Sport and Exercise Sciences
| From | To | UK Fee * | International Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Sep 2013 | 19 Sep 2014 | £4050 | £9400 |
* Exceptions may apply. Please see Fees and Finance for further information.
Introduction
The role of sport and exercise scientists in the development of athletic performance, general fitness and health is becoming more widely recognised.
Advanced skills and knowledge in the sport and exercise sciences are essential to support elite athletes and their coaches in their pursuit of top-class performance, as well as to nurture a healthier and fitter general population and to reduce the burden of chronic illness.
The MSc in Sport and Exercise Sciences is designed for those who wish to build on their undergraduate or professional experience and study sport and exercise science at a higher level.
The flexible programme offers an inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary scientific curriculum in sport and exercise sciences.
Students have the opportunity to focus their academic interests on elite sports performance or physical activity and health-related performance leading to one of two pathways:
- Sport and Exercise Sciences
- Physical Activity, Health and Well-being
The flexible programme enables students to direct their learning towards scientific specialism in either physiology, psychology and/or biomechanics at Stage 2.
Through the Applied Research Methods and Data Analysis module students will develop essential research skills to prepare them for their independent research project (Dissertation) and future aspirations in research and/or doctoral studies.
The programme has been developed in conjunction with industry to maximise graduate employment and vocational opportunities.
The programme is intended to encourage teaching and learning through research and applied practice within the sport, health and exercise sectors. It is designed to enhance future employment through relevant work-based learning or employment-related experience opportunities and enable students to acquire a range of transferable skills essential for their development as competent, autonomous and reflective practitioners and researchers.
Opportunity exists for interested students to commence Supervised Experience, the initial stage towards professional accreditation as a Sport and Exercise Scientist through the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES). Throughout the programme students will be able to map and evidence their learning and professional development opportunities against the key competencies set through the BASES' supervised experience scheme.
Many of the health-related optional modules are delivered by our colleagues in the Department of Pharmacy Health and Wellbeing. The content of the Strength and Conditioning module aligns with the accreditation syllabuses of both the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) providing excellent theoretical and practical preparation for professional accreditation in these areas.
To fit your career aspirations, you can choose between TWO pathways
- Sport and Exercise Sciences
- Physical Activity, Health and Well-Being
There is a core of four modules that are common to both pathways:
- Measurement and Evaulation
- Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Applied Research Methods and Data Analysis
- Research Project
During the programme you will undertake 100 hours of work-based learning. Where appropriate, we can support you in finding places to do this, based on our long-standing links with professional football clubs, UK Athletics, cardiac rehabilitation, exercise referral units, sports injury clinics, and other specialist organisations.
Course Content
Sport and Exercise Sciences pathway:
Core modules:
- Measurement and Evaluation (20 Credits)
- Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (20 Credits)
- Applied Research Methods and Data Analysis (20 Credits)
- Research Project (60 Credits)
Designated core modules (choose one):
- Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology (20 Credits)
- Applied Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise (20 Credits)
Option modules (choose two):
- Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology (20 Credits)
- Applied Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise (20 Credits)
- Strength and Conditioning in Practice (20 Credits)
- Sports Injuries, Management and Rehabilitation (20 Credits)
- Applied Weight Management (20 Credits)
- Professional Skills and Practice (20 Credits)
- Independent Learning Project (20 Credits)
- Applied Public Health (20 Credits)
- Brief Interventions (20 Credits)
Physical Activity, Health and Well-being pathway:
Core modules:
- Measurement and Evaluation (20 Credits)
- Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (20 Credits)
- Applied Research Methods and Data Analysis (20 Credits)
- Epidemiology (20 Credits)
- Research Project (60 Credits)
Optional modules:
- Strength and Conditioning in Practice (20 Credits)
- Sports Injuries, Management and Rehabilitation (20 Credits)
- Applied Weight Management (20 Credits)
- Applied Public Health (20 Credits)
- Brief Interventions (20 Credits)
- Professional Skills and Practice (20 Credits)
- Independent Learning Project (20 Credits)
- Global Issues
- Sociological Perspectives in Health
On the Sport and Exercise Sciences pathway, students are required to choose three options, including a designated core module.
On the Physical Activity, Health and Well-being pathway students are required to choose two options.
Successful completion of 60 credits leads to the award of Postgraduate Certificate (PgC). 120 credits leads to the award of Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) and completion of 180 credits, including, the Research Project leads to the award of a Masters in Science (MSc).
Entry Requirements
We welcome applications from those who hold a sport-related degree at a 2:2 classification or above. Those who hold a non-sport related degree will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be required to submit a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate essential knowledge and experience relevant to the study of sport and exercise sciences.
Where the applicant's first language is not English, they must provide evidence of competence in English. This would normally be a TOEFL score of 550 or IELTS Grade 6 according to University policy.
The University recognises the value of professional experience. Prospective students with appropriate professional experience may claim for exemption of up to 50% of the taught elements through Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning.
Fees and Finance
The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.
Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.
For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.
Teaching and Assessment
We will use a variety of teaching and learning strategies including lectures, problem-based learning seminars, web-based resources, small group discussions, directed learning, and debates. Practical skills will be acquired through attending practical sessions/workshops and laboratory classes. Transferable skills will be developed through reading, group work exercises, structured and directed learning, reflection and development of case study material and work experience opportunities.
Assessment methods include essays, case studies, portfolios, oral presentations, scientific reports, practical examinations, data analyses, critical reviews, poster presentations, and the dissertation.
Work Experience
There is an opportunity to undertake 100 hours of employment-related experience or work-based learning as part of the Professional Skills and Practice module.
The expectation is that you will find your own employment-related opportunities although we can provide support through our long standing links with professional football clubs, UK Athletics, cardiac rehabilitation, exercise referral programmes, SkillsActive, sports injury clinics, Sunderland Aquatic Centre and ASA Beacon, Hockey Clubs and other specialist organisations.
Career Opportunities
This flexible programme is particularly suited to those intending to pursue a career in sport and exercise science. This would include the management and provision of professional sport science support services to athletes, as well as community exercise programmes covering, for example, cardiac rehabilitation and exercise referral.
Other opportunities include roles in health promotion, sports development, or leisure services. The programme will also enhance the employability of those who wish to become a personal trainer, specialist fitness instructor, strength and conditioning professional or sports coach within the UK and internationally.
In addition, it will be a solid foundation for doctoral studies and a research career. It is expected that some graduates may find employment opportunities lecturing in further and higher education.
Supplemental Information
The content of the Strength and Conditioning module aligns with the accreditation syllabuses of both the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). So it provides excellent theoretical and practical preparation for professional accreditation in these areas.
Opportunity exists to commence Supervised Experience, the initial stage towards professional accreditation as a Sport and Exercise Scientist through the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).
Facilities
The University of Sunderland provides access to outstanding, modern, state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated, highly qualified and experienced academic and technical support staff. Extensive use is made of recently refurbished and custom-designed University teaching accommodation including lecture theatres, seminar rooms, problem-based learning centres and student computer rooms in the Science Complex. Due to recent investment, our laboratories are among the best in the North of England providing the latest fitness equipment and technology to assist you with your studies.
Biomechanics
We can measure motion, muscle activity and forces on the body during high intensity sports and day-to-day activities of daily living. You will get to analyse movements in three dimensions using the Vicon® 3D analysis system or our 2D Dartfish® software to capture live action images and give instantaneous analysis and feedback to coaches and athletes. Our new wireless DelSys® EMG system allows muscle activity to be assessed for health and sporting performance.
Sports Medicine
As part of learning about sports injury rehabilitation techniques, you will use sports massage and ultrasound diagnostic and treatment equipment. You can also examine balance and stability using our Biodex® stability and balance trainer and assess strength imbalances using our sophisticated Biodex® dynamometer.
Exercise Physiology
Whether in the lab, out in the field, or in the pool, we have the equipment to investigate the demands of most sports and daily activities. Smart Speed® timing gates, Metalyser® gas analysers and our sophisticated Randox Daytona® and Monza® chemical analysers enable you to measure human performance and health in and out of the lab.
Fitness and Conditioning Suite
In our newly refurbished gym you'll find dedicated fitness and conditioning equipment that would be the envy of most modern gyms. From a wide range of cardiovascular equipment to machine and Olympic weights, you will receive hands-on teaching in a fully equipped and professional environment.