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The leadership in practice module spans both semesters. Students are required to engage in a relevant industry setting for their professional development. This aims to provide the opportunity to reflect upon industry experiences in the context of their leadership and personal development. Rather than requiring a number of hours, engagement is demonstrated through the number of demonstrated reflections.
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This module develops students’ understanding of how we structure long-term individual and group development while considering the context and culture of that group. Whether a sporting or business group, students explore the coaching process and practice to support high performance.
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This module will equip students with the relevant skills, knowledge and understanding to collect and critically analyse evidence. This supports a greater understanding of published research, industry data and evidence-based problem-solving. This module also develops the skills required to conduct their independent project.
MA Leadership in Sport & Physical Activity (Distance Learning)
Master's Degree, Postgraduate, September 2025
The MA leadership in Sport & Physical Activity is a 1-year full-time, 2-year part-time distance learning course underpinned by work-based reflective practice.
The MA leadership in Sport & Physical Activity course is a response to the evolving sport and health industry. With the rapid increase in jobs within the sport sector and a greater focus on sustainable change in practice and culture, this programme aims to support students to lead the industry.
It will promote those looking to work, or engage in work placements, while studying. It will develop the knowledge and practical skills of leadership, innovation, and change management through scholarship and reflective practice.
This will allow career options and progression in careers such as, education, sport development, management, community leadership, and health.
- Flexible mode of teaching and learning
- Distance learning with in-person on-campus opportunities
- Focus on work-based learning
- Practical skills developed in the sport sector
- Independent project reflecting your passions and ambitions
- Authentic assessment for your setting and skills
- Distance learning means you can study at a schedule that suits you
- Materials and tasks will be posted online, to study at your convenience
- Live online events support your independent study
- Optional on-campus support is available throughout each semester
- Authentic assessments are underpinned by reflective practice and skill development.
- Assessments include presentations, videos, essays, portfolio development, and project reports.
- Sport development
- Educational lead
- Health and lifestyle lead
- Sports administration
- Director of sport
- Research
- PhD
Entry Requirements
Applicants normally require an undergraduate degree in a related sport and/or physical activity discipline with a 2:1. Normally, applicants with a good 2:2 with additional experience may be considered.
Applicants may additionally be required to attend interview or to submit a piece of written work as part of the application process.
Applicants seeking exemption from elements of the programme using accreditation of prior learning will be considered through the Birmingham Newman University APL and transfer processes.
Course Fees
The standard course fee, for September 2025/2026, is £9,500 per year.
Additional Costs
Work-based learning can include your current employment or voluntary activities. Some settings may require certification such as DBS, first aid, etc.
Modules
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Responding to industry needs, this module explores the leadership of sport and physical activity-related environments. Based on relevant leadership and mentoring models, students will consider their settings and the change they aspire to lead.
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Adopting an entrepreneurial mindset, this module considers the development, leadership, and management of sport and physical activity-based projects. Content includes aspects of problem identification, solution development, funding, and stakeholder engagement, and project sustainability.
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The independent project allows students to conduct a large independent project. This can be a research project (human or non-human participant studies) or an evaluation of a work-based project.