The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Module within the BSc (Hons) Sustainable Golf Management programme at SRUC helps students develop the professional skills and career strategies needed for success in the golf industry. Delivered at SCQF Level 9, the module supports learners in assessing their strengths, identifying opportunities and developing a structured career development plan, encouraging entrepreneurial thinking about their future roles in the sector.
Context and Rationale
The BSc (Hons) Sustainable Golf Management programme, launching in September 2026, builds on SRUC’s existing HNC and HND Golf Management pathways. Many students will already be working full time in the golf industry in areas such as clubhouse hospitality, golf services and course management.
In this dynamic and competitive sector, professionals increasingly need the ability to identify opportunities, manage projects and plan their own career development. The CPD module responds to this need by encouraging learners to reflect on their professional strengths, recognise skills gaps and strategically plan their next steps.
Through structured self-assessment and reflective learning, the module develops entrepreneurial behaviours such as initiative, adaptability and proactive decision-making. These skills help students shape their own career pathways, whether through employment progression, self-employment or leadership roles within golf operations.
The Learning Activity
The CPD module is delivered during Stage 3 of the BSc (Hons) programme and forms a core component of students’ professional development within sustainable golf management.
Students begin by exploring reflective practice and self-assessment as tools for career planning. They analyse their current skills, experience and professional aspirations, using recognised CPD frameworks to guide their development.
The central task is the creation of a Professional Development Plan (PDP). In this plan, students identify career objectives, assess their existing competencies and design targeted development activities such as training opportunities, mentorship, networking or work-based projects.
Students then implement aspects of their PDP and regularly review their progress through reflective evaluation. This process encourages learners to measure the effectiveness of their actions, adjust strategies where necessary and continue developing their professional skills.
The module is delivered through an online asynchronous learning approach, allowing students to engage flexibly alongside their professional roles. Teaching includes online learning materials, weekly guidance sessions, discussion forums, interactive activities, case studies and one-to-one tutorials. These activities support independent learning and encourage students to apply entrepreneurial thinking directly within their workplace contexts.
Skills and Capabilities Developed
The module develops entrepreneurial capability through a combination of reflective learning and practical career planning.
Students strengthen opportunity recognition by analysing their workplaces and identifying potential improvements in services, products or customer experience. They develop strategic thinking and decision-making as they set career goals and design plans to achieve them.
Reflective activities support problem-solving and innovation, encouraging students to respond constructively to professional challenges. Networking activities also build stakeholder engagement and communication skills, helping learners connect with colleagues, mentors and industry partners.
Leadership capability may develop through work-based projects linked to students’ development plans. Throughout the module, reflective practice and goal setting foster adaptability, resilience and self-management, all of which are essential entrepreneurial attributes for professionals operating in a rapidly evolving industry.
Impact and Outcomes
The CPD module aims to support students in developing a strong professional identity within the golf industry. Through structured reflection and planning, learners gain greater confidence in their abilities and a clearer understanding of their career pathways.
The entrepreneurial focus of the module extends beyond economic outcomes, encouraging personal growth, initiative and lifelong learning. Students strengthen skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving and critical reflection, which are essential for career progression.
By integrating enterprise thinking within professional development, the module helps learners approach their careers proactively, enabling them to identify opportunities, create value within their workplaces and contribute to the continued development of the golf sector.