Work-based learning in sport education: a case study from Scottish higher education

The inclusion of work-based learning in programmes of Higher Education plays a crucial role in preparing students for employment and in contextualising knowledge and understanding. This is particularly relevant in sport professions, where the tendency is still for practitioners to rely on experience as a source of learning rather than formal, structured opportunities. The BSc Sport Coaching and BSc Sport Development programmes at The University of the West of Scotland have long promoted work placements as an integral part of student development. For the past three years however, a formal service level agreement with the local leisure trust has facilitated the incorporation of workplace training courses into placement modules, structured and progressive placement opportunities from first to third year, and an integrated approach to monitoring student development in the workplace. Influenced by the lead author's doctoral research on the development of coaching philosophies, the academic delivery of these modules has been adapted to involve: structured, vertical integration between year groups to encourage the development of communities of practice; engagement with Career Services including completion of and reflection upon online video interview simulators; and a strong focus on preparing students for employment with applied, reflexive, professional skills and attributes. The proposed presentation details the journey towards the development of these modules including the main challenges and triumphs, student perceptions of the concepts, and future developments. It is hoped that this information will be valuable for colleagues engaged in the push towards embedding work-based learning across the H.E. sector