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This module is designed to augment and consolidate the learning that has occurred on previous modules. The aim of the module is to support and further advance the personal and professional skills and/or research competencies you identify as important within the football industry. Whether you identify an element of your coaching practice that requires development, or you would like to advance your knowledge and understanding of the research process within a football field, this module will enhance your understanding and knowledge associated with the application of theory to practice.

On this module you are able to choose a "pathway" that suits your personal development objectives. You can elect to either undertake a UEFA coaching qualification (e.g. UEFA A/ UEFA A Elite Youth/ UEFA A Goalkeeping/ Advanced Children’s License) delivered by Scottish FA, or a research project connected to an aspect of football coaching (e.g. coaching, physiology, psychology or performance analysis) supported by the Scottish FA. In order to decide which of the above is the most appropriate for you, you will carry out a personal needs analysis, and discuss with tutors how best to align your professional development according to your needs, experiences, and aspirations. In doing so, the module offers you the opportunity to critically engage with activities across applied practice or research activities, dependent on your needs.

If you chose to undertake a UEFA coaching qualification, your WBL hours (approximately 120) will be completed through engagement with the learning activities (both on- and off-pitch) delivered by the Scottish FA as a part of the program you select. The face-to-face contact, and guided independent study hours will be used to enhance your work based learning experience, through developing your needs analysis, personal development planning, application of theory to practice, critical reflection, and communication skills.

If you choose to undertake a research project, your WBL hours (approximately 120) will be supported by the Scottish FA in an industry setting, with time spent working with our partners to develop an appropriate research question, plan research activities, collect and disseminate data, and communicate practical applications of your work. The face-to-face contact, and guided independent study hours will be used to enhance your work based learning experience, through developing your knowledge and understanding of the research process including: developing research questions, project planning, application of theory to practice, critical reflection, and communication skills.

Consistent with the principles underpinning the programme, flexibility, and application of theory within a specific context are central principles, and you will be expected to evidence throughout each stage of the module from proposal to report. In the early stages of the module, you will be required to submit a learning agreement and proposed development plan or ethics application which identifies a professional qualification or research project that will provide a substantial opportunity to apply your knowledge towards an explicitly outlined goal. This will develop organisational and project planning skills appropriate for this level of module. You must ensure effective time management, evidence collection and processing and appropriate development of competency in relation to your agreed objectives. You will then reflect and report on the experience using an evidence-based approach.

LO1: Carry out a needs analysis based on your personal coaching experiences or a gap in the literature and formulate an individual learning agreement with an appropriate evidence-based rationale.

LO2: Critically reflect on a range of, activities across applied practice or research-based settings.

LO3: Explore and analyse core issues and recommendations for practice within a chosen environment.

LO4: Communicate recommendations for practice in an effective and professional manner based on a chosen audience.