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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Sports Studies (Top-Up)
Progress from foundation or HND level study to a degree in sports studies on this top-up course. You’ll explore a wide range of sports contexts to help tailor your career choices.
Course Overview
-
C606 -
L27 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Full-Time -
1 Year -
12 Sep 2022
You’ll be able to tailor your study to suit your career ambitions, depending on your previous experience and learning.
You’ll meet with your course leader and personal tutor during induction week to choose your specific area of study. You’ll be able to focus on one of the following areas:
- Sports coaching
- Physical Education
- Physical Education with outdoor education
- Physical activity & health
- Sport development
- Sport business
- Sports marketing
- Sports Science
You’ll have the opportunity to refine your expertise and top-up your qualification to a degree through this course, with just one year of additional study. Preparing you for career success is central to this course and we’ll give you the skills to enhance your employability.
Tailoring your study
With a choice of learning routes, we’ll help you choose the best options for you. The opportunity to personalise your course to meet your skills and career aspirations will help to set you on a strong career path.
Teaching expertise
Our staff are experts in their field, so you can be sure of high-quality sport teaching in your chosen area.
Additional training
You can also can boost your CV by gaining nationally recognised sporting qualifications such as UK Coaching Certificates and gym and personal trainer, both available at the University.
Why study Sports Studies at Leeds Beckett University...
- Top-up your qualification to a degree with just one year of additional study
- Sport volunteering opportunities, which have previously included the Olympics, World Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games
- Expert teaching staff
- Study in our new £45m state-of-the-art Carnegie School of Sport building
BSc (Hons) Sport Studies - Costas Tsakirides Leeds Beckett lecturer Costas talks about the Sports Studies Top Up course
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
Applicants should have a HND, Foundation degree or equivalent award in the cognate subject of Sport achieving 60% merits in the final year. You should also hold GCSE grade C or above in English Language and Maths or equivalent awards. 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.
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
Applicants should have a HND, Foundation degree or equivalent award in the cognate subject of Sport achieving 60% merits in the final year. You should also hold GCSE grade C or above in English Language and Maths or equivalent awards. 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.
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.
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.
Applicants should have a HND, Foundation degree or equivalent award in the cognate subject of Sport achieving 60% merits in the final year. You should also hold GCSE grade C or above in English Language and Maths or equivalent awards. 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.
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
By studying a range of sports topics such as those in a science, cultural or management context, you will be able to move your career forward in a variety of sport or physical activity settings.
What you'll learn
This module will support the early engagement in and development of self-regulatory, study, research and employability skills.
Undertake an extended and largely independent piece of work that demonstrates research skills, critical thinking and an awareness of ethical methodological approaches to study.
Through directed learning and in-field experiential tasks, you will critically evaluate the use of the outdoors as a mechanism for personal growth and holistic development of a variety of client groups.
Work in small groups to independently plan and implement an independent outdoor journey of at least two nights and three days appropriate to the group skills, experience and ability.
Develop and apply an advanced theoretical knowledge of sport and community development through the evaluation of a practical case study.
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'.
Study contemporary issues in sport governance across a variety of sport business contexts. Your studies will take a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on policy, law, sociology and relevant research, beginning with theories and models of governance. You will also critically examine areas such as corruption in sport, whistleblowing, international anti-doping governance.
Develop a deep understanding of how sport has become a global phenomenon. You will draw upon your existing knowledge and skills to unpick the historical, geopolitical, economic, technological, media, and ideological drivers to sport globalisation. You will learn how to make informed decisions when developing global strategies within sport business.
Learn to utilise business intelligence in evidence-based decision-making to create competitive advantage. You will analyse big data on customers, participants, fans, spectators and viewers and you will understand how to identify methods to improve efficiency and financial performance.
Develop a critical understanding and awareness of contemporary sport branding issues and practices. You will study the role of brands, the concept of brand equity and the advantages of creating strong brands in sport, and you will explore the range of alternative branding strategies available to the sport's marketer, and the different approaches to measuring brand effectiveness.
Explore the variety of digital analytics and metrics that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of sport marketing campaigns, and the metrics available to measure a range of different platforms including web, mobile, and social media like Facebook and Twitter.
Study the strategic marketing planning process and critically evaluate a range of theoretical planning models and metrics. You will explore how to develop a marketing strategy for a sport/leisure organisation.
Option modules may include
Prepare yourself for head coaching roles, where you are likely to be tasked with developing, and delivering against, a performance model and long-term plan for a squad, athlete or entire programme.
Consider the impact of context and coach behaviour on the performer, and identify ways to promote the development of well-being, personal skills, and resilience in performers via the creation of positive performance environments.
Apply a number of threshold concepts relating to the analysis of coaching practice, curriculum design and planning in a primary school PE context. You will develop analysis tools to review current practices adopted in Key Stage 1 and or Key Stage 2 physical education. The review will also include a critical analysis of existing learning and teaching resources.
Draw on, and blend knowledge from, each of the strands of the degree to make effective and informed decisions relating to your coaching practice.
Study the who/what/how model of coaching in the specific coaching context of community coaching. You will focus on populations who could be deemed as being underserved by current access (e.g., location), availability (e.g., economic cost), and expertise (e.g., coaching) in physical activity.
Gain a socio-cultural understanding of the nature of contemporary policy and practice in physical education and youth sport. You will engage with the critical evaluation and analysis of physical education and youth sport within schools and the broader community.
Gain an understanding of special educational needs (SEN) and disability within physical education and learn to assist with its delivery in a school environment.
Develop your understanding and awareness of the role of physical activity for at risk populations. You will experience physical activity and how it might support various at risk populations and develop your critical understanding of how to design, implement and evaluate interventions.
Advance your knowledge of two teaching models, Sport Education and Cooperative Learning, within practical contexts. You will consider the learning theories that underpin these models, and apply these theoretical principles in practice.
Draw together the three subject strands within the degree, science, intervention and application. You will develop your understanding and critical evaluation of local, national and international physical activity and health policy, guidance and scientific research. You will then critically apply your learning in the design, implementation and evaluation of an intervention to promote physical activity to a specific target population within young people.
Build upon your understanding and critical evaluation of local, national and international physical activity, exercise and health policy, guidance and scientific research. You will critically apply their learning in the design, implementation and evaluation of an intervention targeted at the meso and macro level to promote physical activity, exercise and health to a specific target population.
Critically explore and understand a variety of contemporary health issues (HIV, Aids, Cancer, Eating Disorders, Schizophrenia, Dementia, Osteoporosis and Neurological Diseases) and review the prevalent medical and physical treatments prescribed for these conditions.
Develop a critical understanding of the differing demands of athletic events and learn how this knowledge influences the approach to performance evaluation and monitoring.
Explore how psychological and ethical principles inform interventions for individual performers and sports teams.
Critically apply your knowledge and skills to examine conditions and situations that impose nutritional challenges to the maintenance of nutritional status.
Understand the synergy between biomechanics, nutrition, physiology and psychology, in order to develop training programmes that enhance physical performance. You will analyse the needs of different events and sporting movements, as well as the needs of different populations. You will also assess and use a variety of measurement processes in order to determine performance levels.
Develop an understanding of the structure and function of biological materials and their response to external loading. You will explore the underlying factors in health and sports injury, including postural stability, individual differences and external risk factors.
Fees & Funding
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Fees & Funding
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet 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
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you will need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs
Optional Costs
- 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.
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
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you will need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs
Optional Costs
- 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 Sports Studies provision allows students from a variety of backgrounds to choose exactly which degree to finish their undergraduate journey with. They can select final year studies in pathways such as physical education, coaching, health, sport science, business and marketing to specialise their skills and aim towards a career suitable for them.
Jamie French
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.
91.2%
of students from Carnegie School of Sport courses in work or further study 15 months after graduating.
Carnegie School of Sport employability event at Elland Road Stadium Carnegie School of Sport and Elland Road teamed up to host our 2019 event highlighting the importance of employability as a student. Students take part in interactive activities as well as Q&A sessions with sports professionals and Leeds Beckett University alumni.
Career Prospects
We will help you identify your strengths and develop the skills, knowledge and experience required to fast track your way to your chosen career. You will enhance your CV by getting involved in sporting and volunteering activities, and you will have the opportunity to study for a variety of nationally recognised coaching qualifications.
- Sport Coach
- Leisure Development Officer
- Community Sports Leader
- PE Teacher
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.
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.
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
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.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed.
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