Course description
What will I study?
The curriculum has been designed to include both core and optional modules.
The core modules provide you with the opportunity to further develop knowledge and understanding of both theoretical principles and practical techniques related to the application of sport and exercise sciences. A strong emphasis is also place on research methods and you will be provided with the opportunity to critique existing research and design suitable hypotheses and procedures related to applied sport and exercise science.
The optional and more specialist modules include contemporary issues in sport and exercise science and will enable you to develop skills relevant to pursue a career in the area and gain professional accreditation. You will select modules that most reflect your interest in either sport performance or exercise and health and these are often related to the research interests of the staff delivering them.
Regardless of module selection you will be required to engage both informally and formally in the three scientific disciplines of biomechanics, physiology and psychology. Informal seminars, small group tutorials, workshops and problem based learning will require you to engage in academic debate about the integration of applying the three disciplines to sport and exercise scenarios.
How will I study?
A wide range of learning experiences and teaching methods will be used to facilitate effective learning including: workshops, small group seminars and laboratory work, tutorials, taught practical sessions, fieldwork, problem-based learning, directed independent study, supervised individual research and ICT-based learning. For each module you will have access to a detailed module booklet which will gives details of what sessions are about, what to read, how you will be assessed and coursework guidance. You will be encouraged to express your own views and staff will be available to give advice and guidance when you need it. We aim to make your learning imaginative, varied, effective and, most of all, enjoyable.
Who will be teaching me?
The sport and exercise science team are highly experienced and enthusiastic with a real commitment to teaching sport and exercise science. The team believe in utilizing a range of appropriate teaching, learning and assessment methods to offer a varied and rewarding student experience. The ethos of the course team is that students should actively engage in their learning experiences and as a Masters student, problem based learning will play a major role. As a team we are dynamic, friendly and supportive of student's needs. You will get to know us and we will get to know you. Staff are actively involved in research and consultancy projects that influence the development of sport and exercise science and directly feed into the currency of your Masters. Current staff have particularly strong specialisms in working with a variety of different sports groups.
How will I be assessed?
The course incorporates a diverse and appropriate range of assessment methods. The rationale for this is based on the desire to facilitate learning and understanding progressively and to allow performance to be monitored effectively. The range of assessment methods provides opportunity for each student to illustrate their strengths. More traditional assessment methods such as journal articles, review articles, practical examinations and oral viva provide opportunity to assess your understanding and application of theoretical principles and intellectual skills. In addition to traditional assessment methods, a range of applied assessments that link to the vocational aspect of the course are also included such as case studies, information packages and oral presentations. These assessment methods provide opportunity to assess your ability to apply scientific knowledge and understanding to a variety of complex familiar and unfamiliar situations and also provide opportunity for evaluation of key skills.
What are my career prospects?
Graduates from this programme will leave well qualified to pursue careers in the expanding sports and exercise industry. A range of career opportunities exist within the health and fitness industry such as personal trainers, fitness and health consultants, GP referral scheme and physical activity programme coordinators. Further opportunities are becoming increasingly available working in applied sports sciences with National Governing Bodies of sport, the British Olympic Association, Universities and commercial ventures wanting specialised sports science support and performance managers. Some graduates may go on to take advantage of the many opportunities available in higher education for higher level postgraduate study and may wish to specialise further for example into sports injury and rehabilitation. Those who seek employment in non-sports related areas will find the transferable skills they have acquired during their study attractive to employers.
