Access to an appropriately specified PC, with accompanying Word, PowerPoint, Adobe and Java software
Access to Journal Articles
Access to Text Books

During this module students will complete small scale vocationally relevant projects allowing them to demonstrate developing work based knowledge and skills. This will be outside of normal contact hours and will be largely independently driven work.

Students will follow a thirty week guided study programme and access support material via the college VLE. The module will consist of 3 hours per week.

The module will include:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (90 hours) (3 hours X 30 weeks)
2 hours taught
1 hour seminar discussion per week

Guided Independent Study(210 hours)
60 hours background reading
60 hours assessment planning
90 hours assessment writing

Content will include;
- Research methodologies
- Ethical concerns when researching
- Appropriate research design
- Data collection and analysis
- Develop skills in accessing and evaluating research materials in order to inform academic writing and practice
- Develop skills in writing within an academic context

The module will culminate in the completion of a small scale research project in agreement and with support of the module leader.

Assessment 1: 10-15 min Presentation [LO1&2]
The presentation is of a proposal for an investigation into a specific area of sports development and /or coaching. This proposal should include; working title, literature review, proposed aims and objectives, proposed methodology and ethical issues.

Assessment 2: 1500 word report [LO3] and 500 word reflection [LO4].
The report should contain a brief review of appropriate literature, a logical statement of the aim of the investigation based upon the literature, key findings, discussion and conclusions. The reflection should detail how conducting the investigation has contributed towards your academic development, reflecting upon your own academic skills. This reflection will contribute towards the Employability attribute of the Staffordshire Graduate portfolio.

Bell J (2005) Doing your research project. London: Open University Press.
Gratton, C. and Jones, S. (2009) Research Methods for Sport Studies. London: Routledge.
Magdalinski, T. (2013). Study skills for sports studies. London: Routledge.
Smith, A. And Waddington, I. (2013). Doing small world research in sports studies. London: Routledge.