Welcome to your Sport Coaching course

Hi and welcome to the MSc Sport Coaching course at the University of Staffordshire! We’re really looking forward to having you on board. This page will guide you through what to expect and help you get set up before you begin at the end of September. Whether you're looking to deepen your coaching practice or take your career in a new direction, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

First activity

Once fully enrolled, you should be able to access the ‘Software Centre’ to download SPSS in preparation for your ‘Advanced Research and Data Analysis’ module. Please note that there are installation guides for both Windows and iOS platforms.

Course delivery

The MSc Sport Coaching is structured to give you the flexibility of online learning while offering a strong link between academic theory and real-world coaching practice. You’ll study seven modules in total, five worth 20 credits, and two worth 40 each designed to deepen your understanding of coaching theory, application of theory to practice, athletic development, coupled with research methods and a student project.

 

Delivered part-time over two years, the course follows a ‘blocked learning’ model. This means you’ll study one module at a time, with most of the content delivered asynchronously (you choose when to engage with it each week). You’ll typically need to commit around six hours a week to pre-planned activities, which you can schedule around your existing commitments.

While there’s no fixed timetable, we do host occasional live webinars to enrich your learning, these are recorded so you can catch up at a time that suits you. Class sizes are typically small, creating an engaging and supportive online learning community where you’ll get to share experiences and insights with peers from across the globe.

We encourage you to develop a consistent study routine early on. Consider:

  • What days and times work best for your study?
  • Can you break your learning into smaller, manageable chunks?
  • How will you stay organised and motivated week to week?

This structure ensures that you can fully immerse yourself in each topic, apply what you’re learning to real-life coaching contexts, and build a strong foundation for success in your studies and professional practice.

Semester one activities

As you begin your MSc Sport Coaching journey, the first few weeks are all about helping you settle in and build confidence with the tools and systems you’ll be using throughout your studies. During this time, you’ll be introduced to our Virtual Learning Environment (Blackboard Ultra), Microsoft Teams, and other key platforms such as our mentoring systems and library services. You’ll also gain a clear understanding of academic processes, including assessments and university regulations.

 

To ease you into postgraduate study, we keep the initial workload light on mandatory reading, allowing you time to get comfortable and organised.

Before your first module officially begins, you’ll complete our Sport and Science Online Orientation Course, which is a structured induction that will guide you through the essentials of online learning at University of Staffordshire. You’ll receive an invitation via either your personal or student Outlook email closer to the start of term with instructions on how to access and complete the orientation course.

The orientation course takes around six hours and is self-paced, so you can complete it in smaller, manageable sessions. It includes a mixture of reading and interactive tasks, covering:

  • How to navigate Blackboard Ultra and access online learning materials
  • Introduction to academic and library support
  • Meet your staff and course contacts
  • Understanding support services available to you as an online learner

A key task during orientation is installing SPSS, the statistical analysis software used later in your studies. It’s available for free through the University’s Software Centre, and we recommend getting it set up early to avoid delays during your Advanced Research Methods and Data Analysis module; which is the second module that you will study.

Keep an eye on your student email in the coming weeks for your invitation to the orientation course. It's designed to give you the best possible start and help you feel fully prepared for what’s ahead, we hope you find it both useful and engaging!

Pre-Learning

Once fully enrolled, you should be able to access the ‘Software Centre’ to download SPSS in preparation for your ‘Advanced Research and Data Analysis’ module. Please not that there are installation guides for both Windows and iOS platforms.

Equipment and software

Ensure that you have the most current versions of the software listed below…

  • Microsoft Teams
  • SPSS
  • Microsoft Outlook

Software link: https://staffsuniversity.sharepoint.com/sites/software/SitePages/Home.aspx

Useful information and advice

As a distance learning student, you may not be joining us on campus, but you're very much part of the University of Staffordshire family. We’re committed to helping you feel supported, connected, and confident as you begin your postgraduate journey.

To help you settle in and make the most of your time with us, we encourage you to visit our Welcome Website, which will be your central hub for everything related to starting university life. Here you’ll find helpful information about meeting new people, building your academic skills, accessing support, and getting involved in the wider university community.

You can also explore what’s available to you as a new student by visiting www.staffs.ac.uk. This includes details on:

  • The Students’ Union and how to join
  • Societies, academic groups, and sports activities
  • Volunteering opportunities and peer representation
  • Online resources and tools to support your learning

The university have a fantastic Welcome Week programme, including both university-wide and course events to help you get started. And if you’re looking for more ways to engage, keep an eye out for additional activities running throughout the first half of the autumn term!

No matter where you’re joining us from, we want you to feel part of something bigger: connected, confident, and ready to thrive.

Meet the team

Ashley Gill

Course Director

I am a Postgraduate Course Director for Sport and Science, overseeing all aspects of postgraduate provision for the department. My disciplinary expertise lies in the area of sport coaching and PE.

Ashley's profile

What to expect on Welcome Week

We're so excited for you to join us on campus and to welcome you to where you matter. During your welcome week you'll be able to meet our friendly student services teams, connect with new friends, join societies, explore on-campus venues attend club nights and much more.

We look forward to welcoming you in September.

If you have any questions, please send them to your Course Leader: Ashley Gill, Ashley.Gill1@Staffs.ac.uk  

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