MSc Studentship Teaching Assistant in Sports Science

Post date: 08-May-2012 14:33:03

Reference number: SES1206 - 824

Closing Date: 13/05/2012

Salary: Band 5: £19,972 - £23,120 pa, with opportunity to progress to £24,520 pa pro rata

Department: Institute of Sport and Exercise Science

Hours 0.7fte

Start September 2012

Duration: Appointment for 2 years

Responsible to: Head of Institute of Sport and Exercise Science

Responsible for: N/A

Interview date: 21st May 2012

Overview

The post arises from the continuing expansion of the Institute of Sport & Exercise Science and is the continuation of an initiative to develop teaching assistants to support full time academic staff. The post includes registration for the institute’s taught Masters Degree programme and the completion of this will be a requirement. Expertise is sought in the area of sports science.

The person appointed will be allocated a mentor who will oversee teaching and administrative aspects of the role. This is an exciting opportunity for someone seeking to break into a career in Higher Education in a well-organised Institute. There is also an opportunity to complete a PG Cert in Higher Education Learning and Teaching.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to deliver a ten minute presentation to a panel from the team on the following:

Select a topic of your choice from one of the sports science disciplines and indicate how you would deliver this to a group of level 4 undergraduate students.

Background

The Institute of Sport & Exercise Science currently has a full time academic staff of 35. In addition 20 staff from partner institutions participate in course delivery through ‘partnership agreements’ on HND/FD courses. The Institute is responsible for the work of the Sports Centre which currently employs 7 staff and the Movement and Performance Centre which employs a further 5 staff. The Institute is supported by a team of administrative staff and two sports & exercise science technicians. There are currently 4 full-time externally funded post graduate MPhil/PhD students.

The Institute has an impressive portfolio of courses including HNDs in Sports Studies, Sport Coaching and, Sports Performance and Coaching in partnership with Worcester College of Technology, Stourbridge College and Telford College of Art and Technology. The undergraduate programme includes: BSc Sports Studies, BSc Sports and Exercise Science, BSc Sports Coaching Science, BSc Physical Education (non-QTS), BSc Outdoor Adventure Leadership & Management BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology; BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy. There is further course provision at post graduate level including PGCE in secondary Physical Education, MSc in Sports Coaching Science and MSc Sports Business Management, MSc European Basketball Coaching Science and, MSc Applied Sports Science.

There is a clear and distinct emphasis on the student experience and the institute is proud of its reputation for high quality teaching and learning. The Institute has a creative culture and is constantly seeking to strengthen its portfolio of courses particularly, the development of a taught Masters Degree involving international partners.

There has been a strategic commitment by the University of Worcester over the past ten years to create unique, innovative ‘Learning Through Sport’ initiatives that have inspired, included and enthused thousands of children and young adults nationally and internationally.

The sports facilities include: the newly constructed Worcester Arena, 6 court sports centre, fitness centre, McClelland Wellbeing Centre, 3G astro turf, sand filled astro turf, gymnasia and significant off campus grass playing fields. Indoor academic facilities include exercise physiology laboratories (BASES accredited), two performance analysis laboratory, sports psychology and biomechanics laboratory. The world-class Movement and Performance Centre is an integral part of the University and supports teaching and learning, research and consultancy work.

The recently refurbished Riverside building that opened in September 2011 offers two large teaching spaces with multi-purpose sprung floors for indoor mini - games and dance, further smaller teaching rooms and a sports analysis teaching room with views to the two larger teaching spaces. A social learning internet café space is also available within this attractive venue.

The University has purchased a site for the construction of a major, 2000 seating capacity, 3 basketball court sports arena. The arena is scheduled to open in January 2013. The design of this facility includes purpose designed facilities for wheelchair athletes and mobility impaired athletes more generally.

The Institute has extensive international links in Europe, New Zealand, China and USA and opportunities exist for international staff exchanges and research. Staff are supported in individual and group research projects, particularly where research informs teaching. There is a clear research and consultancy strategy over the next five years linked to its strategic aims and staff are organised into research interest groups.

The Institute hosts a range of national and regional facilities including: the County Sports Partnership and the Association for Physical Education (afPE). There is extensive collaboration with Specialist Sports Colleges, local clubs and elite level sport such as Worcestershire County Cricket Club, Worcester Hockey Club, Worcester Warriors Rugby Club and Worcester Wolves Basketball Club through its sports scholarship programme.

Main duties

1. To participate (with others) in the delivery of a range of modules to suit the expertise of the candidate (candidates must specify their area of expertise) but, to include sports science theory and practical

2. To ensure teaching is suitably underpinned by research and is informed by knowledge of learning and teaching strategies and innovation.

3. To complete taught Masters Degree in the Institute of Sport & Exercise Science.

4. To contribute to, where appropriate, consultancy and knowledge transfer work, including income generation.

5. To contribute to the promotion and external profile of the University. This involves participation in visit/open days, undertaking administrative duties and participate in relevant committees within the institute and university as directed by the Head of Institute

6. To undertake professional development in support of teaching, scholarship and applied research.

7. To undertake administrative duties and participate in relevant agendas/committees within the institute and university as directed by the Head of Institute.

In addition all University of Worcester employees are required to:

*Maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job; participate in appropriate training activities and encourage and support staff in their development and training.

*Take steps to ensure and enhance personal health, safety and well being and that of other staff and students.

*Carry out these duties in a manner that promotes equality of opportunity and supports diversity and inclusion, and takes into account the University's commitment to environmentally sustainable ways of working.

Person Specification

Please provide evidence of how you meet each of the essential criteria.

Essential

1. Good First Degree in sport related subject

2. Knowledge of pedagogy

3. Knowledge of appropriate research

4. Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills

5. Knowledge of Health & Safety procedures

6. Willingness to contribute to the operation of the Institute

Desirable

1. Track record of high performance at Undergraduate level

2. Coaching qualifications and experience of teaching or coaching

Probationary period: During your probationary period you will be required to make appreciable progress towards the completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education which is delivered within University of Worcester.

Masters Degree: The post includes registration for the Schools taught Masters Degree programme and the completion of this will be a requirement.

Disclosure: This employment is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Candidates will be required to declare any criminal convictions, cautions or bind-overs, including any that would be regarded as spent under the Act in other circumstances. If you are selected for appointment you will be required to apply to the Criminal Records Bureau for an Enhanced Disclosure

Applications from Non EEA Workers: Prospective applicants are advised to ensure that they are eligible to work in the UK without restriction. Further details can be found at the Home Office UK Border agency website at http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/ and the points based calculator can be found at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator