Entry requirementsIn order to successfully complete a postgraduate course, applicants are usually expected to have (or be about to attain) at least a second class honours degree in a related scientific subject from a recognised institution of higher education. If you do not have these academic qualifications, you could still be offered a place on this course if you can show evidence of the potential to succeed based on professional and/or related experiences. If your first language is not English, you must satisfy our English language requirements by providing us with evidence of a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL score of 575 (paper-based) or 232 (computer-based).
Academic titleMSc / PGDip Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition
Course description MSc / PGDip
Nutrition can have profound effects upon both human health and athletic performance. Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition at Oxford Brookes focuses on the role of nutrition in the maintenance of health and performance and is aimed at graduates who have already developed a real interest in sports or exercise nutrition and wish to further their knowledge and improve their practical skills in this exciting area of study.
The course is based on the latest scientific research and best contemporary practice. It is ideally suited to those who wish to work with athletes as well as those who want to improve health, fitness or exercise performance. Applications are encouraged from graduates who have a background in either sports science or human nutrition.
Course content
We expect that you will have a strong understanding of either human nutrition or sport and exercise science. The first semester requires that you enrol in either Human Nutrition or Exercise Physiology, according to which aspect of your knowledge needs improvement. This format will allow you to progress to advanced-level classes in which a strong understanding of both human nutrition and exercise physiology is essential.
To complete an MSc, you need to obtain 180 M-level credits and for a PGDip, 120 M-level credits. For a PGCert, you need to obtain 60 M-level credits.
Human Nutrition* (20 M credits) A module that examines:
* the importance of macro- and micro-nutrient intake for human health including the typical sources of these nutrients in western diets
* biochemical pathways that control and provide energy
* the relationship between energy intake, metabolic function, and cellular growth and repair
* digestion, absorption and utilisation of nutrient intake
* nutritional needs and problems of individuals with different lifestyles and attitudes to energy intake
* the scientific basis for established nutritional goals recommended for healthy living.
Exercise Physiology** (20 M credits) A module that examines:
* acute responses and chronic adaptations to exercise
* biochemical pathways that control and provide energy
* the role of exercise in promoting healthy living and competitive performance
* the principles of exercise training
* exercise needs of special populations (including the female athlete, the young athlete, the elderly athlete, the elite athlete)
* immune response to exercise.
Sport and Exercise Nutrition in Practice (20 M credits) This module draws upon the experience of various experts who are currently involved in providing nutritional support for people who participate in sport and exercise. Where appropriate, the module will utilise the expertise of guest lecturers in addition to the core teaching team. Strategies that focus on selected behavioural manipulation techniques known to enhance healthy dietary strategies will be covered. Finally, the use of case studies and practical experience will link the theoretical and applied aspects of the course to provide graduates with the necessary skills to meet the challenges faced by contemporary sport and exercise nutritionists.
Research Methods (20 M credits) A module that examines:
* research design in exercise, sport and nutrition research
* advanced statistical methods
* philosophical aspects of conveying the scientific method
* report writing for scientific and general audiences
* presentation skills for scientific and general audiences.
Nutrition, Physical Activity and Health (20 M credits) This module examines in detail the relationships between diet, exercise, disease and longevity. Particular attention is given to the influences of exercise and nutrition upon health and body weight. The management of nutrition and health goals of both elite and recreational exercisers is also considered.
Current Research in Sport, Exercise and Nutrition (20 M credits) This module examines and explores contemporary research in sport and exercise nutrition. This class will promote discussion of the latest findings from peer reviewed journals. You will also be expected to contribute to this discussion through directed and independent reading of relevant material.
Laboratory Techniques in Sport and Exercise Nutrition (20 M credits) This module consists of a practical component utilising some of the latest state-of-the-art laboratory equipment including portable calorimetry, accelerometery, densitometry, questionnaire and recall-based assessments, haematological detection of micro-nutrient deficiency, appropriate detection of hydration status and fluid balance. Attention will also be given to recent technological developments utilising isotopic tracer techniques that permit researchers to identify the fate of ingested nutrients and allow evaluation of energy expenditure in free living humans.
Research Project (60 M credits) This module consists of individual research into a selected topic in sport and exercise nutrition. You will be encouraged to work closely with an appropriate supervisor early in the first semester to establish a project topic and identify an appropriate intervention (if required). The research project will be assessed following the successful completion and submission of a thesis.
*Nutrition graduates are exempt from Human Nutrition
**Sport/Exercise Science graduates are exempt from Exercise Physiology
PGDip (120 credits)
The PGDip is awarded to students who successfully complete all of the above modules except the Research Project and either Human Nutrition or Exercise Physiology.
PGCert (60 credits)
The PGCert is awarded to students who successfully complete the modules Current Research in Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Sport and Exercise Nutrition in Practice, and either Human Nutrition or Exercise Physiology.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching is organised on a module-credit basis, with each module requiring approximately 36 hours of staff contact time and 200 hours of student input in each 12-week semester.
The main theme of the teaching and learning aspect of this MSc is to encourage students to develop the necessary skills to understand and communicate advanced theoretical and research-based knowledge of nutrition to people who participate in sport and exercise. Learning methods reflect the wide variety of topics associated with applied sport and exercise nutrition and include lectures, directed reading, workshops, seminars, practical exercises, laboratory sessions and project work. The research project will be supervised on a one-to-one basis.
Each module is assessed individually, generally on the quality of written or design work, and to some extent on verbal presentations. Assessment methods may include essays, seminar papers, formal written examinations, in-class tests, project work, design and verbal presentations, workshops, simulations, and practical exercises.
Quality
Oxford Brookes University's School of Life Sciences includes lecturers who conduct first class research in sport and exercise nutrition and human metabolism. Teaching staff are drawn primarily from within the School, while visiting speakers from other universities, private practices and research organisations also contribute in order to provide students with a range of specialist knowledge and experience.
Professional recognition
It is expected that graduates will attain many of the competences necessary to join the Sport and Exercise Nutrition register (SENr). There may also be opportunities for students to gain research or practical experience within professional organisations.
Career prospects
Many sports are becoming increasingly professional in their approach to training and nutrition. For example, a large number of sports clubs now employ full-time nutrition consultants. The forthcoming London Olympic Games is already generating many opportunities for sports science graduates and those with a further degree in a nutrition-related subject will be particularly sought after. Career prospects outside sport are perhaps even more exciting. The growing awareness of health within society, coupled with misunderstandings about the relationships between physical activity, nutrition and health has led to an increasing demand for graduates who can deliver evidence-based solutions and advice at all levels. Research or teaching within FE or HE are also potential career opportunities.