Teaching, assessment and support online

The teaching and learning strategy for this programme is informed by key principles in digital education.

The Masters programme is made up of six taught courses (120 credits total), and upon successful completion of these courses is followed by a supervised dissertation (60 credits). All elements will be delivered fully online making use of our expertise in digital education at the University of Edinburgh, a World Top 20 University (QS Rankings 2023).

Online learning methods

We will use blended online learning methods including discussions, pre-recorded lectures, small group seminars, live tutorials, guided supervision and 1:1’s to create a dynamic, collaborative environment to share experiences, expertise and professional development.

Our expert team will support you through every stage of the programme as you develop in a positive, supportive, and constructive online learning community.

The flexible learning environment means you learn at times and locations that best suit you, making this programme suitable for high-calibre busy professionals who want to update and extend their knowledge.

Taught by expert coaching specialists

The programme is developed and delivered by coaching specialists from the Institute of Sport Physical Education and Health Sciences (ISPEHS)

Learn more about the Institute of Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences

And in collaboration with a number of expert research centres and groups:

• The Olympic Research Centre - The IOC accredited Olympic Research Centre for the UK (in partnership with Bath University), driving major projects including a longitudinal study of injury, health, and wellbeing in Olympians.

• The Scottish Centre for Olympic Research - providing education and research in sociocultural aspects of Olympism.

• The Applied Coaching Research Group - this thriving Applied Coaching Research Group generates over 20 peer review papers and invited book chapters a year in the applied science of coaching.

Assessment

The course has an applied focus on the future career needs of students and uses a broad range of assessments that include: Presentations, Essays, Critical reviews of literature and coaching practice, Independent and supervised research and Reports.

Your final research project will enable you to focus on innovation, creativity and flexibility in your coaching domain and can be written as a dissertation or journal article.

Studying online and student support

The programme does not require specialist IT skills, but to access your courses you will require a computer with reliable broadband access for the duration of the programme.

Academic support

You will be assigned a Student Adviser who will provide academic guidance and support and signpost you to other relevant student support, for example wellbeing advisors, as needed. 

All teaching materials will be available online and you will have full access to the library’s digital resources. We also have dedicated learning technologists who can help with any technical problems you may experience.

Peer support

In terms of student networking, you will join a growing and vibrant group of online distance learners in Moray House School of Education and Sport and the College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences.

At programme level, you will become part of an online community of coaches and tutors from various coaching domains that allows you to enhance your interpersonal, self-management, IT, team working, and research skills.