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SMGT30280

Academic Year 2025/2026

Sport & International Development (SMGT30280)

Subject:
Sports Management
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Public Hlth, Phys & Sports Sci
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Joel Rookwood
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module focuses on the correlation between sport and development, as well as connections to peacebuilding. It embodies UCD's focus on the 'global classroom' by applying these concepts to numerous international contexts. It introduces students to core tenants of international relations and the role of sport in this space, whilst addressing key geopolitical issues. The module examines green economies, ecological strategies and environmentally sustainable practices of sports clubs. It also centres on how sport can be used to support the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals - notably no.3 (good health and wellbeing), no.4 (quality education), no.5 (gender equality), no.10 (reduced inequalities), no.11 (sustainable cities and communities), no.16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), and no.17 (partnerships). The module explores international structures and agencies that manage sport-for-development projects in Global North and Global South contexts, and the political contexts these seek to respond to. The module also examines the strategies, complexities and challenges of managing innovative, sustainable, empowering and impactful sport-for-development programmes. Students will acquire an understanding of diverse case studies from Europe, Africa and the Middle East pertaining to sport and peacebuilding, displacement, education and health promotion, as localised forms of global sport-for-development.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and how they can relate to sport.
2. Critically examine the sustainability practices of sports clubs and events.
3. Assess the non-profit sector and how it differs from profit-driven engagement in sport.
4. Critically analyse the geopolitical contexts which inspire international development through sport and physical activity.
5. Examine sport-for-development case studies implemented in complex international environments in relation to health promotion, educational development, societal integration, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding.
6. Critically assess the challenges and strategies of agencies involved in the delivery and management of sport-for-development.

Indicative Module Content:

• Sustainability practices of sport business and events
• The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and their application to sport
• Professional sports clubs, Corporate Social Responsibility, diplomacy and peace
• International relations and global challenges
• Sport, health and education in the Global South
• Refugees and sport in the Global North
• Physical activity, play and development

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Specified Learning Activities

36
Autonomous Student Learning

65
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, group work, class-based discussion, case studies

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Group Work Assignment: Presentation Week 8, Week 9 Graded No
50
 No
Individual Project: Portfolio Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7 Graded No
10
 No
Report(s): Individual Report Week 11 Graded No
40
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will be provided with group feedback from the module leader post assessment of their group report and presentation. Students will also be provided with feedback on their individual assignment post assessment.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Wed 12:00 - 13:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 12 Wed 12:00 - 13:50
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