Mark Samuels

My main research interest focuses on teaching and learning in higher education, specifically focusing on the transition from FE to HE and beyond, in addition how utilising technologies can enhance student learning. In my early academic years, my research focus was in the area of Sport Biomechanics and Men's Artistic Gymnastics, where under the supervision of Professor Gareth Irwin, Professor David Kerwin and Dr Marianne Gittoes, I was interested in how the Sport Biomechanics could potentially impact on coaching practice with a aim of making training more effective and efficient.

Conference Presentations

Samuels, M. (2014). Induction Project: Strategy to enhance engagement with the feedback-feedforward process. HEA Annual Conference: Preparing for learning futures: the next ten years, Aston University in Birmingham, Birmingham July 2014. Oral preservation.

Academic Journal Abstracts

Kerwin, D.G., Irwin, G, and Samuels, M. (2007). Angular momentum comparison of different Tkachevs. Journal of Sports Sciences, 25(S2), pp 50-51.

International Conference Abstracts

Samuels, M., Irwin, G., Kerwin, D.G. and Gittoes, M. (2009). Trend analysis of complex release and re-grasp skills on high bar. In: D. Harrison, R. Anderson and I. Kenny., eds. Proceedings of 27th International Symposium on Biomechanics in Sports. Limerick, Ireland, pp 507-510.

Irwin, G., Kerwin, D.G. and Samuels, M. (2007). Biomechanics of the longswing preceding the Tkachev. In: H.J. Menzel, and M.H. Chagas., eds. Proceedings of 25th International Symposium on Biomechanics in Sports. Ouro Preto, Brazil, pp 431-434.

National Conference Abstracts

Samuels, M., Irwin, G., Kerwin, D.G. and Gittoes, M. (2009). Trend analysis of complex release and re-grasp skills on high bar. WISHES Conference Aberystwyth University.

Kerwin, D.G., Irwin, G. and Samuels, M. (2008). Angular momentum comparison of different Tkachevs. In: D.G. Kerwin, I. Bezodis, and G. Irwin, eds. BIG 2008: Proceeding of XXIVth Biomechanics Interest Group. Cardiff, UK, pp 30.

Irwin, G., Kerwin, D.G. and Samuels, M. (2008). Biomechanics of the longswing preceding the Tkachev. In: D.G. Kerwin, I. Bezodis, and G. Irwin, eds. BIG 2008: Proceeding of XXIVth Biomechanics Interest Group. Cardiff, UK, pp 38.

Kerwin, D.G., Irwin, G., and Samuels, M. (2007). Angular momentum comparison of different Tkachevs. In: Programme & Abstracts book of the Annual Conference of British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences. University of Bath, pp 121-122.

I currently deliver on a range of modules within the area of Sport Coaching, Sport PE and Health and Sport Performance Analysis at undergraduate level. I fulfil a number of roles including L4 Personal Tutor, L6 Dissertation Supervisor and have taken the lead as National Governing Body Qualification Coordinator and Practical Module Coordinator, where I work closely with the Practical Module Leaders (L4 and L5) and Programme Directors (as appropriate) to ensure the successful management and delivery of practical modules in the Cardiff School of Sport & Health Sciences. In addition, I am the Activity Leader and Module Leader for Trampoline and Gymnastics and the lead member of staff within these activities for UKCC L1 and L2 British Gymnastics Qualification delivery (Trampoline and General Gymnastics). I have previously fulfilled the roles of Discipline Director (Performance) and Year Tutor (L5 Sport Management) at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

• BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Sciences, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff
• MPhil in Sports Biomechanics (Gymnastics), University of Wales Institute, Cardiff
• Professional Doctorate Candidate in Sport Coach Education (scheduled completion date 2024)
• PgC Teaching in Higher Education
• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Awarded a Student-Led Teaching Fellowship, Cardiff School of Sport (2013)
• Mental Health First Aid (2014)
• British Gymnastics Course Tutor Level 1 and 2 General Gymnastics (UKCC Accredited)
• British Gymnastics Course Tutor Level 1 and 2 Trampoline (UKCC Accredited)
• 1st4sport Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally-Related Achievement (AAVRA)
• British Gymnastics Men's Artistic Gymnastics Coach (Level 2)
• ​British Gymnastics Level 4 High Performance Coach (completed 2023)

Within his role of National Governing Body Qualification Coordinator, Mark has worked with academic staff to collaborate with sporting National Governing Bodies to embed qualification internal and external to the undergraduate programme. To date, collaborations have taken place, allowing students the opportunity to complete coaching (L1 and L2) and officiating within the following national governing bodies: British Gymnastics (BG), Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), Football Association Wales (FAW), Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), Basketball Wales, Welsh Athletics, Welsh Hockey, Cricket Wales, DanceFit, Welsh Netball, Badminton Wales, Welsh Squash and Racketball, Swim Wales and England Volleyball.

NGB Collaborations

British Gymnastics UKCC L1 Qualification

Mark collaborated with British Gymnastics as part of a major project in the organisation focused on the development of a brand new blended programme for UKCC Level 1 Gymnastics Coaches, working within a team of four experts to create a brand new two-day programme, bringing practical and theoretical elements together as part of a structured programme, supporting 127 learning objectives, all aligned to online content and an assessed portfolio.

UK Coaching "How to Coach the Fundamentals of Movement" workshop development

​Mark was integral in the initial consultation process and procurement of the workshop contract from UK Coaching. Working with Dr Rhodri Lloyd and Dr Jon Oliver, Mark assisted in the initial discussion that led to the planning, development and delivery of the UK Coaching "How to Coach the Fundamentals of Movement" workshop.

England Volleyball UKCC L1 Qualification

Mark was integral in the initial consultation process and procurement of the development of the England Volleyball UKCC L1 Course. Working with Jose Castro and Dr Sofia Santos, Mark assisted in the initial discussion that led to the planning, development and delivery of the UKCC L1 Assistant Coach qualification.

British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS)

Trampoline Sports Advisory Group

Involved in the Trampoline offer and to propose, consider and drive potential solutions that will enhance the effective delivery of the programme. For more than seven years Mark has been involved in the development and delivery of the National Championships, which has developed to one of the largest Trampoline based events in the UK.

Professional & Workforce Development Steering Group

Mark has been involved in the development of this area of the BUCS strategy, focusing on aiding the professional development of both staff and students within the sector, through the provision and enhancement of relevant programmes and opportunities. Being the only active representative from Wales, Mark has been involved in the development of professional working relationships with key workforce partners and stakeholders from the area.

UK Coaching

Safeguarding and Protecting Talented and Elite Children Task Group

This group has been formulated by UK Coaching and constructed of a number of leading sport and physical activity industry-wide organisations to develop a set of proposals for safeguarding and protecting talented and elite young athletes. Mark has been involved in the process and contributed in a number of ways to the overall aim of the group, which is primarily focused with the development of proposals to aid and support talented and elite young athletes of the future.

Coaching Children Expert Group

This groups has been developed by UK Coaching and includes a number of expert academics in the field of Coaching Children, with a focus on developing a set of principles and proposals to inform future schedules of works. Mark has contributed to number of conversations that will inform, moving forward, proposals and standards.

Professional Links:

British Gymnastics

Welsh Gymnastics

Welsh Sports Association

Wales NGB Coaching Network

Forum Membership:

Welsh Gymnastics – Trampoline Technical Committee (Technical Development Lead 2012-2016)

Welsh Gymnastics – Trampoline Technical Committee (Advisor to the Chair and Technical Development Lead (2016-to date)

Sporting Profile

National Level Artistic Gymnast (BUCS Team Champions 2004)

National Level Trampoline Gymnast

- Welsh 18+ and Men's National Champion (2007-2010)

- Member of Welsh Senior Men's team (2006-2011)

- BUCS National Team Champions (2007-2010)

- British Championships FIG A Finalist (4th) (2010)

Coaching Profile

Cardiff Metropolitan University Academy Trampoline Coach (2005-present)

Cardiff Metropolitan University of AU team Trampoline Coach (2012-present)

BUCS Team Champions Men's (2014, 2015, 2016) and Women's (2014)

British Gymnastics British Trampoline Championship 2019 – 17-21 Male 4th place