Modules
In Effective Coaching 1: Strategy and Practice (20 credits) you develop a critical understanding of both your coaching philosophy and different approaches to the coach-athlete relationship. Contemporary topics that influence modern day coaching practice are introduced, examined and assessed.
The module Advanced Research Methods and Data Analysis (40 credits) develops and enhances research methods, statistical and qualitative analysis skills. Key analytical techniques will be addressed via data sets that are provided to you and which allow you to demonstrate your growing understanding of both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research in the area of sports coaching
The module Group Dynamics and Leadership in Sport and Exercise (20 credits) covers the application of social psychological theory to sport and exercise settings, with a focus on audience effects, groups, and leadership, and on how these processes may impact on the performance of athletes, coaches, trainers and managers. Adopting a social psychology framework, the module will examine contemporary approaches related to the impact of audiences, group dynamics and cohesion in the performance domain.
The Effective Coaching 2: Reflective Practice (20 credits) module examines different approaches and practices related to reflective practice to allow you to develop an advanced and critical understanding of reflective practice in sports coaching. The role of experiential learning, mentoring and technology to modify existing coaching practice and support professional development lies at the heart of the module.
The Skilled Performance Under Pressure (20 credits) module uses psychophysiological interpretations of how athletes interact with motivated performance situations to explain skilled performance under pressure. First, the module will explore historical and contemporary approaches to understanding skilled performance. Second, recent approaches to understanding skilled performance under pressure will be explored. Finally, investigation will take place of the psychophysiological markers of the human reaction to stress in the context of their relationships to skilled performance under pressure by examining the use cardiovascular reactivity as an indicator of adaptive and maladaptive responses to stress.
The module is the Masters Research Project: Coaching Proposal and Ethics (Part 1) (20 credits) involves the planning of an empirical research project. Guided by a supervisor with expertise in your chosen research area, students are advised to consider and accommodate ethical practices and to promote elevated levels of rigour that are cornerstones in quality empirical research outputs.
The final module is the Masters Research Project: Coaching Journal Article (Part 2) (40 credits) allows students to be supported in conducting an empirical research study aligned to sport coaching in a discipline of your choice. Typically, students are encouraged to write their thesis in a peer reviewed journal style, and where appropriate, submit for publication. A formal presentation and oral examination of the research is a key feature of the module.