and management based study, accompanied by the development of personal development plans [PDP’s] and eight weeks work–based professional placement experience. The programme centres on inter-disciplinary academic endeavour underpinned by a number of academic associations, internationally recognised journals and a substantive literature.  Sport and recreation is studied for its inherent contribution to an understanding of contemporary society. It draws on contemporary local, national and international analyses of sports and physical recreation which, combined with the use of case studies, visits, and industry guest speakers, applies theory to practice. Placement is highly regarded by industry as students have an excellent reputation with employers. It is a UK based internship that draws on a wide network of contacts in different sport and recreation sectors, including some of the most prestigious agencies in the public and private sectors. It contributes to the student's employability and career preparation.

This programme involves the study of the following:

• historical, philosophical, economic, political, sociological dimensions of sport and recreation
• provision, policy and planning and organisational delivery of sport and recreation
• financial, legal and operational aspects of sport and recreation management 
• strategic and business planning in the sport and recreation industries
• sport and recreation experience in a range of sectors and managerial contexts
• sport and recreation concepts, activities, functions and meanings
• implications of policy and practice on professional actions
• differential patterns of sport and recreation consumption and use
• socio-cultural analysis of sport in local and global contexts
• key directions and trends in sport and recreation products, services and opportunities
• research approaches and methods used in social sciences, sport and recreation

Educational aims of programme

The programme provides in-depth analysis of socio-cultural perspectives and management policy and practice across a range of sport and recreation organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors.  In requiring students to continually reflect upon the application of theory to practice they are encouraged to be analytical and reflective practitioners.  The taught courses introduce students to a range of theoretical concepts drawn from business and management, sociology, politics, economics, policy studies, organisational theory and behaviour.  The key aims of the programme are:

• to offer a programme of study which develops understanding of sport and recreation management and the links between sociology of sport, sports policy and recreation planning,
• to develop knowledge and understanding of the disciplines of the social sciences which underpin the study of sport and recreation,
• to develop knowledge, skills and understanding of the significant elements of generic management; human resources, financial management, operations management, marketing, planning and strategy, in both a theoretical and an applied way within the field of sport and recreation,
• to undertake a professional placement in an appropriate organisation in the UK,
• to develop academic skills and personal transferable skills which have vocational relevance,
• to develop analytical skills in respect of the interaction of theory, value systems and practices in the context of policies for and management of sport and recreation services provision,
• to provide a foundation on which graduates of the programme will be able to build future professional development and make an effective contribution to the management of sport and recreation provision.

Programme outcomes: Knowledge and understanding

1. to develop understanding of the theoretical and applied knowledge in the disciplines underpinning sport and recreation management.
2. to gain a critical understanding of the key issues affecting sport and recreation management practice.
3. to develop understanding of the relevance of wider socio-political perspectives to the analysis of sport and recreation policy and planning
4. to understand the concept of professionalism as it applies to contemporary sport and recreation management in all sectors

Teaching and Learning

Students’ knowledge and appreciation of the above is enabled through lectures, tutorials, practical workshops, directed reading, and through electronic resources delivered through the university’s WebCT system.  Developing students’ appreciation of theoretical and applied knowledge and key factors influencing sports management (outcomes 1 and 2) is achieved by introducing them to relevant research. The use of guest speakers and industry visits can, when combined with the teaching team’s own research and scholarly activity, develop in students an informed critical understanding of contemporary issues.  The analysis of practice in sport organisations is part of the work based learning experience. A critical and informed appreciation of sports management (outcome 2) is developed by students professional placement in second year and by being able to focus their fourth year dissertation on a sports organisations and issues of their choice. The lecturers’ applied research and close contact with sport providers throughout the four year degree programme develops knowledge and understanding of contemporary (outcome 3 and 4). Direct contact with practitioners from the outset is essential to understanding different sport and recreation contexts (outcome 4). Students’ knowledge of wider socio-political perspectives (outcome 3) is examined in the social context strand of courses in each year in sociology of sport and social policy. Students are directed to compare and contrast competing theoretical frameworks (outcome 1).

Assessment

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in research and enquiry

Graduates of this programme will:

1. develop critical awareness of contemporary issues .
2. reflect upon their own approach to learning and their own strengths and weaknesses
3. develop an appreciation of the different foundations of research in sport as a multi-disciplinary academic field of study
4. be able to critically evaluate literatures (academic research, policy documents, newspaper texts, internet material) discussing issues at the forefront of sports management. 
5. identify and evaluate contrasting different approaches to sports management research.
6. be able to search for, evaluate and use information using relevant library and online resources.
7. identify, conceptualise and define socio-cultural and sport management issues for empirical investigation.
8. develop the knowledge and skills required to plan, communicate and conduct a significant research project for Placement and dissertation

Teaching and Learning

Developing critical awareness (outcome 1) is developed through the four year programme. Qualitative and quantitative research skills and knowledge (outcomes 4-8) are provided in the two specific research methods courses in second and third year, one prior to Placement and the other prior to dissertation. Outcome 2 is addressed through reflective PDP tasks particularly in first and second year. In order to encourage reflective practitioners, students encouraged to identify theoretical frameworks of sports management literature (outcome 3) and question the strengths or weaknesses in evidence based policy and practice.    The ability to read texts critically (outcome 4) is developed in the seminar work in all courses where students are asked to reflect upon identified journal article(s), policy documents and/or newspaper articles.  Relevant issues are also raised in subject-specific lectures.  While the epistemological and ontological foundations of research (outcome 5) are included in third year research methods courses.  Information search skills (outcome 6) are developed in induction and subsequent sessions with library staff, and with course tutors who discuss with students how to access relevant readings beyond the directed reading list attached to each course handbook.  Outcome 7, is part of Placement where students design a research project with the placement agency and is part of third year research methods where students work on the dissertation proposal. Honours courses raise issues and problems worthy of empirical investigation to assist students in developing feasible and worthwhile research projects.  Introducing students to the most cutting-edge research in sports management also stimulates student thoughts towards worthwhile future research.  Developing the ability to plan, communicate and conduct their own research project (outcome 8) is integrated into students’ third research methods course, and discussions about dissertation issues between staff and students.

Assessment 

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal and intellectual autonomy

Graduates of this programme will:

1. be able to work increasingly independently through the four years of the programme with the Placement and independent dissertation
2. be committed to continual self-reflection and self-improvement in relation to their academic objectives and future career aspirations.
3. be able to react positively to new and challenging problems and contexts.
4. be intellectually questioning about sports management policy and practice and be able to sustain this rigorous approach throughout the programme.
5. be able to use the advice of others and group discussions to develop their views.
6. be able to develop a sense of social and ethical responsibility about acquiring and communicating knowledge relating to sports management.

Teaching and Learning

Outcomes 2, 4 and 6 are delivered by each course co-ordinator drawing on research, extensive scholarly activity, sports management work experience and use of high-profile guest speakers to develop students’ enthusiasm for the subject.  This galvanises their intellectual curiosity and commitment to maintain this.  This is also facilitated through small group seminars, individual tutorials, the use of live case studies which are often a product of the teaching team’s ongoing research, and through the use of vocationally relevant essay and presentation questions.  The identification and meeting of career goals (outcome 2) is delivered through information sessions in the induction and via use of the university’s careers service.  Students are put in contact with current and former students working in their preferred careers to enable information sharing.  The use of guest speakers and visits can also provide a way into organisations through internships.  Outcome 1 is developed in all courses and culminates in the dissertation.  Providing pre-sessional material on ‘learning to learn’ and the students’ induction sessions on arrival also supports the creation of independent learners (outcome 1) capable of reacting to challenging situations (outcome 3).  Outcome 5 is developed in small group seminar discussions and in the use of group work in course discussions.  Individual tutorials also provide a way of challenging students’ ‘common sense’ perceptions of sports management issues.  Outcome 6 is embedded in the teaching of course content that covers sustainability, business ethics, diversity and equity in sport, for example, students critique social and cultural impacts of sports event and developing sport tourism, sport and the media, corporate social responsibility in strategic sport management.

Assessment

The ability to develop skills and abilities in personal and intellectual autonomy is assessed in all coursework.  With all coursework being based on individual, rather than group effort, this encourages personal and intellectual autonomy.  The focus, in outcome 4, on new ways of thinking about sports management is specifically assessed in the students’ sports marketing course, and in their sport operations management course: both of which asks them to critically analyse the management practices of a preferred sporting organisation.  Outcome 5 is addressed through group seminars in sport in social (year1) and global contexts (year 4) and web projects where students use self generated material, such as the ‘London 21012 Olympic project “Your take” which undertaken in Innovation week 2012.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in communication

Graduates of this programme will:

1. make effective use of oral, written and visual approaches to communicate understanding to peers and staff.
2. be able to seek and respond to constructive feedback on their academic practice.
3. be able to communicate with fellow students, staff and practitioners about their understanding of sports management practice.
4. be able to take part in oral debates about differing perspectives on sports management from literature and from their own personal experience.
5. be able to use communication to collaborate with other students on sports management tasks.
6. develop their own learning via a range of communication methods.

Teaching and Learning

All of the programmes courses consist of either written work (essays, reports) or presentations and thus outcome 1 is underpinned by workshops, lectures and written guidance on how to prepare and conduct these.  Students are given individual feedback on their written and oral communication strategies to develop their subsequent performance.  Feedback is given on early (non-assessed) short essays to enhance the standard of their initial marked assessments.  Outcome 2 is also delivered throughput the course as it performs a key role in making sure students understand what is being asked of them in their assessments.  Students receive either online feedback on their emailed essay  /presentation plans, or they will form the basis of tutorials arranged outwith formal class time.  In terms of outcome 3, the vocational nature of the course means students are often in contact with industry guest speakers about potential jobs and practitioners from organisations chosen to critically examine particular sports management theoretical approaches.  The results of the latter are fed back to students and staff – in the form of an oral presentation – or just to staff in written form.  Outcomes 4 and 5 are addressed in all courses through students being actively encouraged to contribute to class discussions, seminars and group work.  Outcome 6 is delivered throughout the course via individual meetings with staff, class discussions, and seminars.

Assessment

The ability to clearly communicate ideas is central to the assessment of all courses.  The ability to structure and communicate ideas is assessed through essays, presentations and the final dissertation.  The ability to communicate using information technology is assessed through the structuring and presentation of information in essays and in oral and poster presentations.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal effectiveness

Graduates of this programme will:

1. have the confidence to take decisions based on their own intellectual abilities
2. be able to work with other students using their unique cultural backgrounds and individual experiences.
3. be able to plan and conduct a significant research project.
4. be able to manage time and work to deadlines.
5. be able to work with others and demonstrate leadership approaches that value the commitment of all group members.

Teaching and Learning

For outcome 1, student confidence is enhanced in all taught courses via the use of directed reading and the discussion of this in seminars and individual tutorials.  This shows students they are ‘on the right track’.  Outcome 2 is underpinned by the use of small group discussions which are managed to incorporate individuals from a range of cultural backgrounds and levels of work experience.   In terms of outcome 3 students are given regular advice on how to conduct a substantial research project via formal classes (Research Methods 3), one-to-one meetings with the programme co-ordinator, and one-to-one meetings with a supervisor appointed from the teaching team.  In terms of outcome 4, all students are expected to submit coursework by set deadlines outlined in each course handbook.  They are encouraged to plan their studies using advice on time management given in the programme induction and, informally, during class lectures and discussions.  The ability to work with others (outcome 5) is aided by small group discussions and by industry visits and social activities that break down barriers between students, and between students and staff.

Assessment

Programme outcomes: Technical/practical skills

Graduates of this programme will:

Students should acquire skills that can be used in a wide variety of contexts and forms of employment.

I.T skills – the ability to use computers for word-processing, information storage and for retrieving information from the world wide web and using webCT. SPSS and other packages are used in research methods and for dissertation.

Use of libraries and learning resources  – the ability to use learning resources for the recovery of information, and related research skills, including the ability to discriminate between different sources of information, suggested readings, and so on.

Networking and negotiating research projects with Placement agencies.

Programme structure and features

The structure of the Programme is designed to be coherent and progressive in that it delivers a sequential course of study in sport and recreation management and social sciences. In the first year students complete four compulsory core half courses in key areas of sport management and sport in the social context. The first and second year of the programme are arranged into 20 credit half courses to deliver a core curriculum and to allow flexibility of choice and breadth of study. Students choose two optional half courses from within either the School of Education or other University Schools depending on the interest of the student and availability of courses.

Students can exit with a Certificate of Higher Education Award.

First year is 120 credits at SQCF level 8

In the second year students take four core half courses and a full course (40 credit) eight week Professional Placement, in the second semester.  The Placement is viewed as an important opportunity for the student to enhance employability, to apply theory to practice and to develop a range of core transferable skills and to develop professional practice.  It is preceded by a four week ‘short’ social research methods course that enables students to undertake a research project developed with the agency. 

Second year is 120 credits at SQCF level 8

Students can exit at the end of year with a Diploma in Higher Education award.

In third year there are six compulsory courses in social policy, strategic sport management, sport and communication, sociology of sport and sport development.  In the junior Honours year students reflect of the experience of the Placement and use it to develop greater understanding of theoretical perspectives. 

Third year is 120 credits at SQCF level 10

Students can exit at the end of year three with an Ordinary degree award.

The fourth Honours year includes the full course (40 credit) dissertation and four core courses in sport and the media, global context of sport, sport history and advanced management. The dissertation is seen as the clearest expression of the students' ability to study independently and at Honours level. The Honours award recognises the students' ability to demonstrate synthesis of knowledge and understanding.

Fourth year is 120 credits SQCF level 10

Students can exit with an Honours degree.

Teaching and learning methods and strategies

Teaching and Learning Activities

In Year 1

Lectures Tutorials Seminars

Site visits

Guest speakers

Problem based learning

Case studies

Group activities

Peer group learning

One to one meetings with directors of studies

In Year 2

Lectures

Tutorials

Seminars Site visits

Guest speakers

activities

Problem based learning

Peer group learning

Professional Placement – work based learning

One to one meetings with directors of studies

One to one tutorials with Placement supervisors

In Year 3.

Lectures

Tutorials

Seminars Site visits

Guest speakers

activities

Problem based learning

Peer group learning

Case studies and work based learning

One to one meetings with directors of studies

One to one tutorials with Placement supervisors

In Year 4.

Lectures

Tutorials

Seminars

Guest speakers

Problem based learning

Peer group learning

Case studies

One to one tutorials with dissertation supervisors

Assessment methods and strategies

Assessment

Courses can be assessed by a diverse range of methods and often takes the form of formative work which provides the student with on-going feedback as well as summative assessment which is submitted for credit.

In Year 1

Oral Presentations

Poster Presentations

Essays

Written Examinations (unseen)

In Year 2

Oral Presentations

Poster Presentations

Essays

Placement Research report

Written Examinations (unseen)

In Year 3.

Oral Presentations

Poster Presentations

Essays

Management reports

Written Examinations (seen and unseen)

In Year 4.

Oral Presentations

Poster Presentations

Essays

Management reports

Written Examinations (seen and unseen)

Career opportunities

• Sport and Recreation management
• Sport marketing and public relations
• Facility management
• Event management
• Sports tourism
• Sport development
• Sport administration
• Sport journalism
• Coaching / instruction
• General business, retail and leisure management
• Financial services
• Route into teaching

Other items

Students may choose to study abroad in the third year through the University International office.

1. Students may take optional modern language courses in the first and second year to enhance their learning experiences. To provide a foundation for future professional development in the sport and recreation industry
2. To obtain professional status with the Chartered Institute of Sport and Physical Activity, (CIMSPA)