Programme Specification. BA (Hons) Sport Management. Valid from: September 2014 Programme Code: 6G89

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1 Programme Specification BA (Hons) Sport Management Valid from: September 2014 Programme Code: 6G89

2 CONTENTS PAGE Page Number Section 1 General Information 2 Section 2 Overview and Programme Aims 3 Overview 3 Programme Aims 5 Section 3 Programme Learning Outcomes 8 Section 4 Programme Structure 10 Structure and Curriculum 10 Personal Development Planning 12 Section 5 Programme Delivery 15 Learning and Teaching Methods 15 Assessment 15 Section 6 Admissions 16 Section 7 Student Support and Guidance 17 Section 8 Post Programme Opportunities 17 Section 9 Employer Links 18 BA Sport Mgt Prog Spec 6G89 MMSept15 final NEW 1

3 SECTION ONE: GENERAL INFORMATION Programme Title BA (Hons) Sport Management Award title and interim awards BA (Hons) in Sport Management Interim award: Diploma of Higher Education in Sport Management Certificate of Higher Education in Sport Management Diploma in Professional Practice Mode of Study Full Time Programme start date/review date Start Date: September 2014 Period of Validation: indefinite Awarding Institution University of Derby College Managing the Programme College of Life and Natural Sciences Institution(s) Delivering the Programme University of Derby. Relevant External Subject Benchmark Statement QAA subject benchmarks for Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism (2008), QAA subject benchmarks for General Business and Management (2007), External Accreditation/Recognition Not applicable JACS Code N880 Programme Specification Last Updated Not applicable BA Sport Mgt Prog Spec 6G89 MMSept15 final NEW 2

4 SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW AND PROGRAMME AIMS Overview The study of sport management has been recognised as giving an understanding and an ability to apply the theories, concepts and principles of practice from the generic management areas of operations, finance, human resources, economics and marketing to sports organisations, facilities and events. The sport and leisure industry has grown significantly in the last decade; Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) estimates that global sports revenues will grow to 92.5bn between 2012 and 2015, growing at an annual rate of 3.7%. The London 2012 Olympics showcased sport management expertise to a global stage, this combined with the expansion of the health and fitness sector, the increasing professionalisation of National Governing Bodies and growing investment in the commercial sport sector have led to an increase in employment opportunities within this industry. Launched in 2014/15 the University of Derby s BA (Hons) in Sport Management degree utilises the corporate partnership with *General Sport and Entertainment (GSE). The degree is innovative within the UK by applying a field based **learning lab at a professional sports organisation (Derby County Football Club). Taught by university staff in the Sport, Health and Exercise department this vocationally orientated programme is designed to embrace the growth in sport employment in the UK and abroad. The programme combines business and management essentials, with close ties to the sport industry. Sports management students will graduate with an excellent basis for a career in national and global sport, event and business management industries. The BA (Hons) in Sport Management degree has been designed with input from the US based international sport management organisation GSE, Derby County Football Club, and informed via informal consultation with a range of national, regional and local sport organisations including the sport event management organisation Sport Works UK, Buxton Football Club, Buxton Rugby Club, High Peak School Sports Partnership and High Peak Borough Council. The programme has also been developed to consider the Skills Active endorsement process for future accreditation and reflects the current thinking of the wider sport industry. Skills Active are an officially licensed organisation that sets standards offers training and development for the sport and leisure industry. The BA (Hons) in Sport Management degree will develop students sport management expertise within five core areas, namely sport management and operations, marketing and business development, international sport, professional development and politics, policy and planning. At every level of the programme students will have opportunities to work within a professional operational sport management environment with a host of learning lab organisations such as Derby County Football Club, Derbyshire County Cricket Club, and Sport Works UK. This real world experience provides students with the setting to put theory into practice within our simulated environments and industry placements. BA Sport Mgt Prog Spec 6G89 MMSept15 final NEW 3

5 The benefits are undertaking a sports management programme are: Embrace a range of key subject areas and skills that underpin sports management Provide students with a curricular content that provides a balanced and progressively specialist understanding of the subject area Provide students with a range of opportunities to develop their interpersonal, and professional communication skills Provide students with a significant range of structured, vocationally relevant and level specific work experience Ensure the programme contains, and requires, a strong element of independent learning * General Sport and Entertainment General Sports was established with the very purpose of developing a sports and entertainment firm that would ultimately pursue the acquisition and management of Major League professional sports franchises. Since then, GSE has grown by leaps and bounds over its 14-year existence, developing a strong consulting practice and a premier sponsorship and naming rights division. GSE delivers measurable results for its clients while at the same time creates organizations and events that are a highly visible caring member of the community. In addition to deploying a skilled management team to run the day-to-day operations of an organization or event, GSE is well versed in building sports management and marketing programs that maximize revenue streams for both the team and the sponsor. ** University Learning Laboratories The University of Derby s vision is to deliver the highest quality student centred experiential learning, providing all students with an opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills within real working environments. A University Learning Laboratory provides meaningful work based learning experiences for students and provides an extension of the learning opportunities offered on campus. The focus is to ensure students are work ready and can apply their learning in the real world. A Learning Laboratory also presents the opportunity for students to engage in live project work that is underpinned by the academic literature students gain in the classroom environment, this in turn supports the organisation in delivering its strategic and operational goals. Learning labs are embedded across the degree programme and a number of sessions and assessment activities will be based on the experiences and understanding that students gain whilst in the field of practice. The modules in which such sessions / assessments will be based are as follows: in Year 1 Sport Management in Practice 1, Sport Management in Practice 2, in Year 2 Advanced BA Sport Mgt Prog Spec 6G89 MMSept15 final NEW 4

6 Sport Management in Practice 1, Advanced Sport Management in Practice 2, and in Year 3 Strategic Management in Sport. Programme Aims The programme aims to produce graduates who: 1. Understand the development and management of the sport, health and exercise environment. 2. Can critically appraise the complex global market that sport management and associated industries operate within 3. Can undertake critical, reflective and evaluative study so preparing them for autonomous, reflective lifelong learning. 4. Are entrepreneurial i.e. exhibit creative, innovative and effective approaches to capitalising upon sport industry opportunities. 5. Possess the transferable skills through practical hands-on experience via real world learning relevant to the sport and wider business management industries. 6. Possess the skills to interpret and educate in the sport management context. 7. Have a deep understanding of political and management processes involved in sport event and facilities planning across urban and countryside spaces at local, national and international levels. At every level of the degree, students will benefit from a number of real world learning opportunities (relative to their level of study). The student thus accumulates a range of practical skills and experience as they progress as opposed to developing them close to, or following degree completion. Sport management is studied within traditional lectures, seminars, and tutorial frameworks, combined with on-the-job learning in work placement opportunities, field based sessions and assessments through a host of professional sport organisations, international guest lecturers via online communication, UK based guest lectures, independent study, group consultancy work for industry and ongoing professional development activities. The notion of onsite/offsite learning lab delivery as a core theme of the programme ensures that student activity and classroom case studies reflect current industry practice and future strategic direction of a growing industry. As a direct result of the aforementioned, it is envisaged that a graduate will be in the unique position to have constructed vital networks and personal links considered essential in successfully transitioning from graduate to professional. The degree has been designed to attract traditional sport studies, sport development, leisure management, event management and leisure and BA Sport Mgt Prog Spec 6G89 MMSept15 final NEW 5

7 recreation focused learners as well as those interested in an alternative to the generic business management degree. The inclusion of modules which examine critical issues related to business development, marketing, management operations, international sport, and entrepreneurship will likely be particularly attractive to students interested in working for a fast paced customer focused national or international sports organisation or who have the drive and ambition to seek entrepreneurship within sport as a future career pathway. Undergraduate study is typically represented by a range of subjects. Studying at this level will provide students with a general educational experience, in addition to providing a range of opportunities to develop vocationally relevant knowledge and consolidation of the classroom material; thereby best preparing students for employment in a related occupation. The process will also provide the opportunity for students to develop transferable skills that will be applicable to a variety of working environments. The emphasis is placed on developing students intellectual and analytical powers, to enable them to think critically in the key fields of study in a sport management setting. From the outset the heuristic nature of the course is emphasised, consequently students are strongly encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and development. The course is designed to equip students with the key transferable skills that will enable them to perform effectively as both individuals and in teams when employed. At level 4 the modules provide a comprehensive and contemporary overview of international business, planning, operations management and research and academic skills. Whilst all of these elements will be underpinned and consolidated by students observing the application of such areas in the real world environment; specifically students will undertake personal development planning (PDP) at level 4 in the Sport Management in Practice 1 and 2 modules; permitting individuals to gain an integrated and practical understanding of the core competencies required in sports management and to observe and reflect upon these aspects in an industry setting. At level 5 students are expected to have a broader understanding of research methods within sport management and its supporting literature. Qualitative and quantitative research designs will be explored in greater detail. With respect to sports management students will be provided with a progressed understanding, generally focusing upon the applied aspects of the areas represented by, business management, project management and business development/entrepreneurship. PDP is represented in the Advanced Sport Management in Practice 1 and 2 modules at this level and it is felt that students will have amassed a significant amount of applied industry knowledge by this point. As such they will be required to further develop their capacity for selfanalysis and reflection as a stand-alone skill. The principle reason for this particular emphasis is that ultimately students success hinges upon such transferrable skills. At level 6 students are expected to develop their knowledge of emerging and contemporary concepts in sports management. In addition to this students will advance their knowledge and skills of research in the Independent Study module. Generally speaking students will gain a critical perception of sports management BA Sport Mgt Prog Spec 6G89 MMSept15 final NEW 6

8 topics, giving consideration to managing international events, politics and planning, and strategic management. PDP is extended in the Strategic Management module the rationale being to continue to drive students to expand on their reflective learning skills and develop subject specific knowledge aligned to personal employability and further academic study. Students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to take the lead role on any of the five core areas of sports management employing an evidence based approach throughout. Key aspects to the programme include: Gaining practical experience in a wide range of facility and event operations within a sport centered environment Supporting organisations to increase the spectator sporting experience Promoting strategies for sections of society to become more involved in sport and physical activity Developing methods to increase the amount of people volunteering within sport Contributing to consultancy services on behalf of partner organisations in areas such as funding, marketing and PR, sponsorship, training and delivery Developing a critical understanding of the management skills required within sport, recreational and informal sport and physical activity across private, voluntary and public sport sectors. BA Sport Mgt Prog Spec 6G89 MMSept15 final NEW 7

9 SECTION THREE: PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES The degree will provide a breadth of coverage across a range of subject areas within the field of sport management. The programme learning outcomes for BA (Hons) in Sport Management take into consideration the Framework for Higher Education (FHEQ) levels 4, 5 and 6, Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) subject benchmarks for Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism (2008) and the QAA Benchmarks for General Business Management (2007). A typical graduate from the BA (Hons) in Sport Management will possess the following qualities: Knowledge and understanding of: Historical, social, political, legal, economic, technological, cultural diffusion, distribution and impact of sport management The theories and concepts which are underpinned by the core elements of sport management The role that research and research skills represent regarding the development of new sport management products and services Sport participation in communities and how sport management initiatives can have an impact Global sport events and their impacts on society Policy, planning, management and delivery of sporting management opportunities Financing sport and utilising resources Marketing, PR and media communications relative to sport management Enterprise and social enterprise within the sport management arena The legal and ethical issues associated with the sport management industry within a national and international context. Intellectual Skills: Demonstrate high competence in researching and assessing theories principles, concepts in sport management and apply such skills to solve problems Critically assess and evaluate national, regional and local sport policy Critically interpret data and text within the field of sport management Critically assess and evaluate evidence in the context of research methodologies and data sources Apply knowledge to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems Question academic theories, paradigms, principles and concepts Take responsibility for personal learning and continued professional development Exercise creativity of thought in application to specific contexts within the field of sports management. Subject Specific Skills an ability to: Plan, design and execute practical sport management and marketing related activities using appropriate techniques and procedures Undertake real world sport management related activities with due regard for safety and risk assessment BA Sport Mgt Prog Spec 6G89 MMSept15 final NEW 8

10 Plan, design, execute and communicate a sustained piece of independent intellectual work using appropriate media Recognise and respond to moral, legal, ethical and safety issues which directly affect the subject domain Recognise and understand relevant legislation and professional codes of conduct in the field of sports management Identify typologies, organisations and terminologies that are appropriate for sport management Demonstrate ability to coordinate sporting structures in a sports management context. Transferable Skills: Critical analysis of data and strong IT skills Critically evidence problem solving skills Develop a strong team ethos and work with others Demonstrate high levels of competence and effectiveness in communication and presentation skills Take and demonstrate responsibility for their own learning and continuing personal and professional development Demonstrate improved critical ability to self-appraise and reflect on practice Comprehend and utilise both qualitative and quantitative data effectively in a theoretical as well as applied manner Demonstrate efficient communication and presentation skills Recognise and respond to moral, ethical, sustainability and safety issues which directly pertain to the context of study including relevant legislation and professional codes of conduct Undertake fieldwork with continuous regard for safety and risk assessment procedures. BA Sport Mgt Prog Spec 6G89 MMSept15 final NEW 9

11 SECTION FOUR: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE Structure and Curriculum BA (Hons) in Sport Management Level 4: Autumn Semester Academic and Applied Skills in Sport and Exercise Principles of International Sport Business Planning for Sport Sport Management in Practice 1 (20 Credits) Spring Semester 20 credits) Sport Management in Practice 2 Introduction to Sport Management (20 Credits) Level 5: Autumn Semester Spring Semester Research Methods for Sport and Excercise Advanced Sport Management in Practice 2 Sport Business Development and Entrepreneurship Applied Sport Business Management Advanced Sport Management in Practice 2 (Project)1 Sport Project Management Operations *Optional Diploma in Professional Practice 60 Credits, (Year Placement) Contemporary Issues in Professional Practice Applied Professional Practice Core - 20 credits Core - 40 credits Level 6: Autumn Semester Spring Semester Independent Study (40 credits) Managing International Sport Events Sport Development: Politics and Planning 20 credits) Contemporary Issues in Sport Management Strategic Management in Sport BA Sport Mgt Prog Spec 6G89 MMSept15 final NEW 10

12 BA Sport Mgt Prog Spec 6G89 MMSept15 final NEW BA (Hons) Sport Management Progression

13 The above matrix diagram outlines the five core areas for the BA (Hons) in Sport Management degree that provide the structure reflecting current understanding and the future of sport management as a subject discipline, product and development process. These are then embedded within the political arena of sport management planning and professional development within sport with an overarching research and operational skills agenda necessary for working independently within sport management. Students will be work ready with both the knowledge and experience that is required by employers. In academic terms the modules by stage classically introduce, explain and then provide the vehicles to critically evaluate academic paradigms, operational and management issues with an overarching theme of personal development, real world learning and employability. This means in practical terms students will be able create, update and embellish their professional portfolio and their social media to showcase to potential employers. This programme is designed to have a balance between practical and theoretical elements, but always relating back to the industry through the industry based sessions provided through Derby County Football Club and other professional sport organisations. Embedding students within real case studies provides them with a competitive advantage within the jobs market at graduation. Talks with the US based management organisation GSE, outline what international employers are keen to see graduates that balance strategic management with marketing expertise and research skills. In addition to having the essential operational front of house customer facing experience gained through industry practice. In order to achieve the qualification students need to achieve 120 credits at level 4, 120 credits at level 5 and 120 credits at level 6. Personal Development Planning (PDP) The University has implemented Personal Development Planning (PDP) at every level of the degree programme to ensure students get the maximum benefit from their time studying whilst developing fundamental employability skills required to work in industry. PDP at level 4 is focused in the Sport Management in Practice 1 and 2, at level 5 PDP is studied in Advanced Sport Management in Practice 1 and 2 modules. This module provides a structured opportunity for students to develop the reflective skills used on a regular basis in the field of sport management. At level 6 Strategic Management and Managing International Sport Events modules presents students with the opportunity to pursue their specific PDP interest. Students are also encouraged to obtain additional industry relevant qualifications in order to develop and enhance their professional portfolio. This element of PDP will allow learners to create a personal record of all aspects of their progress and achievements at the University of Derby, in addition to supporting them to plan for their futures. The PDP element of the degree presents learners with BA Sport Mgt Prog Spec 6G89 MMSept15 final NEW 12

14 the opportunity to: Reflect on the distinctive nature of their degree Reflect on the key stages of decision making throughout their time on the degree programme Audit transferable and academic skills and consider the application of them to the area of employment interest Provide a record of career and personal development skills for CV writing Provide a reflective record of placement or exchange experience Audit and reflect on extra-curricular activities and work experience Prepare for employment or further study through the creation of a valuable CV at the end of their study programme. Students are supported in their PDP by working with two key people, their personal tutor and their experiential learning lead. The role of the personal tutor is to provide dedicated 1:1 support to students. Personal tutor responsibilities include: The first point of call for general academic advice Monitor student academic performance Signpost students to the range of support available to students within the University Encourage students to become reflective learners Encourage students to engage with and understand academic feedback The experiential learning lead will provide further support to students in PDP by overseeing the relationship between the placement organisation and university. The duties covered by the experiential lead include: To be the university key contact to ensure students are aware of the purpose of the professional development opportunities and have adequate material to get the most from the placement experience To work with the learning laboratory key contact to establish a structured programme aimed at giving the student a positive learning experience as possible and with exposure to roles they would not normally be familiar with. To ensure that appropriate action is taken if students do not perform in a professional manner and place the reputation of a business at risk To ensure that all activities relating to professional development are operated in accordance to the university s health and safety policies and procedures To ensure that all the activities relating to professional development are operated in accordance with the university s financial regulations There will be additional opportunity for students to engage in academic and industry conferences, such as the Chartered Institute for the Management Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA); an organisation the University of Derby has established a skill development partnership with. There will also be opportunities to participate in extra training provision run by external providers and within the BA Sport Mgt Prog Spec 6G89 MMSept15 final NEW 13

15 university itself such as the Derby Award. The central focus of PDP is to enhance student employability at the same time as increasing student awareness of and engagement with the degree curriculum. The sixteen graduate attributes that the University encourages students to develop whilst studying their programmes are shown below: Negotiation and Persuasion Assertiveness Communication Networking Commercial Awareness Professional Development Problem Solving Pro-activity Self Awareness Team Working Leadership Organisation Skills Enterprise Skills Confidence Building Specific Occupational Skills Technical Skills Diploma in Professional Practice Students have the opportunity to undertake a year long industry placement between year two (level 5) and year three (level 6) and gain the additional award of Diploma in Professional Practice. Amongst other opportunities, students can apply to undertake their placement in the USA with General Sport Entertainment. To complete this *optional sixty credit programme students are required to complete two core modules; it is important to note these modules are extra and cannot be substitutes for credits within the degree. The benefits of undertaking this programme include; enhanced employability through the acquisition of an additional qualification and through gaining valuable industry experience, developing skills that will prove attractive to potential employers. BA Sport Mgt Prog Spec 6G89 MMSept15 final NEW 14

16 SECTION FIVE: PROGRAMME DELIVERY Learning and Teaching Methods The wide range of teaching and learning strategies in the Sport Management programme reflects the College and University s Learning and Teaching Strategy (2009) and the QAA Benchmarks for Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism (2008) alongside the QAA benchmarks for General Business Management (2007). Through the three levels of study, there is the opportunity for development of knowledge in sport, and specifically sport management; subject based and transferable skills both in the learning and through the assessment regime. The key to success is being able to develop subject based and transferable skills alongside experiential learning so students are work ready. Students will be challenged by the introduction of theoretical concepts through situated cognitive practical situations developed in the classroom, to gain understanding in lectures, supported by tutorials, seminars and reflective practice together with fixed into the programme through PDP. As previously noted the degree flows from each level developing the key cognitive knowledge and skills required to succeed in industry and academia. As emphasised in the proposed benchmark statement for Sport Management QAA (2009); There are general principles which should shape any provision, including the notion of progression through the various levels of the programme in terms of increasing academic content, understanding and complexity. Not only will the development of knowledge occur, but graduates will be able to take a more critical stance to the theories, findings and approaches of the discipline. In terms of teaching and learning, this will typically involve a change from initially supported and guided study to more independent and self-directed study. Throughout, there should be due emphasis given to active learning and the acquisition of both generic and specific skills and abilities. Assessment The testing of knowledge is through a combination of formative and summative assessed work. These typically include group work, literature reviews, online discussions, reports, presentations, practical real world working demonstrations, case studies, examinations, reflective learning and independent study. Students will receive feedback on formative assessments to help develop later summative assessments and always with the requirement to prepare for work in industry. The variety of assessment methods employed are intended to allow ample opportunity to demonstrate the development of intellectual skills whilst fulfilling the QAA benchmarks by providing a conduit for which to obtain a vocational orientation in both learning, teaching and assessment. Overall the assessment over the entire programme has been designed to challenge, develop and reflect those skills which are essential for continued academic and professional development; in addition to those competencies and expertise that are key to the industry. Students with additional needs are given support by the School s Support and Advisory Service, the programme leader and the school s disability co-ordinator to instigate support plans as required. The learning and teaching strategy is constructed with direct reference to the Special Education Needs and Disabilities BA Sport Mgt Prog Spec 6G89 MMSept15 final NEW 15

17 Act (SENDA) via the University s Equal Opportunities Code of Practice in relation to students declaring a disability. The subject area has been proactive in its support of students with dyslexia and other educational/health needs. This has included the use of note takers and flexibility towards assessment forms and timetables. Students with physical disabilities are catered for in the practical nature of the programme. When necessary, specialised equipment will be hired to aid participation in the range of practical activities. Where students are offered support, tutors are informed and if required provide additional learning and assessment resources as directed through the support plan. Often this may be that material is delivered prior to classes and produced in the most appropriate format for the individual. With specific reference to the undergraduate sports management programme; below are the key features which the course aims to promote/provide: A progressive learning environment that supports and empowers independence in gaining academic and professional skills relevant to the needs of employers. A high quality learning experience that develops a systematic understanding of knowledge related to sport management. Practical hands-on experience of sport management skills through real world learning. Widening participation and become a national and international platform for sport management education This programme operates within the University s Regulatory Framework and conforms to its regulations on assessment. Ethical Guidelines for Research, Consultancy and Project Work All students are required to comply with research governance and ethics principles whilst undertaking their programme of study. This is of particular importance when conducting research involving other people e.g. for module assessments or Independent Studies. Information on these principles can be found on the University web site at SECTION SIX: ADMISSIONS Current information on entry requirements is available on the University s website: Entry to the programme will include an interview as this is considered to be an aspect, essential in the development of PDP. Further to this it, the interview process has produced considerable successful in recruiting appropriate and motivated students for other degree programmes across the college. BA Sport Mgt Prog Spec 6G89 MMSept15 final NEW 16

18 SECTION SEVEN: STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE Students have access to a range of resources to aid the transition into university life, guidance throughout their studies and support upon graduating and future employability. This pro-active approach is based on an Institutional stance around specific entitlements and experience. At programme level, a personal tutor and academic counselling is provided to support subject specialism and tutors are available on an appointment system. Further support is available from the Devonshire Library team, Work Placement Office, Student Wellbeing Service, the Student Liaison Officer, International Student Centre and the Chaplaincy. Students are also able to gain peer support via the Peer Assisted Study Scheme (PASS) whereby final year students who have achieved % grades in their previous modules, and show excellent communications skills, pass on their knowledge by supporting fellow students to master the intricacies of their modules. Each programme also has democratically peer elected Programme Reps to represent the cohort s views to ensure a transparent and student led approach is adopted at all times, managed and coordinated by the Students Union. A detailed range of support services including contact details are available in the Programme Handbook and via the University s website: SECTION EIGHT: POST PROGRAMME OPPORTUNITIES For students who wish to enter into a career in sport management this programme acts as a gateway to real world learning that will enhance the opportunities that become available to them. The degree will build a solid foundation for the learner as well enable positive social and professional networking opportunities. Students will also develop their academic abilities, enabling them to continue their education at the postgraduate level. Career opportunities also exist in the wider fields of sport, including physical activity coordination, sport and health development, fitness and recreation management and health promotion. The programme is also ideal preparation for those who aim to work in an applied setting or pursue a postgraduate teaching qualification. Due to the management application that exists within the degree students are well equipped to work in a cross section of industries outside of sport that match the management, marketing and event nature of the programme modules. The proposed development has been designed to increase recruitment through matching interests of current/prospective students with the present market demand. The programme provides insight and training into specialised professional market sector, giving prospective students an advantage in this exciting and developing global job market. BA Sport Mgt Prog Spec 6G89 MMSept15 final NEW 17

19 SECTION NINE: EMPLOYER LINKS This BA (Hons) in Sport Management degree has been developed in conjunction with GSE with the intention of providing a unique learning lab vocational experience at Derby County Football Club and other originations. It has been designed to develop student expertise relative to operating a business in a very competitive global marketplace. As such, the programme will develop an adaptable workforce fit to meet the current pressures and demands of the modern sports business. Generally speaking the sport area the programme team remain actively engaged with organisations and professional bodies at national and regional level such as the British Association of Sports and Exercise Sciences, the Chartered Institute of Sport Parks and Leisure Management and key national governing bodies such as British Cycling and the Football Association. Consultation with individuals from across these areas has helped to inform developments in the programme structure and shape the programme through its three years of study. The sport programme team will continue to develop new links in addition to nurturing current industry relationships. With the development of PDP and the recognition that experiential/real world learning is now a key facet of employability these links become a key part to further enhance the opportunities for graduates. Members of the sport programme team actively engage in sport industry activity for a wide range of organisations and sectors; from elite performance to mainstream participation, however all use sport management skills as part of this work. Commercial activities carried out by the team include operating as consultants and advisors in a professional capacity to professional sport teams. One of the development team previously worked within the sport management industry as a local authority manager for sport as well as a strategic director within the private sport sector. As active members of the sport industry learning and teaching needs are kept up to date and the curriculum is informed of the changing needs of employers. There is an active group of employers that work with the university sport team in a liaison capacity keeping them informed of changes within the sector, this includes Derby County Football Club, Sport Works UK, Kings Foundation, Derbyshire Sport Partnership, South Yorkshire County Sport Partnerships, local authority and regional sport development departments, Buxton Football Club, Buxton Rugby Club and High Peak Golf Club; the latter three represent successful examples as University learning labs. BA Sport Mgt Prog Spec 6G89 MMSept15 final NEW 18