NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
1.
Programme or Pathway Title, and Award
2.
External Admissions Code if applicable
3.
Northumbria Programme Code
Full-time: 14FSPS-N/ISP6 (12 months) Part-time: 14PSPS-N/ISP6
4.
Mode of Delivery
On Site

5.
Mode of Attendance
Full Time

M.Sc. International Sport Management

Distance Learning
Distance Delivery
Sandwich
Part Time

12 mths
6.
7.
Location of Delivery
Collaborative Provision if applicable
Northumbria
Franchised


Partner Institution
36 mths
Other UK please specify
Overseas please specify
Hong Kong
Validated
Joint
Dual
University of Hong Kong, School of Professional and Continuing
Education (HKU SPACE)
8.
Date(s) of Approval/ Review
9.
QAA Subject Benchmark Group if applicable
10.
PSRB accreditation if applicable
11.
Educational Aims of the Programme Specified in terms of the general intentions of the programme and its distinctive characteristics; these should be consistent
Validated 9 December 2008, updated 25 June 2012, updated 6 March 2013
Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism
The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity accreditation
(pending)
with any relevant benchmark and with the Mission of the University.
The main aim of the programme is to provide a basis for career development into, or through, the sport management profession. There is particular
emphasis on developing a critical knowledge of sport management from an international perspective by exposure to theoretical developments and
challenges, and development of core vocationally relevant managerial skills through experiential professional practice. The programme includes the
study of strategic planning and key management functions in the delivery of sporting goods and services. More specifically, students evaluate and
apply vocationally relevant concepts associated with the operational and strategic management of financial, human and physical resources in sport,
sport marketing, and sport events. The taught phase of the programme culminates in a field visit to an international sports organisation. The curriculum
reflects academic and professional developments in the sport industry, academic staff expertise and research and the key knowledge and
competencies required by the professional body the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) at postgraduate
level. The design of the course reflects market research undertaken by the Division of Sport Sciences which included practitioner involvement in
developing and writing the modules. The core and option modules reflect the key themes required for becoming a practicing professional in the global
sports industry.
Following consultation with the professional body it is expected that CIMSPA will recognise the vocational relevance of the programme by exemption
for their professional qualification scheme.
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
12.
How Students are Supported in their Learning/Employability/Career Development eg curriculum design, personal development plans, placements,
fieldwork, and practical projects.
During a comprehensive induction, students are introduced to the programme, administrative procedures and the support services available within the
Department and University. The induction includes sessions on: programme details, expectations and demands of MSc level work, learning resources,
ICT, electronic communications, administrative procedures, study skills and support systems, including guidance tutoring. Each student is allocated a
guidance tutor from the programme of study to support them on a personal basis via a structured tutorial process and the monitoring of individual
progress. Guidance tutorials are scheduled for all students twice a year and staff indicate their weekly availability for tutorials by placing a list outside
their doors. The Personal Development Plan process encourages students to reflect on their experiences, identify strengths and weaknesses, and set
personal goals for the forthcoming portion of the academic programme. Students are supported in their personal and professional development by the
Personal Development Plan process and in particular within modules offering experiential learning opportunities. This process helps students to reflect
on their key skills and demonstrate international sport management competencies with evidence. Students are supported through their programme and
option module selection process by advisory events including tutorials with their personal tutor.
The curriculum is designed so that students cover the management sub-disciplines in semester 1, followed by the multi-disciplinary focus on sport
events and an optional vocationally related specialism in semester 2. Throughout the programme there is a focus on critical discussion, analysis and
problem solving. The experiential elements offered in modules provide an opportunity for students to apply knowledge and understanding of practice,
and to reflect on and analyse such practice in sport organisations. Students also complete an independent research study, which involves conceptual
problematisation, methodological design and application in order to place their research within the existing literature and in an applied sport
organisation context.
Assessments are typically linked with real life sports organisations and projects. Staff utilise their network of sports organisations to enable students to
develop contacts for assessment projects and applied experiential opportunities. Students undertake a field visit in semester 2 that enables applied
international sports management experience within a sports organisation focused upon the operational management of sports facilities and/or at sports
events. The Department holds a database of organisations that have previously assisted students for applied learning tasks. Many of the assessments
within modules, and case studies from guest practitioners, provide students with the opportunity to address real-life problem scenarios that often
involve community links.
The Department’s Careers Programme is run with assistance from the University Careers Service. Students are encouraged to begin career planning
at an early stage and are able to attend Departmental and/or University career events. Particular examples include the use of visiting lecturers,
employability fairs, links with the Careers Centre and opportunities for liaison with outside organisations. A number of personal development exercises
are designed to help students think about, for example, their strengths, weaknesses, personal qualities and suitable work environments. Students are
given advice on researching the job market and professional skills through guidance tutorials and through the support offered when establishing
contacts with sports organisations for applied learning opportunities. Additionally, careers information, job and research opportunities are displayed on
a Departmental notice-board.
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
13.
Learning Outcomes of Programme Specified in terms of performance capabilities to be shown on completion of the programme/pathway. Please
identify numerically to correspond to the map of learning outcomes in section 18.
a) Knowledge and Understanding
1. Critically discuss the concept and key functions of International Sport Management (e.g. Sport Marketing, Resource Management, Sport Events
etc.);
2. Analyse strategy and operations in sports organisations, within UK, Europe and internationally;
3. Analyse and evaluate organisational structures and design in sports organisations;
4. Develop a critical understanding of organisational behaviour and practice in sports organisations from different countries;
5. Critically discuss management of resources in international sports organisations;
6. Develop a critical awareness of ethical, environmental and legal issues, which underpin International Sport Management;
7. Analyse and synthesise the theoretical and practical basis of sport marketing;
8. Critically evaluate International Sport Management research – key methods and implications for practice;
9. Demonstrate a critical understanding of International Sport Management through applied practice at a sports event.
b) Intellectual Skills
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Apply the skills needed for academic International Sport Management study and an enquiry based approach to learning;
Critically assess factors that impact on sports organisations and the management of sport in an international context;
Identify and analyse the interrelationships between International Sport Management theory and practice;
Analyse, interpret and evaluate research evidence underpinning the practices employed within International Sport Management field;
Demonstrate skills of reflection and critical analysis to International Sport Management issues emerging from practice.
c) Practical Skills
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Undertake effective professional practice within an international sports organisation;
Be flexible and responsive to the complex and changing nature of international sports organisations and their users;
Work effectively as a member of a sport consultancy service;
Employ strategic planning skills in the design and execution of practical sports activities using appropriate techniques and procedures;
Make informed, well-considered professional judgements based on evidence.
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
d) Transferable/Key Skills
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
14.
Manage and apply intellect;
Critically analyse and evaluate reflectively;
Manage self; time management; set priorities and work independently;
Work well with others, building, maintaining and improving relationships, making positive contributions to teams;
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
Understand and use information technology for learning and professional practice;
Apply skills in numeracy and mathematical reasoning;
Engage in sustained independent project work.
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy Specified to enable learners to achieve and demonstrate the above learning outcomes.
The programme is designed to ensure alignment of learning outcomes, delivery methods and assessment practice. Each module descriptor explicitly
states the link between stated learning outcomes and the assessment of the outcomes. Assessment types include oral and poster presentations,
essays, applied reports, and research reports designed to address the learning outcomes. Formative assessment opportunities are offered throughout
the programme via, for example, seminar activities that enable immediate feedback and directed tasks which are responded to in follow-up sessions.
Formative feedback opportunities are also provided through peer assessment of in-class activities. Student achievement is assessed through reference
to a generic grade descriptor in the student handbook, adapted to specific module needs, with specific marking criteria identified within each module
outline. The programme includes a range of delivery methods, such as lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, experiential visits, directed and
independent learning, and includes the use of e-learning as a supportive mechanism through the University e-learning portal. The portal supports
learning through provision of learning materials, plus opportunities for interaction through use of discussion boards and wikis.
a. Knowledge and Understanding
To ensure academic knowledge is linked with practice, an integrative enquiry based approach will be used based around a variety of international sport
management situations. Module content will be outlined in terms of the ongoing key theories, themes and practice in sport management. The modules
provide a rational framework for the process of mapping and monitoring academic and professional learning. A range of learning and teaching methods
will be used including workshops, simulations, case studies, presentations and seminar discussions. Students will undertake activities that promote
independent reading, information gathering and the linking of theory to practice. Assessments will be in the form of essays, applied reports, research
reports and oral and poster presentations demonstrating theory/practice integration. Assessment, where appropriate, reflects industry practice and
presents an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in applied settings.
b. Intellectual Skills
Students will integrate theory and practice, and develop international sport management knowledge and skills related to their specific areas of practice
(e.g. sport marketing, sport resources and sport events). A range of learning and teaching methods will be used to promote the transfer of prior
experience and learning from across the sports industry and the achievement of competence in both theory and practice. Methods will include seminar
discussions, opportunities for reflection, presentations and simulations. Assessment will require students to demonstrate how key international sport
management issues have been developed, analysed and synthesised, including the ability to reflect on practice and make professional judgements.
Independent project work will assess intellectual development in terms of the presentation of ideas based on an evaluation of wider reading, critical
analysis of issues and the exploration and integration of theoretical and practice based knowledge.
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
c. Practical Skills
The practical experience includes time spent at an international sport organisation. A designated host organisation will enable the development of key
applied skills. A wide variety of learning and teaching methods will be used to encourage personal and professional development. These may include
shadowing staff, use of portfolios, reflection meetings with a tutor and sports organisation. Learning will be enhanced through the introduction to, and
rehearsal of, practice-based skills when undertaking consultancy activity for an international sports organisation. Assessment will be through practice
reports, which will include evidence of the competencies achieved.
d. Transferable/Key Skills
All learning and teaching strategies are geared towards developing these skills (e.g. plan and manage learning, written tasks and assessments,
problem solving strategies, working with others, applying numeracy, and professional practice). Assessments and reflective reviews in academic and
professional practice settings will provide ongoing verbal and written feedback. Action plans (via Personal Development Plans) identifying areas for
development will be drawn up by students and discussed with guidance tutors. IT skills will be developed through web-based learning and the elearning portal. Professional practice assessment will enable students to develop their ability to self-appraise and reflect on the work undertaken.
15.
Programme Structure Diagrams can also be used to demonstrate the structure. Possible stages/awards are indicated; please delete rows as required with
reference to section 8 of the Assessment Regulations for Northumbria Awards.
Programme Structure
Credit Requirements
Level 7
Postgraduate
Certificate
stage
Core Modules (60 credits)
SP0713 Strategic Management in Sport (20 credits)
SP0715 The Sport Marketing Process (20 credits)
SP0710 International Resource Management for Sport (20 credits)
Pg Certificate International Sport Management
awarded for 60 credits on exit as follows:
Students must successfully complete 20 credits
from the PG Cert Core Modules (SP0713,
SP0715, SP0710) plus a further 40 credits
Level 7
Postgraduate
Diploma
stage
Core Module (40 credits)
SP0711 International Sport Event Management (20 credits)
SP0714 The Research Process (20 credits)
Pg Diploma International Sport Management:
awarded for 120 credits on exit.
Core Options (20 credits) from:
SP0709 Integrated Sport Marketing Communications (20 credits)
SP0702 Sports Development in Contemporary Society (20 credits)
Level 7
MSc. stage
16.
Core Module (60 credits)
SP0708 Applied Sport Research Project (60 credits)
Students must successfully complete the 120
credit taught programme (PG Dip) to be eligible
to progress to the Masters stage.
MSc International Sport Management Degree:
awarded for 180 credits.
Interim Awards Credit Structure and Programme Learning Outcomes for Interim Awards. Please delete rows as appropriate and specify learning outcomes for each
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
of the interim awards.
Award
Credit Structure
Programme Learning Outcomes May be completed with reference to
section 13
Postgraduate
Certificate
60 credits. Max 20 at level 6; min 40 at level 7.
Knowledge & Understanding
 A1 A2 A8
Intellectual Skills
 B1 B2 B3 B4
Practical Skills
 C2 C4 C5
Transferable/ Key Skills
 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6
Postgraduate
Diploma
120 credits. Max 30 at level 6; min 90, max 120 at
level 7.
Knowledge & Understanding
 A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7
Intellectual Skills
 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5
Practical Skills
 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
Transferable/ Key Skills
 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7
17.
Variation From Assessment Regulations Provide details of any approved variations from the standard University regulations.
The programme will follow standard University regulations.
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
18.
Mapping of Learning Outcomes
This section shows how the individual modules (with module learning outcomes as written in the module descriptor) together contribute to programme learning
outcomes. It should be presented as a matrix of programme learning outcomes (as identified numerically in section 13), against modules. Where a module contributes
to a programme learning outcome it should be flagged. Standard practice will be for a single symbol to indicate a learning outcome is addressed in the module. See
guidance notes for discussion of alternative practices.
MODULE
Core/
option
a) Knowledge & Understanding
1
2
3
4
5
C
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C
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C
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6
7
8
b) Intellectual Skills
9
1
2
3
4
5

c) Practical Skills
1
2
3
4
d) Transferable Key Skills
5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Level 7
Strategic
Management
in Sport
The Sport
Marketing
Process
International
Resource
Management
for Sport
The Research
Process
International
Sport Event
Management
Integrated
Sport
Marketing
Communicatio
ns
Sports
Development
in
Contemporary
Society
Applied Sport
Research
Project
19.
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C
C
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O
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O
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C
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Admission Requirements Please give details of specific programme requirements.

NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Standard Offer (Year 1, Semester 1)
Degree: A second class honours degree or better in sport, sport sciences, physical education, recreation management or a sport/leisure related course.
Professional Experience: Where no first degree in sport, experience in Sport Management / Management (3-5 years) and a commitment to sport (e.g. sustained
involvement as an administrator, player, coach or official) will be sought.
Overseas: English language competency, equivalent to TOEFL/IELTS of 525/6.5
Admission with Advanced Standing (entry point after Year 1, Semester 1)
Students can apply for entry with advanced standing (APEL or APL) if they have previously completed relevant industry-based experience or have
successfully studied level 7 modules from another institution provided the learning outcomes match those being exempted from the current programme.
20.
Application Procedure The appropriate procedure should be indicated.
Students will apply directly to Northumbria in line with normal University procedures (either on line or hard copy).
All applications are processed between October and July for the following year.
LOG OF CHANGES
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
2.
3
1
Changes to Sections 11,12 15,16 and 18
to change the credit structure for PG Cert
and to reduce the number of PLO’s. New
professional body also added.
Change to programme structure with the
change of delivery of modules
Inclusion of franchise partner
ISP6
MSc International Sport
Management
CA
25/06/12
Y
All
2011/1
2
ISP6
MSc International Sport
Management
MSc International Sport
Management
CA
01/05/13
September
2013
Y
All
2013/4
Y
All
2014/1
5
ISP6
Administrative changes are defined in section of Approval Processes for Taught Programmes and Modules
http://northumbria.ac.uk/sd/central/ar/lts/approval/
Change takes
effect
eg
S2;05/06
Programme title(s)
Date of
approval /
amendment
Programme
code(s)
affected by
change
Stage/yea
r of
program
me
eg
Year 3
Semester/
academic
year
1.
Brief summary of change to Programme
Specification
(including section number)
Admin
change1
Y/N
Any changes made to an approved Programme Specification (other than typographical corrections) should be logged below and the sheet
appended to the Programme Specification. Subsequent changes can then be added. Where it is not practicable to change an existing
Programme Specification, a new version is required.
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Appendix 1 Programme Delivery Supplement
The Delivery Supplement should be completed and attached to the approved Programme Specification when:
 The approved programme is offered by franchise or
 An additional mode of delivery is proposed
1.
Northumbria Programme Title and Route Code
MSc International Sport Management – FT: 14FSPS-N/ISP6 (12 months) PT: 14PSPS-N/ISP6
2.
Mode(s) of Delivery
Classroom-based
X
Distance Learning
Blended
3.
Mode(s) of Attendance
Full Time
X
Sandwich
Part Time
X
Other please specify
4.
Partner Institution
The University of Hong Kong, School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE)
5.
Location(s) of Delivery
HKUSPACE Centre at United Centre, Admiralty
6.
Proportion of distance delivery in programme
Not applicable
7.
Date(s) of Approval
UNN validated 9 December 2008, updated 25 June 2012, updated 6 March 2013
8.
Professional Accreditation
Not applicable
9.
Programme Structure Please indicate any differences from main delivery e.g. restricted options. A diagram should be attached to demonstrate the
programme structure for this delivery.
The franchised programme consists of 180 credits over two semesters (FT) or three semesters (PT) as outlined in the table below. Consultation took
place between HKU SPACE and Northumbria teaching staff to confirm the programme curricular. As a result, students will not have an option to
choose specific modules due the need to achieve QAA subject benchmarks and to maximise resources and efficiency at both institutes.
Students who successfully pass all 60 credits of semester 2 (FT) and 2 and 3 (PT) will be entitled to a Postgradute Diploma of Higher Education in
International Sport Management should they exit at this stage. The learning outcomes for this award are:
A1. Critically discuss the concept and key functions of International Sport Management (e.g. Sport Marketing, Resource Management, Sport Events
etc.);
A2. Analyse strategy and operations in sports organisations, within UK, Europe and internationally;
A3. Analyse and evaluate organisational structures and design in sports organisations;
A4. Develop a critical understanding of organisational behaviour and practice in sports organisations from different countries;
A5. Critically discuss management of resources in international sports organisations;
A6. Develop a critical awareness of ethical, environmental and legal issues, which underpin International Sport Management;
A7. Analyse and synthesise the theoretical and practical basis of sport marketing;
NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
A8. Critically evaluate International Sport Management research – key methods and implications for practice;
A9. Demonstrate a critical understanding of International Sport Management through applied practice at a sports event.
B1. Apply the skills needed for academic International Sport Management study and an enquiry based approach to learning;
B2. Critically assess factors that impact on sports organisations and the management of sport in an international context;
B3. Identify and analyse the interrelationships between International Sport Management theory and practice;
B4. Analyse, interpret and evaluate research evidence underpinning the practices employed within International Sport Management field;
B5. Demonstrate skills of reflection and critical analysis to International Sport Management issues emerging from practice.
C1. Undertake effective professional practice within an international sports organisation;
C2. Be flexible and responsive to the complex and changing nature of international sports organisations and their users;
C3. Work effectively as a member of a sport consultancy service;
C4. Employ strategic planning skills in the design and execution of practical sports activities using appropriate techniques and procedures;
C5. Make informed, well-considered professional judgements based on evidence.
D1. Manage and apply intellect;
D2. Critically analyse and evaluate reflectively;
D3. Manage self; time management; set priorities and work independently;
D4. Work well with others, building, maintaining and improving relationships, making positive contributions to teams;
D5. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
D6. Understand and use information technology for learning and professional practice;
D7. Apply skills in numeracy and mathematical reasoning;
D8. Engage in sustained independent project work.