UCAS Code: Apply direct to the University
Duration: 9 months part-time
This course is designed for people who are already in the field of sports coaching and who are seeking to extend their current qualifications to potentially advance their careers. This is particularly relevant with the advent of the 2012 London Olympics and the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
This course is aimed at individuals from a range of backgrounds who are interested in developing their coaching capabilities, in order to enhance their understanding of how current sport science knowledge informs coaching practice. The course develops understanding of key issues pertaining to the athlete's performance. Coaching today means having a sound knowledge of how the athlete's mind and body functions, so that this can be used to best effect in training prescriptions to maximise performance and provide athletes with a competitive edge.
Key Features
Key benefits
What you will study
The course runs over two semesters (September - May) and aims to provide those who have amassed vocational qualifications and experience in the field of coaching with an additional academic qualification. Students will study modules in physiology, psychology, biomechanics, and strength and conditioning theory, contextualised to coaching practice. Practical activities in the Human Performance Laboratory together with workshops (including the use of Biomechanics software) will enable students to apply theory to practice and help them comprehend how this could influence their own coaching practices.
Modules studied
Physiology for Coaches (15 credits)
Biomechanics for Coaches (15 credits)
Sport Psychology for Coaches (15 credits)
Strength and Conditioning for Coaches (15 credits)
60 SCQF credits at level 9
How you learn
The programme combines a blend of teaching/learning modes:
Contact time includes: practical laboratory activities involving sport science measurement, workshops involving engagement with biomechanics software, practice of training techniques, conventional lectures, small group discussion, and case studies. Students are expected to reflect on the practical applications of theory in their own workplace settings. Class hours are interactive and student driven, aiming to foster exchange of knowledge and ideas among participants. All subjects are supported by structured reading programmes and other types of learner support e.g. online materials, case studies etc. Each module carries a total of 150 hours study, including 15 hours of structured tutor input. Students will be required to attend 1 weekend a month and undertake self study as directed by teaching staff.
Assessment
This programme is formally assessed using essays and examinations, vivas based on practical assessments, presentations, group work, coursework and case study analysis.
Time commitment
Each module carries a total of 150 hours study, including 15 hours of class contact. Students will be requirement to attend one weekend a month and undertake self study as directed by teaching staff.
Costs and Funding
Each of the Graduate Certificates costs £642.50. A variety of funding opportunities are available including:
Abertay 15th Anniversary Bursaries
To celebrate its 15th anniversary, Abertay University is pleased to offer, from its Centenary Scholarship Fund, 4 bursaries (£500 each) for Dundee-domiciled mature students retraining for employment in a new field, and who enrol for study on a Graduate Certificate course at the University in September 2009. The application deadline is 31 July 2009. Application forms can be obtained from Student Services, University of Abertay Dundee, Bell Street, Dundee DD1 1HG. Tel: 01382 30 80 51.
Individual Learning Accounts (ILA)
With a £500 learner account from ILA you can get up to £500 towards your part-time course fees and you don't have to pay it back. The £500 is available to those who are aged 16 or over, earn £22,000 or less and who are studying a minimum of 40 SCQF credits.
Contact ILA Scotland on 0808 100 1090
We welcome applications from people from a diversity of backgrounds. There are no formal entry requirements, as the desire is to appeal to a broad range of sport practitioners. However candidates would be expected to be presently practicing in a sports coaching context, and to agree to a Disclosure Scotland check. All applicants will also be interviewed.
Career
Career opportunities for graduates of this programme exist in the coaching industry. Graduates will be able to seek career roles in both private and public sectors, for example as performance coaches, sports development officers, physical activity co-ordinators, physical training instructors.
Degree access
The Graduate Certificate will allow you to gain entry to the University's undergraduate sports programmes, for example, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise; BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching.
Further informationGraduate Certificates
