Entry requirementsEntry Conditions Applicants must have gained a second class honours degree or better in a related discipline from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification; and provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent). In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.
Academic titleMSc Physical Activity and Population Health
Course descriptionOver the years there has been a burgeoning academic interest in Exercise and Health and this has given rise to a distinctive and recognisable field of scientific enquiry, broadly categorised as Physical Activity and Population Health. Physical inactivity is recognised as a major public health concern in developed countries. The epidemic rise in preventable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis and some cancers is caused by physical inactivity. Physical activity has therefore been described as the ‘best buy’ in public health. The increasing realisation of the importance of promoting higher levels of physical activity in addition to the government’s aim to reduce the proportion of sedentary individuals will require a co-ordinated public health approach from well-informed health professionals.
Physical activity is often not taught in traditional postgraduate programmes associated with health promotion but is now recognised as an essential component for understanding population health. The course will provide students with an expert overview of all aspects of physical activity promotion in order to enhance the health of modern society. Students will examine issues pertaining to promoting the health of the public, leadership and management in promoting health, psychological well-being and the role of physical activity and nutrition in disease prevention. Students will also develop skills for conducting research in physical activity.
The course is offered in full-time & part-time modes at the Jordanstown campus and is multidisciplinary in nature focusing on promoting the health of the public; epidemiology for population health; leadership and management in promoting the public's health; research methods for physical activity; nutrition for health and disease prevention; physical activity and disease prevention as well as completion of a research project.
This course will be of particular relevance to individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds for job-related opportunities within the ever expanding field of Physical Activity and Population Health.
Duration and Mode of Attendance
Full-Time: Normally: 3 semesters of study – 1 calendar year
Part-Time: Normally 3 years [6 semesters of study]
Teaching and learning methods vary between modules and range from workshops to formal lectures and small group discussion. One module is partially taught on-line, therefore basic computer skills are required.
All assessment is by coursework only where the majority of assignments are designed to be responsive to the professional needs of the student