Modules covered:

• Advanced Conditioning and Recovery Methods
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  Advanced Conditioning and Recovery Methods

  This module is designed to provide a multidimensional and interdisciplinary approach to performance development, thus providing the practitioner with a variety of current tools and approaches to assess and maximise performance in a range of related components and settings. The two main themes of this module are closely linked; any well-planned conditioning or training method can only be successfully applied when planning includes key factors of development and recovery. The module begins with a discussion of key principles and approaches using the methodology of performance development within physical activity. Methods of conditioning are addressed and the management of recovery and peaking for optimal performance is integrated within this discussion. These advanced training strategies and approaches related to advancing performance are considered and evaluated.Learning Outcomes
  At the end of this module students will be able to:
  1. Critically evaluate traditional and current conditioning and recovery approaches in sport and physical activity.
  2. Apply scientific and practical reflection in participant and programme evaluation using evidence-based science.
  3. Design a specific conditioning programme informed by the needs of the participant and demands of the sport/activity.

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• Athlete Monitoring & Coaching Technology
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  Coaching & Monitoring Technology

  This module considers the many and varied approaches to monitoring a performer’s lifestyle, workload, performance metrics and crucially the options from coaching and monitoring technologies that are used in doing so. Advanced movement and athletic programmes and individual exercise enthusiasts are now embracing, with varying degrees of success, technology based systems to track adaptations to competition, conditioning, training and recovery stimuli. The operational principles and the role of technology in this process, as well as key validatory procedures of a range of technologies, will be considered and critically assessed.
  This module will promote a principle led approach to monitoring and assessing such that the practitioner becomes more critical, effective, efficient, competent and confident in the use of and application of technology in monitoring his or her athletes/clients/performers.Learning Outcomes
  At the end of this module the student will be able to:
  1. Assess and critically evaluate the precision, reliability and effectiveness of a range of sport, exercise and lifestyle related technologies.
  2. Effectively apply a diverse range of sport and lifestyle technologies in an efficient and meaningful manner in performance monitoring.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to develop an athlete and programme monitoring system within a practical performance setting.

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• Research Methods & Data Management
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  Research Methods & Data Management

  A key skill of the advanced practitioner will be the ability to generate independent solutions to the unique challenges they face in their individual training environment, particularly in the modern era of technology and “big data”. Ultimately, they will require the ability to generate their own evidence-based practice that blends external data, their own findings and observations with the unique challenges and confines of their own training environment using evidence-based, and objective science. Subsequently, the capacity for independent investigation will be critical, allowing the generation of context specific solutions to key performance problems and scientific principles of research will be emphasised here. This module will extend the course aim of developing multidisciplinary, independent thinkers, enabling practitioners to generate true evidence-based practice that can be directly applied into their own coaching practices. The learner will also develop advanced understanding of Microsoft Excel for data management in the process.Learning Outcomes
  The student will be able to:
  1. Form compliant strategies in the gathering, storing and management of participant and activity related data.
  2. Present and interpret data in a meaningful format using current best practice.
  3. Prepare a research project/proposal based on sound fundamentals of applied research.

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• Movement Analysis and Biomedical Aspects
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  Movement Analysis and Biomedical Aspects

  This module advances the practitioner’s knowledge, understanding and skill competence in gathering meaningful data that assesses posture and movement quality. This means assessing for symmetry, balance and imbalance within specific patterns that are static, dynamic and sport or exercise-specific related. Using both observation skills and technology-based analysis such as video, 2-D and 3-D movement analysis technology, the practitioner will learn to apply such applications to assist and enhance observational analysis. Such skills will facilitate the practitioner to understand the factors associated with natural age-related reductions in performance and disease-related medical conditions. Injury is often an inevitable consequence of sport, exercise and movement involvement. The practitioner may or may not be involved in the acute treatment of injury, however, he or she will play a critical role in seeking to reduce the risk of injury onset. In addition, this module will enable students to identify injury risk factors, to design programmes of exercise that reduce the risk of injury, and programmes that better manage diseased conditions and that facilitate continued involvement in sport, physical movement and exercise.Learning Outcomes
  At the end of this module students will be able to:
  1. Assess and quantify quality of static posture and dynamic movement using evidenced based criteria
  2. Demonstrate competence in the application of technology for movement analysis
  3. Critically evaluate factors associated with injury incidence in sport and physical activity
  4. Devise strategies to reduce injury risk as part of a support team

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• Reflective Practice & Professional Skills
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  Reflective Practice & Professional Skills

  This module explores the practice-based evidence of elite practitioners in their application of self-reflection as they seek to improve their professional skills within a sport and exercise context. We present several conversations where specialists, across various disciplines, provide their role related insights and experiences as they meet the many challenges within the working environment. They cover a wide range of topics that are pertinent and relevant for all practitioners to reflect on. Ultimately the aim of this module is to allow you to develop greater insight and understanding of your reflective practices so as to lead to a better understanding of oneself and others.  

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• Applied Coaching
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  Applied Coaching

  The aim in this module is to advance the understanding and capability of the student to meet the challenges of a changing environment of approaches and methodologies guided by evidence-based practice in sport and exercise performance. Related topics considered in an applied manner include applied coaching science and best practice, motor skills development and long term athlete development approaches and models. In addition, the key aspects and traits associated with effective coaching practice such as communication and leadership are addressed. The skills that are required to lead a programme that is collaborative, team focused and innovative will require sensitive management skills and these are also addressed.Learning Outcomes
  At the end of this module the student will be able to:
  1. Use an evidence-based approach to devising solutions to complex and challenging issues within a coaching environment.
  2. Apply evidence based coaching science to participant development
  3. Critically evaluate appropriate leadership and communication strategies in a range of performance and management situations

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• Applied Project
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  Applied Project

  The individual project will enable the practitioner to focus on a specific, self-directed research question and to generate an evidence-based solution to this challenge. The project will be selected from a number of industry specific options that best suit the practitioner’s current situation or future direction. The practitioner will be challenged with developing an evidence based, objective and robust project drawing from the skills developed throughout the previous modules.
  For individuals working within a performance organisation, and where the practitioner is sponsored by the organisation, the project will take the form of an agreed solutions-based project based on a challenge faced by the organisation. Here the project will be agreed between the practitioner, the College and the employer.Learning Outcomes
  At the end of the project the student will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of effective enquiry in the strategic development of a performance-based solution.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to plan and conduct an effective professional enquiry following a systematic approach to an identified problem.
  3. Effectively present the findings of the enquiry, along with key practical application for future practice.

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Course Duration

The programme duration is 84 weeks. This includes:

• 6 Online Modules (each module is 12 weeks in duration)
• 2 separate on-site residential weeks, practical application, and lectures.
• Final Project (additional 3 months to complete)

Residentials

Much of the learning on the course will occur through a mix of online courses and experiential learning, however, a key part of the programme will be the face-to-face residentials. Whilst the content of each residential will be dependent upon the modules undertaken, the overarching objectives will be similar. There are two residential weeks, during Module 2 and Module 4.

Our residentials are offered in the following locations:

USA: Memorial Hermann Sports Park, Katy, TX, United States.

Ireland: GAA National Games Development Centre, Dublin.

India: Inspire Institute of Sport in Karnataka.

The objectives:

• To provide hands-on instruction and experience in the practical elements of the course content. Even though the course is focused mainly on an evidence-based practice approach, practical competency in the application of theory to practice and in the ‘art’ and ‘craft’ of coaching will be emphasised. Further, the competence in the use of and interpretation of data using a wide range of coaching technologies and the coaching process will be central to the face to face environment and thus the residential will ensure that practitioners receive high-class instruction in the key practical elements required for effective industry practice.
• To allow for practical assessments and presentation-based assessments to be carried out.
• To provide contextualisation and critical discussion of the topics covered in the online material. This will essentially be a flipped-classroom approach to teaching. This medium will allow practitioners to share experiences and provide a highly interactive learning environment.