Download the full 2013-14 Programme Specification for this course

University of Lincoln Programme Specification - Master of Science (MSc) Sport Science 

Programme Specification 

Title: 

Sport Science 

Final Award: Master of Science (MSc) 

With Exit Awards at: 

Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) 

Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) 

Master of Science (MSc) 

To be delivered from: 

Level 

Date 

Masters or Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) 2013-14 

Masters or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) 2013-14 

Masters or Master of Science (MSc) 2013-14 

Document Generated on 19 July 2013 

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Table Of Contents 

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 3 

2. Basic Programme Data ............................................................................................................. 4 

3. Programme Description ........................................................................................................... 5 

3.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................. 5 

3.2 Aims and Objectives ................................................................................................................ 5 

3.3 Variations to Standard Regulations and Guidance ...................................................................... 5 

4. Programme Outcomes ............................................................................................................. 6 

4.1 Knowledge and Understanding ................................................................................................. 6 

4.2 Subject Specific Intellectual Skills .............................................................................................. 6 

4.3 Subject Specific Practical Skills ................................................................................................. 6 

4.4 Transferable Skills and Attributes .............................................................................................. 6 

5. Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies ................................................................... 8 

5.1. Learning and Teaching Strategy ............................................................................................... 8 

5.2. Assessment Strategy .............................................................................................................. 8 

6. Programme Structure .............................................................................................................. 10 

Appendix I - Curriculum Map ....................................................................................................... 11 

Appendix II - Assessment Map .................................................................................................... 12 

Appendix III - Benchmark Analysis ............................................................................................. 14 

Appendix IV - Benchmark Statements(s) .................................................................................... 16 


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1. Introduction 

This document describes one of the University of Lincoln's programmes using the protocols required 

by the UK National Qualifications Framework as defined in the publication QAA guidelines for 

preparing programme specifications. 

This programme operates under the policy and regulatory frameworks of the University of Lincoln. 


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2. Basic Programme Data 

Final Award: 

Programme Title: 

Exit Awards and Titles 


Sport Science 

Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) 

Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) 


Subject(s) 

Sports and Exercise Sciences 

Mode(s) of delivery 

Full Time 

Part Time 

Is there a Placement or Exchange 

UCAS code 

Awarding Body 

Campus(es) 

School(s) 

Programme Leader 

Relevant Subject Benchmark Statements 

Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body 

Accreditation 

No 

University of Lincoln 

Lincoln Campus 

Programme Start Date 2013-14 

School Of Sport and Exercise Science 

Sandy Willmott (SWillmott) 


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3. Programme Description 

3.1 Overview 

The MSc Sport Science is an interdisciplinary programme based around core modules in 

biomechanics, physiology and psychology, but it has the flexibility for students to specialise in a 

discipline of their choice. The programme is being developed in consultation with the British 

Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), who in the near future are planning to endorse 

postgraduate programmes. 

Students can enrol on the programme either full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years). Applications are 

welcome from graduates achieving a good degree at BSc level in a related discipline, or from those 

with a proven record of vocational experience in sport science. 

3.2 Aims and Objectives 

The MSc Sport Science programme aims to produce graduates who are critical thinkers and 

independent learners. The broad multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary content of the programme 

reflects an approach endorsed by the subject’s professional body BASES. The programme aims to 

produce students with the skills necessary to perform as professional practitioners in the field of sport 

science. 

In addition, students are expected to: 

• systematically and creatively deal with complex issues in sport science and make sound 

judgements; 

• communicate their conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences; 

• demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems; 

• act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level. 

3.3 Variations to Standard Regulations and Guidance 

None 


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4. Programme Outcomes 

Programme-level learning outcomes are identified below. 

Refer to Appendix I – Curriculum Map for details of how outcomes are deployed across the 

programme. 

4.1 Knowledge and Understanding 

On successful completion of this programme a student will have knowledge and understanding of: 

1 Have knowledge and understanding of techniques applicable to research and advanced 

scholarship. 

2 Have knowledge and understanding of procedures and behaviours in professional practice. 

3 Have knowledge and understanding of ethical debates, procedures and conduct that impact 

upon research. 

4.2 Subject Specific Intellectual Skills 

On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 

4 Able to apply appropriate interventions based on theoretical foundations. 

5 Demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current 

issues. 

6 Able to apply a conceptual understanding that enables evaluation of methodologies and the 

ability to propose new hypotheses. 

7 Demonstrate originality in applying knowledge to address problems within applied practice. 

4.3 Subject Specific Practical Skills 


8 Able to collect, record, analyse and critically interpret data. 

9 Demonstrate competence in using a range of techniques applicable to professional practice. 

10 Able to apply the use of laboratory equipment and field testing methods to analyse and 

improve performance. 

4.4 Transferable Skills and Attributes 


11 Demonstrate effective independent learning and the ability to perform complex tasks to a high 

level. 

12 Able to apply a systematic approach to problem solving, demonstrating creativity and 

innovation. 


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13 Demonstrate a high level of competency in the skills of analysis and critical evaluation. 

14 Able to communicate at an advanced level to a variety of audiences. 

For details of each module contributing to the programme, please consult the module specification 

document. 


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5. Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies 

5.1. Learning and Teaching Strategy 

Current approaches to teaching and learning are characterised by methods which aim to set 

challenging tasks, provide informative feedback and encourage independent learning. These are 

signposted by clear learning outcomes in programme specifications, module handbooks and lesson 

plans. 

The teaching and learning strategies aim to ensure that learning empowers the students to improve 

their levels of informed and independent critical analysis and idea dissemination. The most commonly 

adopted methods for achieving these aims consist of: 

• Lectures: Lectures provide a guide to a topic, highlighting important areas and providing information 

on matters that may not be readily available from other sources. During lecture delivery students are 

encouraged to reflect upon their reading in relation to predefined subject themes. Lectures and 

seminars are supported by Blackboard. 

• Seminars: Seminar-based interactive learning provide students with an opportunity to discuss 

theories and issues, often based on set readings, problems or discussion topics. This approach 

encourages students to develop both their knowledge of a topic area and their skills of problem 

solving, critical analysis and evaluation. 

• Practical/ laboratory work: Many of the modules incorporate practical work in their teaching, where 

students have the opportunity to work while supervised by their tutor on practical skill development. 

Practical work is an integral and essential component of the programme. 

• Real world settings: Students will be able to take advantage of the Department’s network of 

external coaching and consultancy links to work directly with coaches and athletes. This will help 

students develop support skills and provide experiential learning which can lead to vocational 

opportunities. 

• Research-engaged teaching: The practice of research-engaged teaching aims to develop a sense 

of inquiry. The use of students as ‘producers’, encourages the student to develop the skills required 

to become an accredited sport scientist. Students learn how to undertake advanced research 

culminating in independent research studies, some of which will form the basis for collaborative 

ventures between staff and students. 

• Independent study: The ethos is to develop independent learners. Students are set challenging 

tasks, provided with informative feedback to encourage this mode of learning. A virtual learning 

environment (Blackboard) is used to support this strategy. 

5.2. Assessment Strategy 

The assessment strategy adopted within the MSc Sport Science reflects the programme’s emphasis 

on applied practice and the development of a range of communication skills. However, in all 

assessments students will be expected to demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding of the 

relevant theoretical issues. The design of the assessment strategy has regard for the following 

factors: 

• Assessment types are varied to meet the subject-specific demands of each module. 

• The student is provided with the opportunity to collect, organise, analyse and interpret data/ 

information through a variety of assessments including written assignments, laboratory reports, oral 

presentations, practical demonstrations and formal oral examinations. 

• All assessment tasks will provide clear criterion-referenced grade descriptors so that rigour, 

consistency and equality of assessment will be ensured. This will be achieved through team planning 

and staff moderation. 

• The development of ‘employability’ skills is enhanced by experiential learning, and opportunities 


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for engaging in ‘real world’ assessments will be provided through the Department’s engagement 

with individuals and organisations outside the University. 

• The development and assessment of programme outcomes will include the attainment of high-level 

intellectual skills such as critical analysis and evaluation. 

• Assessments will develop independent researchers who are required to develop practical 

competencies within a laboratory/ field setting. 

• Formative assessments will be utilised to enable the monitoring of progression. Examples of such 

assessments are simulation activities within the laboratory and field environment, small presentations 

and sample/ revision questions. 

• As a general guideline the assessment strategy adopted will be that the components of assessment 

for a 15 credit point module will total no more than 3,000 words or equivalent, and for a 30 credit 

point module 6,000 words or equivalent. 

• Mapping of workloads will avoid undue pressure being placed on students by assessments 

coinciding. 


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6. Programme Structure 

The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) 

is 60. 

The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) is 

120. 

The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Master of Science (MSc) is 180. 

Masters 

Title Credit Rating Core / Optional 

Research Methods and Skills 2013-14 15 Core 

Biomechanical Assessment and Research 2013-14 15 Core 

Sport Physiology 2013-14 15 Core 

Delivering Applied Sport Psychology 2013-14 15 Core 

Investigation and Communication in Applied Sport Science 2013-14 30 Core 

Applied Sport Science Support 2013-14 30 Core 

Sport Science Research Project 2012-13 60 Core 


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Appendix I - Curriculum Map 

This table indicates which modules assume responsibility for delivering and ordering particular programme learning outcomes. 

Key: Delivered and Assessed Delivered Assessed 

Masters 

Applied Sport Science Support 2013-14 

Biomechanical Assessment and Research 

2013-14 

Delivering Applied Sport Psychology 2013-14 

Investigation and Communication in Applied 

Sport Science 2013-14 

Research Methods and Skills 2013-14 

Sport Physiology 2013-14 

Sport Science Research Project 2012-13 

PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 PO10 PO11 PO12 


Biomechanical Assessment and Research 2013-14 


Investigation and Communication in Applied Sport Science 2013-14 




PO13 

PO14 


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Appendix II - Assessment Map 

This table indicates the spread of assessment activity across the programme. Percentages indicate assessment weighting. 

Masters 

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 



30 30 40 


Delivering Applied Sport Psychology 2013-14 100 



Research Methods and Skills 2013-14 100 

Sport Physiology 2013-14 40 60 


13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 

Applied Sport Science Support 2013-14 30 30 40 





20 80 








25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 


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Sport Science Research Project 2012-13 70 30 










37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 


Biomechanical Assessment and Research 2013-14 


Investigation and Communication in Applied Sport Science 2013-14 




49 50 51 52 EP 


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Appendix III - Benchmark Analysis 

This table maps programme learning outcomes to relevant QAA subject benchmark statements or PSRB guidelines. 

Knowledge and Understanding 

PO1 

PO2 

PO3 

N/A 

Subject Specific Intellectual Skills 

PO4 

PO5 

PO6 

PO7 

N/A 

Subject Specific Practical Skills 

PO8 

PO9 

PO10 

N/A 

Transferable Skills and Attributes 

N/A 


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PO11 

PO12 

PO13 

PO14 


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Appendix IV: 

Benchmark Benchmark Statement(s) 


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N/A - Benchmark Statements Not Applicable 


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