A COST EFFECTIVE CPD PATHWAY TO BESPOKE POSTGRADUATE ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS FOR SPORTS PRACTITIONERS

Abstract

To access higher level academic knowledge and qualifications relevant to vocational advancement, coaches and teachers of specific sports need affordable bespoke courses bridging between the courses of the coaching accreditation schemes and sport-specific postgraduate academic courses. The purpose of this project was to establish a model for delivery of on-line continuing professional development (CPD) to coaches and teachers thereby providing a pathway to higher qualifications with direct benefit to their coaching and teaching. The model includes bridging courses delivered on-line that enable participants to enter the diploma level of academic masters programmes with advanced prior learning (APL) status in lieu of the 60 credit points obtained at postgraduate certificate level. This reduces the cost of obtaining a Masters degree by one third.