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BSc (Hons) Golf Coaching + Performance (Top-up)

About the course

The course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. The course offers a fast-track route to achieving an Honours Degree, for students holding a golf-related Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma. The course provides an excellent coaching and performance-based golf programme, which is designed to equip students with an understanding of the science and practice of golf coaching and performance. There are two main areas within golf coaching - one at community/club level and the other at an elite level. The two main areas of performance are elite level based: firstly, with a focus on conditioning – both the mental and physical aspects, and secondly, the scientific considerations within sports performance e.g. nutrition, anatomy & physiology and biomechanics.

To assist in the delivery of the modules and the development of students' golf skills the College has a number of fantastic facilities. These include: a 9 hole golf course, a driving range, video analysis equipment, biomechanics RS Footscan, Science & Motion putting lab, Flightscope, Trackman, K-Vest, Indoor Golf Academy, Sports Centre and Fitness Suite, putting and chipping areas, and golf simulators (including GC2).

Six modules are studied, allowing for analysis of coaching and performance issues underpinning golf. There are three compulsory modules plus a choice from optional modules. There will be opportunities for independent study in the form of a project. If you choose the latter, you will then complete all optional modules to meet credit requirements. An ethos of career planning and development runs through the curriculum, in order to develop employability and prepare students for a successful career in the UK or overseas.

The course is designed twofold: firstly, to enable students to have the skills and knowledge to coach at elite levels or within a community based context. Secondly, for students to deliver performance based elements of golf at an elite level. Students will have the opportunity to develop their coaching and performance based skills working with the College's Elite Golf Squads and Golf Academy members.

It should be noted that to succeed on this course it is not a pre requisite to be a low handicap golfer. However, a strong interest in both golf coaching and performance, with a desire to improve others and your own game is important. This will be assessed as part of the application process.

Course modules

Year 1

High Performance Conditioning for Golf

This module aims to integrate aspects of sport psychology and sports conditioning into the golf coaching process. Its aim is to provide the golf coach/performance specialist with increased armoury for maximising success in competition through an increased awareness of mental preparation techniques and optimising the physical condition of the golfer.

Science at Elite Level Golf (Option)

The module will equip students with an understanding of the scientific considerations at elite level golf. The physiological, biomechanical and nutritional considerations and their application to elite performance is studied.

Golf Research Project (Double module Option)

The project will enable the student to research a golf specific area in detail. The Tutor will guide the student as to suitable topics and enable them to find sources of information. The project might be in a particular specialism that the student wishes to progress to upon graduation.

Golf Research Project (Option)

The aim of the Golf Research Project is to provide an opportunity for students to study a topic of their own choice which is related to their substantive areas of study.

High Performance Coaching for Golf

This module aims to develop the principles and skills of golf coaching and apply them to high performance settings. It aims to engage the student in critical discussion regarding issues of competitive coaching settings and the management of high performance environments within golf.

Golf Industry Consultancy

This module aims to consolidate personal competencies in a wide range of areas associated with work activity and practice in order to ensure an effective transition from higher education to work. It will include: to maintain a commitment to continuing professional development which will continue beyond the requirements of the course into the work situation as a career skill, to ensure an effective job search has been undertaken in order to match personal skills, abilities and achievements with potential career paths and employers; to provide opportunities for students to further develop transferable skills for an effective role in the workplace.

Coaching Specific Golf Groups (Option)

The module aims to demonstrate the potential variation in golf participants, and how these variations affect the coaching and training of the participants. The module focuses on a variety of physical disabilities as well as children, the elderly and the female performers.

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject or 2 years (one at Level 4 and the other at Level 5) of Honours Degree work in a related discipline achieved at 'pass' standard or above. Applicants with alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively. Applicants must also produce evidence of successfully completing a research based module at level 5.

Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.

All offers may be subject to successful interview

Learning and assessment

Learning Environment:

Students will be exposed to a variety of learning environments including lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions. They will have access to up to date ICT, analysis and sports science equipment.

Students are expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support lectures, seminars and assessments. Group work and group presentations form an important part of the course. Students will have access to specialist IT hardware and software, an on-line learning environment and reference facility.

Assessment:

Students will face a variety of assessments including essays, reports, multimedia presentations, mini projects practical coaching sessions, coaching review, and reports, performance profile, oral defence, case studies, portfolios and posters.

What work experience can I get?

Students will have opportunities to build their experiences during project work and across all modules within the programme. Many assessments take a vocational approach and students have the opportunity to work with on-site PGA Professionals in order to build experience at elite level.

Progression

On successful completion of the course, students may apply for post-graduate studies (e.g. MA, MPhil, PhD) and can obtain advice and guidance from both Myerscough and University staff.

Careers

What careers can you follow?

The course aims to provide a programme of golf coaching and performance education which will enable degree holders to analyse key academic themes in the subject area and critically evaluate the wide range of coaching issues and practices within different sectors of the Golf Industry, which will therefore prepare them for a successful career in the UK or overseas. The course promotes an ethos of self-development and reflection throughout the curriculum in order to foster that greater personal awareness and confidence necessary to manage others.

Professional accreditations

Links with Professional Body:

The College works closely with:

· Professional Golfers Association (PGA)

· Royal and Ancient

· English Golf Union (EGU)

Special requirements

Additional costs for items that are essential for the course include:

  • Student corporate clothing - £75.00

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:

  • Dunhill Links Championship, St Andrews (PGA European Tour) - £100.00
  • Turkish Airlines Open, Antalya (PGA European Tour) - £625.00
  • BMW PGA Championship, Wentworth (PGA European Tour) - £120.00
  • Warm Weather Training Camp, Vilamoura, Portugal - £725.00
  • Golf Course (Myerscough College GC) Membership - £49.00
  • Annual Locker Hire - £10
  • Collegiate / Prospects Tour Membership - £100 (+ fee per qualifying event)

UCLan Sports Scholarship

The University of Central Lancashire offers opportunities for student athletes to be supported with their aspirations of maintaining their playing career whilst also studying for a high-quality degree. Our panel will consider applicants as part of the admissions cycle and will offer support to those they feel will make a valuable contribution to the University’s sporting objectives. Find out more and how to apply on their website