Postgraduate Course: Sport Policy (EDUA11301)
Course Outline
| School | Moray House School of Education and Sport |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course provides students with a critical understanding of the role of national and transnational governments and state organisations in shaping the direction of sport policy in the UK and globally. It critically reflects upon why governments intervene in sport and questions the often 'common sense' assumptions surrounding these interventions. It shows the complexities of sport policy processes and how changing government priorities are influencing sports development practice. It uses detailed case studies to explore the influence of politics in contemporary sport policy, highlighting the often deeply-held and competing visions of sports development struggling for intellectual dominance within communities. The course examines global versus local tensions within local government sports policy, and requires students to think about the potential role of, and limits to, sport policy in addressing local social and economic problems. It discusses the contribution of macro and meso level theoretical frameworks to a more informed appreciation of sports policy. |
| Course description |
This course examines sport policy at local, national and international levels. During the course we explore the politics of various dynamic aspects of the sport industry, including sport mega events, sport for development and governance of sport organisations, and discuss the intersection of sport policy with other government concerns including education and physical activity.
At a theoretical level, we examine how policy is formed, implemented and evaluated, and consider the impact of macro- and meso-level influences on the policy process.
The course is taught through lectures and seminars, with seminars primarily incorporating group discussions and the examination of case studies. Given the international characteristic of the programme cohorts, drawing together differing experiences enriches the discussion in the seminars. In addition to the key texts, students will have a list of recommended reading on a weekly basis.
|
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Academic year 2026/27, Available to all students (SV1)
|
Quota: 0 |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
| Course Start Date |
11/01/2027 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
196 )
|
| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Equivalent to 4000 words
Task 1 (30%) - An individual presentation
Task 2 (70%) - Written essay (3000 words)
|
| Feedback |
Students will receive written feedback for both assessments. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- A critical awareness of the changing role and philosophies of local and national governments in the development of sport policy
- A critical appreciation of the role of local, national and global politics in sport policy
- An awareness of how changing governance arrangements for sport are influencing sports policy and management
- An understanding of how governments and sport providers are attempting to deliver more socially inclusive sport
- A critical appreciation of the role of sport in contemporary social policy agendas
|
Reading List
Books
Bloyce, D., & Smith, A. (2009). Sport Policy and Development: An Introduction (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203890684
Girginov, V., & Dowling, M. (Eds.). (2025). Management of Sports Development (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003510260
Henry, I., & Ko, L.-M. (Eds.). (2013). Routledge Handbook of Sport Policy (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203807217
Houlihan, B. & Green, M. (2010) Routledge Handbook of Sports Development. London: Routledge.
Keech, M., Lindsey, I., & Hayton, J. (Eds.). (2023). Implementing Sport Policy: Organisational Perspectives on the UK Sport System (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003162728
Journal Articles
Coalter, F. Game Plan and The Spirit Level: the class ceiling and the limits of sports policy. International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, 5:1, 3-19.
Jedlicka, S.R., Harris, S., and Houlihan, B. Policy Analysis in Sport Management Revisited: A Critique and Discussion. Journal of Sport Management, 36, 521-533.
Khasnis, U., Chapman, P., Toering, T., and Collins, M. (2021) Policy implementation in Indian Olympic sport: exploring the potential for policy transfer. International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, 13:4, 623-647.
Morgan, H. & Parker, A. (2017) Generating recognition, acceptance and social inclusion in marginalised youth populations: the potential of sports-based interventions. Journal of Youth Studies, 20:8, 1028-1043.
Sam, M.P. (2009) The Public Management of Sport: Wicked Problems, Challenges and Dilemmas. Public Management Review, 11:4, 499-514.
Turconi, l. & Shaw, S. (2023) ¿Turning the tanker around?¿ Examining the requirements, interpretations and implementation of The Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport. European Sport Management Quarterly, 23:2, 447-466.
Waddington, I. & Moller, V. (2019) WADA at twenty: old problems and old thinking? International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, 11:2, 219-231.
Weed, M. (2016) Should we privilege sport for health? The comparative effectiveness of UK Government investment in sport as a public health intervention. International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, 8:4, 559-576.
|
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Research skills
Oral and written communication skills
Cross-cultural understanding
|
| Keywords | Sport,policy,politics,power |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Gavin Reid
Tel: (0131 6)51 6654
Email: g.l.reid@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Claire Chalmers
Tel: (0131 6)51 6573
Email: Claire.Chalmers@ed.ac.uk |
|
|
University Homepage