What will I learn on this module?
This module will enable you to develop an in-depth understanding of leadership and leaders across a range of sport organisations including the often un-sung but crucial DNA of organisational operations. The module takes a broad approach to these concepts and is inclusive of leadership and organisational behaviour across multiple sports settings. Topics will include (but are not limited to) the processual aspects of managing people in organisations such as the key aspects of the human resource management (HRM), contemporary issues of people management in multiple sports organisations, non-profit organisations and the role of volunteers, how leaders enact policy in practice, and how leaders operationalise inclusion and diversity. We will look in depth at how leaders build organisational culture and integrity, and how leaders nurture their teams. We will underpin discussions with recognition of the contextual challenges and opportunities that leaders and managers are tasked with navigating, ensuring that they are sensitive to the interests and priorities of multiple stakeholders.
How will I learn on this module?
The taught content will be delivered and provided in a variety of formats, and you will be able to access materials on the eLP. There will be the opportunity to work in smaller groups with discipline specific members of staff who will facilitate context driven discussion and learning. In weekly sessions with tutors and in students’ own learning time, students will be provided with real-world sport industry case studies and problems seeking resolution as per the themes of each week. Students are encouraged to develop their own understanding and learning with the support of materials offered and by actively seeking relevant materials to the weekly themes to bring to classroom discussion. Students will be asked to apply ideas from these weekly reading for class discussion and make connections between their reading and potential resolutions to topical issues. At this level, tutors will support students to lead discussion of topics and be facilitators in these discussions.
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. 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 afford 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 is also further academic skills support available from the University Library services. Additionally, staff will actively encourage peer-to-peer feedback as well as promote opportunities within the university and more widely for students to develop their IT skills and online proficiency so as to build confidence for their summative assessment as well as knowledge of online learning platforms generally which will be fundamental for future employment.
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:
Identify and distinguish theories and models relating to the principles and management of successful sport organisations;
Recommend solutions to challenging professional issues in sport organisations.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
Utilise an appropriate online training tool to present a key issue from the module content.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
Be able to reflect on what are appropriate leadership qualities and behaviours which can nurture people and teams
How will I be assessed?
Summative assessment will be an online interactive training video for sport practitioners/sport organisations (participant duration 10 minutes), which addresses all module learning outcomes (KU 1,2; IPSA 3; PVA 4).
Formative assessment will take place regularly throughout the module. Directed weekly tasks will help students build up their skills of analysis and presentation of appropriate material and formative feedback will be provided by the module tutor and class peers on students’ thoughts and analysis. The learning environment will encourage students to constantly challenge their and others’ ideas through real-world case-studies and industry problems. Students are also encouraged to meet on an individual and/or group basis to receive formative feedback from the module tutor and involve tutors in their peer-led networks as discussed above - ‘academic support’.
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
Football’s Jurgen Klopp, Gymshark’s Ben Francis, Forest Green’s Dale Vincent, have all been recognised for their leadership and managerial qualities, for their ability to inspire people, for their vision and foresight. But what is it about these individuals that breeds success, fandom and following? Is there a magic formula that we can package up and give to anyone? Or is there something innate that we can only witness from afar? Are successful organisations successful solely because of their leaders or is it more complicated? This module considers these questions. We’ll look at leaders, but we’ll also explore people in organisations, their work and the problems they face. Students will emerge with a rigorous understanding of the fabric of sports organisations and their operational leadership so that they too can ‘Take On Tomorrow’.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
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.
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