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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Sport Development
By studying sport development, you can make a positive difference to disadvantaged and under-represented groups and encourage people to be physically active.
Course Overview
-
C690 -
L27 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
19 Sep 2022
Fire your passion for sport and help to transform lives and shape active communities.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Learn how to provide opportunities for participation in sport for all sections of society and encourage people to lead healthier lives
- Examine how issues such as racism, poverty and gender inequality impact on sport participation – and how as a future practitioner you can challenge these issues
- Build your teamwork and management skills so you can lead on sporting projects to improve participation rates and attract investment
- Gain the skills and knowledge to develop inclusive sporting pursuits that benefit disadvantaged and under-represented social groups and communities
- Understand how sporting opportunities are provided in the UK and internationally and learn about the key organisations responsible for this work
- Examine how sport can be used as a tool to support communities, and promote peace and international development
Hands-on experience
We’ll help you organise a potentially life-changing, six-week work placement. This could be with a community foundation attached to a professional sports club, a national governing body of sport, a high school, a sports club, or a youth organisation.
You’ll have the opportunity to volunteer with local sports organisations and run your own community sports project or event for an external client. These experiences will provide opportunities to develop your professional networks and help you work towards your chosen career.
Graduate success
Graduates from the course have gained employment within organisations such as:
- The Football Association and other National Governing Bodies of Sport
- European sports federations
- Community sport foundations and charities
- Local authorities and leisure trusts
- School Sport Partnerships Schools and other education settings
Industry speakers
Regular guest speakers from national and international organisations will show how to learn from successful projects and will keep you up to date with the current hot topics in the sport industry.
Professional expertise
This degree has been designed in conjunction with leading industry experts. The course team has extensive industry experience and continually engages with organisations such as StreetGames, Yorkshire Sport Foundation, local school sport partnerships, and the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity. This means we can provide excellent work experience opportunities, develop joint projects, and ensure that your course material and assessments are relevant and up to date.
Research active
The team also has extensive experience of working in sport development and the wider sport industry, including in national and international settings conducting research to inform policy and practice.
Our staff have contributed to three editions of the highly successful Routledge textbook 'Sports Development: Policy, Process and Practice'. They also regularly publish research on a diverse range of topics such as gender and masculinity, community sport development, sport politics and policy, and strategic management.
Why study sport development at Leeds Beckett University...
- 100% of BA (Hons) Sport Development students said staff were good at explaining things*
- 90% of BA (Hons) Sport Development students in work or further study 15 months after graduating**
- Six-week work placement
- Run your own community sports project or event for an external client
- Sandwich year – a year of paid employment in industry
- Study in our new £45m state-of-the-art Carnegie School of Sport building
* National Student Survey 2021
**Graduate Outcomes 2020
BA (Hons) Sport Development | Course insights Sport Development Course Director Stephen Robson talks about the course at Leeds Beckett University
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
112
points required
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
We have now welcomed students from over 140 countries across the globe. If you are interested in studying with us you can find your country and get all the information you'll need about entry requirements and how to apply.
Entry requirements
112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 112 points required.
(Minimum 72 points from two A Levels or equivalent, e.g. BTEC Nationals or Cambridge Technicals, excluding General Studies).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs:
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy/Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma:
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.Scottish Awards:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade B at Higher Level.Irish Leaving Certificate:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade C1 or above at Higher Level of which at least 3 must be at B2.Selection Criteria
Due to the popularity of this course, we may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
International baccalaureate
25 Points
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
DBS Check
An enhanced criminal history (DBS) check maybe required for certain modules which involve working with children and/or vulnerable others. The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks, therefore international applicants, those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency will therefore require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country before undertaking work with children and/or vulnerable others.
Our commitment to help every student succeed:
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).
Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website)
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants)
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts
- Declared as a care leaver on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants)
Our place as an Anchor Institution:
Leeds Beckett University is in the top 10 universities nationwide for being representative of our local community. To further strengthen our position as a key provider of education and training for West Yorkshire we apply an Anchor Institution Policy in our admissions process. Students who apply to us from any of the five Local Authority areas in West Yorkshire (BD, HD, HX, LS, WF) will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points.
Mature applicants:
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable..
All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.
We have now welcomed students from over 140 countries across the globe. If you are interested in studying with us you can find your country and get all the information you'll need about entry requirements and how to apply.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Selection Criteria
Due to the popularity of this course, we may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
International baccalaureate
25 Points
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
DBS Check
An enhanced criminal history (DBS) check maybe required for certain modules which involve working with children and/or vulnerable others. The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks, therefore international applicants, those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency will therefore require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country before undertaking work with children and/or vulnerable others.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Our silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
Teaching & Learning
Learn how to use sport and physical activity as a tool for the development and empowerment of communities. You will engage with social science to help address the inequalities in sport and contemporary society.
The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload will be informed by your core modules and the option modules you choose to study – the information provided is an indication of what you can expect and may be subject to change. The option modules listed are also an indication of what will be available to you. Their availability is subject to demand and you will be advised which option modules you can choose at the beginning of each year of study.
What you'll learn
Gain the academic skills essential for success on this degree, together with a strategic approach to career planning and the development of key transferable skills for employment.
Gain an essential introduction to the fundamentals of sport and recreation development including key agencies, structures and methods of delivery. You will understand the role and nature of public, private and voluntary sector provision, governance and policy agendas, and the the processes and practices related to the delivery of sport and recreation in the UK.
Explore how different social issues affect individual and group participation in sport and learn to apply core sociological theories and concepts to engagement in sport.
Discover how political perspectives can help in better understanding sport and society. You will begin to reflect on your own politicisation and to think beyond that familiarity by considering other political perspectives.
Identify operational issues within a case study sport facility and use academic theory to suggest solutions to help the facility provide better sport and physical activity opportunities to its community.
Gain an understanding of the key priorities, principles and issues related to physical activity provision in the community and learn to conduct community based learning to explore inclusive practice.
What you'll learn
Develop an understanding of the concepts, policy and practice of community sport development, including the diversity of community sports practices and issues of class, race and gender issues, and a critical appreciation of the key concepts which inform community sports policies and practices. You will also study the current socio-political climate and the potential use of a community sport development approach in tackling inequalities in society.
Through a work placement, you will observe, inquire, participate, contribute and learn in a real-world setting. You will reflect on your experience and analyse a contemporary issue identified in your chosen placement organisation.
Working as part of a team, you will plan, deliver and evaluate live events in conjunction with external partners, and develop the knowledge and skills essential for the management of sport projects.
Build on the research and study skills from year one and prepare for your final year project by learning to understand and analyse appropriate research literature to inform and justify a research question or academic enquiry.
Study strategic management theory and apply this to the management of sport development programmes. You will look at the impact of policy on practice and how this can be managed effectively in order to achieve a range of sport development outcomes.
Option modules may include
You will complete an in-depth, critical examination of the complex field of sport communications. This module enables you to explore the different elements of marketing communication and issues of integration within the UK and international markets.
Explore the concept and application of Outdoor and Adventurous Activities adapted to meet specific needs. Through formal and interactive teaching and experiential learning, you will have the opportunity to engage with, facilitate, evaluate and analyse a range of adapted adventure activities. This will include adventurous activities being adapted for access, ability and performance.
Study the key, theoretical concepts and principles when designing, delivering and evaluating physical activity and public health interventions at the local, national and international level. You will gain a generic foundation on which to establish (i) a critical evaluation and application of physical activity and public health interventions for priority groups, (ii) a critical interrogation and application of public health guidance and techniques to promote healthy behaviours at a population level.
Develop your understanding of relevant social science perspectives applied to contemporary soccer. You will learn to relate these critical approaches to important contemporary issues within the sport.
Gain the opportunity to teach physical education to primary aged children. You will also learn about aspects of physical and psychosocial child development appropriate to this age group. You will be encouraged to develop your skills of teaching, planning, observation and reflection through a placement in a school or similar physical education/ youth sport context.
What you'll learn
Develop and apply an advanced theoretical knowledge of sport and community development through the evaluation of a case study of practice.
Develop your understanding of strategic management with an emphasis on flexible strategic thinking. You will be placed in the role of consultant and you will choose a sport development organisation upon which to base your assessment work in which you will generate recommendations for organisational improvement.
Incorporating the core themes of management, leadership and community development, you will undertake an analysis of a sport development or community issue, and use this to develop a professional bid document for a funding stream, pitching your proposal to a panel of industry 'dragons'.
Use the skill set you have built up in previous modules to identify an area of specific interest to explore through an in-depth empirical study or project supported by an academic supervisor. You will choose from one of three pathways: Dissertation (individual), Consultancy (individual), or Sport and Recreation Project (team).
Option modules may include
Enhance your employability and future career prospects by undertaking a year’s paid placement between years 2 and 3. You'll have the opportunity to develop business contacts and professional networks, gain understanding of the jobs and career market and develop key employability and professional skills.
Develop an awareness of the concepts, theory, policy and practice associated with SPD. You will draw upon various concepts and theories (such as hegemony, post-colonial, change and action, leadership, project and programme management) to illuminate the complex power and processes inherent in the practices of SPD.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Fees & Funding
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee which is yet to be confirmed.The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee which is yet to be confirmed.Fees & Funding
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee which is yet to be confirmed.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Sports facilities and equipment linked to your studies.
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Off-campus activities such as student-led events. Costs will vary depending on location and experience but will be kept to a minimum
Optional Costs
- Year 2 placement locations and experiences will vary and you will need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs. You can choose a placement which is convenient for travel
- Course branded sportswear (from £19.99)
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee which is yet to be confirmed.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Sports facilities and equipment linked to your studies.
Essential Costs
- Off-campus activities such as student-led events. Costs will vary depending on location and experience but will be kept to a minimum
Optional Costs
- Year 2 placement locations and experiences will vary and you will need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs. You can choose a placement which is convenient for travel
- Course branded sportswear (from £19.99)
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
93%
of BA (Hons) Sport Development students said staff were good at explaining things.
BA (Hons) Sport Development | Student inights Student Siobhan talks about the Sport Development course at Leeds Beckett University
We have a genuine commitment to our students' experiences at university. Our main focus is to ensure they have the most interesting and enjoyable time with us that they can, and that they are highly employable graduates.
Stephen Robson
Course Director
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
I joined the Barmy Army in the second year of my course on a placement. I was doing a sport marketing module at the time which inspired me to choose a sports business setting.
My placement offered me such an opportunity that ever since working for the Barmy Army full-time, I’ve employed placement students and have had several from Leeds Beckett. There is so much value in it for both employers and students.”
Chris Millard
Managing Director, Barmy Army
90%
of students from BA (Hons) Sport Development in work or further study 15 months after graduating
All of the projects and experiences I got on my course allowed me to demonstrate my knowledge and skills, helping me to secure a job at a National Trust property, where my role involves getting more visitors active and providing further opportunities for participation.
Fran Musgrave
Active Outdoor Development Officer National Trust
Career Prospects
This course can open doors to a wide variety of career opportunities. You could work for one of the UK’s Active Partnerships or National Governing Bodies of Sport. Alternatively, you could gain employment with community sport foundations, local authorities, school sport partnerships, sport-based charities and events companies.
Our graduates have gone on to develop careers in education settings, including working as PE and primary school teachers.
As one of the largest providers of sport in UK higher education, we have an exciting and broad range of staff expertise within our School and our collaborative approach to learning extends across our curriculum and research.
Peter Mackreth
Dean of School
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that the opportunity to experience an education here at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us to study for your undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary.
Bursaries are usually awarded depending on household income, whilst scholarships are available for a number of areas, and are based on sporting or academic excellence. For more information visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
Beckett Careers Team
Our Beckett Careers Team will support you with all aspects of your career planning, throughout university and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job or want to gain experience alongside your studies, need help preparing an application or exploring graduate job options, we can provide expert support every step of the way!
Throughout your university journey and up to five years after you graduate you'll have access to a broad range of support and tools to help you with:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Preparing for an interview
- Applying for a graduate vacancies or placements
- Connecting with employers and organisations
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
External time-lapse of the new Carnegie School of Sport building A new state-of-the-art building at our Headingley Campus, which will provide an iconic home for the Carnegie School of Sport.
Carnegie School of Sport Heritage We have a long history in sports education stretching back to 1933 and the prestigious Carnegie College of Physical Training. Today, alumni of this college and its successor institutions are leaders in national and international sport.
Carnegie School of Sport Lecture Theatres Dr Annette Stride talks through the features available in the lecture theatres at the Carnegie School of Sport.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed.
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
OPEN DAY
Join us for our Open Day and experience what student life at Leeds Beckett is all about.