External Assessments
A report in 2001 by the national Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for higher education, awarded the department a score of 21 out of 24 with top marks for curriculum design, student progression & achievement and student support & guidance.
Figure 1: Results of Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Assessment (2001)
| | Mark Awarded | Max Mark |
| Teaching, Learning & Assessment | 3 | 4 |
| Learning Resources | 3 | 3 |
| Quality Management and Enhancement | 3 | 4 |
| Curriculum design, Content & Design | 4 | 4 |
| Student progression & Achievement | 4 | 4 |
| Student support & Guidance | 4 | 4 |
The following key features were identified:
- high quality teaching delivered by an enthusiastic and committed staff
- the workl placements which enable students to develop professional skills eg effective communication, time management, IT and problem solving
- the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills to practical challenges and to develop as independent learners
- the supportive environment and close knit community which is highly valued by students
- the friendly and approachable staff
- excellent employment statistics
External Examiners have said:
" A particular strength of the course is the focus on the application of theoretical concepts and practical issues. As a result students become particularly strong at solving problems, devising strategies or developing advice and recommendations that can be applied to a particular sporting situation, client group or population. Students appear to work with a high level of motivation"
"The assessment methods are varied and imaginative and allow students the opportunity to show initiative and flair"