Ulster Sports Academy

Short Courses in Sports

WHO ARE THE COURSES AIMED AT?

  • The courses are aimed at anyone from 16+ years of age. There is no upper age limit
  • These courses are open to all, regardless of prior qualification or experience.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

  • Progression through short courses to attain your University Certificate in Personal and Professional Development (CPPD)
  • University of Ulster certification for all completed modules
  • Academic and professional advancement through a wide range of sports modules
  • Recognised at levels three and four on the National Qualifications and Credit Framework
  • Opportunity to benefit from higher education
  • Gain the skills and competencies that are required by employers
  • Allows for progression at own pace throughout chosen course/courses
  • A ccess to the University of Ulster learning resource centre.

WHAT ARE THE COURSES?

  • All courses are run by the University of Ulster’s Ulster Sports Academy.
  • The courses involve contact hours with expert tutors and also an element of self-directed learning.

They include:

SPORT PSYCHOLOGY FOR COACHES: Through a combination of lectures and practicals, the course uses both sport and mainstream psychology to increase the understanding of human behaviour in a sport setting. It examines the contribution of the mental aspect in sport including motivation, anxiety and stress, attention and concentration, mental imagery and working with teams.

DEVELOPING CHILDREN’S BASIC SPORT SKILLS: Focuses on the teaching and coaching of children’s fundamental movement patterns, core athletic skills and how these impact upon performance in a range of sporting activities. Students will learn the role of the coach/teacher in this development whilst learning how to help children progress.

GOOD PRACTICE IN CHILDREN’S SPORT: Provides a fundamental understanding of good practice in the management and organisation of children’s sport. The Sport Northern Ireland course ‘Safe Guarding Children and Young People in Sport’ will run as part of this module.

OFFICIATING IN ATHLETICS: With over 20 different forms of athletics, each with its own rules and regulations, students will develop an appreciation of how to officiate in all track and field events as well as being trained as officials for both cross country and road race competitions. Whilst additional safe practice training and experience in real practical settings is provided.

SPORTS EVENT MANAGEMENT: The events industry has the potential to attract very large audiences and interest from across the community. This module introduces students to the discipline, examines the nature and scope of events, revises the business of planning a sporting event.

SPORTS COACHING: Students engage in specific activities to improve their coaching abilities. The module examines techniques, tactics and skills whilst relating theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

SPORTS LEADERSHIP: Individuals seeking to work in a community setting will develop the skills and competencies needed to lead sport and physical activity. The course will enhance the ability to lead sport specific activities and the planning and implementation of events, contributing to the social and physical development of people of all ages.

INTRODUCTION TO STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING FOR COACHES: The practical nature of strength and conditioning with its supporting scientific theories provide an exciting and varied area of study. The module, both theoretical and practical, provides an introduction to the knowledge, skills and abilities required by strength and conditioning coaches.

INTRODUCTION TO APPLIED PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS: Effective coaching and service support requires an understanding of performance analysis which can help improve all levels of performance. This course will develop an understanding of the basic performance analysis and recording systems. It will also develop a capacity to recognise and measure key performance indicators and present data in an appropriate and assessable manner.

Integration and Good Relations through Sport and Physical Activity: This module will focus on the student gaining an understanding of how sport and physical activity can act as a medium to improve integration and establish positive relations.

Contact

Mr Jim Lowther
Lecturer in Sports Development and Coaching
Room 15C05
Ulster Sports Academy
University of Ulster
Jordanstown campus
Shore Road Newtownabbey
Co. Antrim BT37 0QB
028 90366474
j.lowther@ulster.ac.uk