SP5027 - Sport Performance Assessment

What will I learn on this module?

The module will cover the main principles that underlie many of the current practices of performance assessment within physiology, psychology and biomechanics. This may include aerobic and anaerobic assessment, muscle activity and force, and psychological factors affecting performance such as goals, strategies and philosophies of psychological assessment. The underlying principles associated with various assessment procedures, such as reliability, validity and specificity/appropriateness of assessment method will be analysed and discussed along with relevant discipline specific underpinning knowledge. Students will be provided with an opportunity to develop knowledge of how these principles can be applied within sporting contexts. By the end of the module, successful students will know the process of assessing the strengths and weaknesses of athletes in relation to their sport, whilst understanding the most relevant battery of assessments to utilise via a multidisciplinary approach.

How will I learn on this module?

The taught content will be delivered and provided in a variety of formats, incorporating a combination of lectures, seminars and practical/lab-based sessions. You will also be able to access materials on the eLP. The module will focus on the holistic nature of sport, acknowledging the multidisciplinary requirements of working within groups to assess performance. Therefore, opportunities to work in smaller groups with discipline specific members of staff (physiology, psychology and biomechanics) who will facilitate context driven discussion and learning will be available. You will also be set independent tasks, informed by key literature, to complete outside of class time to further develop your understanding of the taught content.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the eLP. Support materials for sessions will be available to you on the eLP; including the lectures, suggested reading, access to interactive digital resources and websites, and other useful resources such as discussion boards and invitations to attend lectures by guest speakers. For further support on taught sessions you can access tutors for on-to-one discussions and tutorials via the online tutorial booking system.
Material to support your learning will be uploaded in advance of sessions. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. A dedicated assessment session will give you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class. The Module Leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content, and all staff members provide tutorial time outside of class time. Module tutors will provide you with the necessary information on how to arrange a tutorial. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your development during the module, and you will receive feedback on summative work to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial. There are also further academic skills support available from the University Library services.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Evaluate the physiological, psychological and biomechanical demands of sport using a multidisciplinary approach;
2. Evaluate and select appropriate sport performance assessment procedures for a given sporting context, taking into consideration aspects such as reliability, validity, and appropriateness for the working environment.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Using a multidisciplinary approach; analyse and interpret data from a range of sport performance assessments.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Evaluate the importance and implications of multidisciplinary sport performance assessment.

How will I be assessed?

Summative Assessment – Group Presentation with individual viva questions relating to a specific aspect of the multidisciplinary approach (100%: equating to 50% individual mark and 50% group mark - 25 mins with additional time for questions). Students will use a multidisciplinary approach to provide an evidence-based rationale for the use of each assessment technique in the context of the selected sporting domain. Students should show that they have knowledge of how to conduct and analyse the results of the assessment in order to compare to research informed normative values to accurately identify the strengths and weaknesses of the athlete (MLO’s KU 1,2; IPSA 3, PVA 4).

Formative Feedback
Formative feedback will be provided on an on-going basis during practical sessions and seminars. Students will have the opportunity during seminars to research, evaluate and discuss the key areas of the module. Directed tasks will require students to engage in the module content to demonstrate their understanding of the application of this information. Support and feedback will be provided by module staff and peers.

Summative Feedback
You will receive written or audio feedback on your summative assessment to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

The Sport Performance Assessment module is designed to provide students with the knowledge and understanding to work as an evidence-based sports practitioner in an applied setting. The nature of sport is changing and current practitioners are required to possess a holistic understanding of all elements, which impact performance. Students should be aware of the underpinning science, utilising a multidisciplinary approach to assess athletic performance, adopting an evidence-based application to this approach. The module covers the main principles that underlie many of the current practices of sport performance assessment within physiology, psychology and biomechanics. The underlying principles associated with various assessment procedures will be analysed and discussed. Using state-of-the-art facilities students will develop their skills of assessing athletes in a range of multidisciplinary methods, working in groups to present their knowledge and understanding.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time

Department Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints