During this module, you will complete a placement within a sport, exercise or health related organisation, applying academic knowledge and understanding to real-world professional practice. You will develop a critical understanding of how sport organisations operate, including their structures, functions, and relationships with stakeholders. As you progress with your placement, you will set learning goals, engage with professional standards, and apply theory in areas relevant to the business of the employer, and specific role being undertaken in the organisation. You will reflect on your experiences using recognised models, evaluating your learning and identifying areas for future development.

You will be asked to select one of the two assessment options listed above. Through either assessment, you will:

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the organisation’s operations, structures, and functions by analysing their placement experience in context. This includes exploring organisational processes, decision-making frameworks, and professional cultures, thereby addressing Learning Outcome 1.

Effectively communicate their insights either in written academic prose (journal) or an industry-relevant audio format (podcast), aligning with current professional communication standards.

Critically reflect on personal and professional learning by evaluating their performance, challenges faced, and key development areas throughout the placement, directly addressing Learning Outcome 2.

Identify future development needs and articulate how their experiences have informed their career aspirations or skill-building priorities.

The assessment meets both Learning Outcome 1 and 2.

The placement will be supported by a supervisor who will support and guide you as you undertake your placement.

The placement is not defined by a set number of hours, but by the quality of the learning experience it provides and the meaningful engagement it offers within a professional sport, exercise, or health context.

Whilst students will need to secure their own placement, the university careers team can help and support you in finding a placement, as well as when you are undertaking your placement.

You will be provided with an opportunity to share reflective entries and engage in discussion with peers and your allocated supervisor, supported by an interactive digital tool designed to facilitate the reflection and review of formative assessment contributions.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required (or international equivalent based on nationality), depending on the specific placement.

This module builds on the experiential and simulated learning developed in previous modules by enabling you to apply that knowledge in a real-world sport, exercise, or health-related placement. During the placement, you will receive structured academic support and guidance from the module tutor/placement supervisor, amounting to 12 hours of formalised learning and support.

Demonstrate critical understanding of the operations, structures, and functions of the organisation, effectively communicating insights into its professional practices and contexts.

Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Reflection

Critically reflect on and evaluate personal and professional learning gained during the placement, identifying future development needs and presenting findings in an appropriate academic or industry-relevant format.

Analysis,Problem Solving, Reflection

The University of Staffordshire Library and learning resources

Blackboard VLE

While you are encouraged to explore and engage with literature relevant to your specific placement role and experiences, the two texts listed below provide a strong foundation to support your learning and professional development during your work placement...

Hoye, R., Smith, A., Nicholson, M., Stewart, B. & Westerbeek, H., 2018. Sport Management: Principles and Applications, 5th edn. Routledge, London, U.K.

Collins, C. &¿Higgins, R., 2021. The Student Placement Handbook: A Guide for Students on Health and Social Care Placements, 2nd ed. Routledge, London, U.K.

Step Into the Sport Industry: Where Your Career Begins!

Ready to turn your passion for sport into real world impact? This placement module gives you the opportunity to gain hands on experience with a professional sport, exercise or health related organisation, from elite clubs and governing bodies to community development programmes and commercial ventures. You will dive into the heart of the industry, applying your academic learning to practical challenges and gaining the kind of insight you cannot get from a textbook. Whether you are on the field, behind the scenes, or leading from the front, you will develop critical skills, reflect on your progress, and shape a clear path toward your future career. By the end of this module, you will not just understand how the sport industry works- you will know where you fit in.