UKCC Level 4 Certificate in Coaching Table Tennis/UCLan PGDip in Elite Coaching Practice
To create an education which is intellectually and academically challenging but is also clearly focused on the vocational needs of the sports coaching industry, generating practitioners who can challenge and develop existing systems and processes. It aims to challenge current practice and provide a platform to experiment and innovate. The PGDip Elite Coaching Practice programme has been designed to provide a high quality educational experience for existing UKCC level 3 coaches within the sports sector. Emphasis throughout the programme is therefore placed on developing your critical reflective and analytical skills from both a theoretical and applied perspective.

The modules that feature on the programme have been carefully devised using several industry partners to develop cognitive skills in a number of areas relevant to Sports Coaching and ensure a blend of theoretical and practical issues designed to increase awareness of, and enhance and improve application to population specific environments. Furthermore, the curriculum has been designed to meet the needs of the UK Coaching Framework and aligns closely with the skills and knowledge required for UKCC level 4. This does not mean that you are entitled to a level 4 qualification on successful completion of this award, but does allow you to use the knowledge and understanding gained from this course as evidence. The curriculum will cover subject areas that apply to the four generic pathways identified by the UK Coaching Certificate. These are:

• Children participation coach
• Adult participation coach
• Talent development coach
• Elite performance coach

Please note that candidate bookings for this course will not be available online and are subject to ETTA and UCLan criteria which are:

• Actively engaged in Coaching and/or Coaching activities for a minimum of 3 x 2 hours per week.
• UKCC Level 3 Qualification
• Evidence of a completed UKCC Level 3 action plan
• Evidence of coaching players who are of a minimum Regional Squad level
AND / OR
Evidence of regular attendance at competitions as head coach to a group of players (minimum of 3* Junior competition events and/or senior Grand Prix Circuit and/or British League Division 1)
• Ideally working with a squad of a minimum of 6 players
• Minimum of 3 years coaching practice/experience from first point of qualification (NB This can be either ETTA or UKCC)
• Attendance on HE bridging course if no previous HE experience / qualification

Selection Panel

• Coach Education Manager
• National Talent ID and Coaching Manager
• Vice-Chair Coaching

Selection will be based on producing the following additional evidence which will be presented to the selection panel – entry will be by selection only.

Additional Entry requirements

1. First Aid qualification (minimum Essential First Aid)
2. Safeguarding and Protecting Children
3. Valid CRB certificate or similar for each Home Country
4. Home country Coach Licence
5. CV detailing all relevant coaching experience (CPD within the last 2 years)
6. Minimum of one (Priority will be given to those who can offer more than one) of the following within the last 6 years (current level and standard of coaching)
• National Senior Team Coach
• National Junior Team Coach
• Youth Development Squad Coach
• Performance Centre Head Coach
• Regional Coach
7. The cost of the Level 4 Award will be £2200 plus any candidate expenses (including accommodation and travel)

For more information or to apply please contact: Jon Pett, Coach Education Manager, English Table Tennis Association, Norfolk House, 88 Saxon Gate West, Milton Keynes MK9 2DL or by email.