Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy

This programme seeks to support the continuing professional development of practicing physical education teachers in a research active environment through meaningful integration of theory and practice.

Course fact file
Type of Course: Distance learning, taught

Study Options: Part time

Duration: MSc: 36 years; Diploma: 24 years

Start date: Contact the School directly

This programme aims to support the continuing professional development of practising Physical Education teachers in a research active environment. It enables physical education teachers to develop into lifelong learners with the knowledge and skills to critically evaluate new developments/theory, integrate new knowledge into their professional practice and initiate new developments in the profession. The distinctiveness and knowledge of teachers graduating from the qualification will place them in an ideal position to inform the future direction of the profession by taking leadership positions and challenging current practices.

Students will be required to attend three to four compulsory block teaching weeks during September, December and March. When attending these taught sessions on the Universitys Edgbaston campus, you will be required to book and pay for your own food and accommodation. A list of accommodation is available from the programme administrators.

For the academic year 2013-14 these weeks are expected to be as follows:

* Wednesday 18th Saturday 21st September 2013 (including induction)
* Thursday 12th Saturday 14th December 2013
* Friday 28th Saturday 29th March 2014

Modules are briefly outlined below:
Research methods in sport pedagogy

This module will develop your research skills within the areas of sport and physical education. It will cover the practical usage and critical analysis of methodologies providing an essential understanding of conducting research in a real world sport/physical education environment. Through this module you will develop as a research-led practitioner. The module also provides the grounding for the masters dissertation research.

Professional practice in sport

This module seeks to develop enquiring, critical and innovative approaches to professional practice in sport. Linking theory and practice, you will be encouraged to critically evaluate strategies used to facilitate and support professional development in your own workplace. Further, in the context of sport pedagogy, you will examine the relationship between learners, educators and context in facilitating professional learning.

Advanced pedagogies in physical education

This module will enable you to engage critically with theory and research on the pedagogies foundations of teaching and learning. The theories and research underpinning current PE practices will be critically evaluated and the possibilities and challenges of innovative teaching approaches will be analysed. Through this module you will also gain an in depth understanding of the complex process of pupil learning which will allow you to develop further your existing practice.

Professional case study

In this module you will work on a real-life case study from your own teaching. You will be expected to draw upon knowledge and skills gained in the other modules to analyse a specific case (e.g., a learner, a class, a year group, an activity area) in order to create a fully considered and justified action plan based upon a clear rationale and needs analysis. You will then implement your plan to demonstrate the competency that you have achieved in applying appropriate theory into practice and the evaluation of and impact of decisions made.

Dissertation (after successful transfer to MSc)

In this module you will integrate the areas covered in the taught modules within the programme. You will propose a research project, submit ethics, undertake and write up a piece of academic empirically based research relevant to your area of practice and interests in teaching.

At least a 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant science subjectInternational studentsAcademic requirementsWe accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.English language requirementsYou can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways: * by holding an English language qualification to the right level * by taking and successfully completing one of our English courses for international students

Scholarships and studentships
Scholarships may be available. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.

For further information contact the School directly or email financialsupport@bham.ac.uk.