Sport and Exercise Science - MSc/PgD/PgC

With named pathway awards for the MSc in Biomechanics, Physiology, Physical Activity and Health.

The internationally recognised research expertise in the Cardiff School of Sport & Health Sciences is uniquely combined with one of the leading centres for student sport in the UK to provide a popular MSc programme in Sport and Exercise Science. The programme is contained within the Cardiff School of Sport & Health Sciences Postgraduate Scheme in Sport. The programme is centred on research-informed learning and professional practice and adopts a student-centred approach to develop understanding of contemporary issues in sport and exercise through multi- and independent discipline perspectives. Within the programme, students can elect to specialise in specific named pathways in Biomechanics, Physiology and Physical Activity & Health or within the general pathway of Sport and Exercise Sciences. 

The programme assists students in exploring internship opportunities within research, applied sport science and clinical practice, and further supports student engagement within professional bodies (e.g. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences: BASES).

​Course Content​​

The programmes' core modules are centred on enhancing awareness of the professional issues and research applications associated with being a sport and exercise scientist in alignment with the informed practice of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).

The option modules are structured to allow students to tailor their programme based on personal interests within the respective disciplines and the possibility of selecting modules leading to a final MSc award with named pathways allows for recognition of specialities within the programme. Students may alternatively maintain a breadth in their areas of study by combining multiple discipline-based option modules. 

There are three exit points from the MSc Sport & Exercise Science degree; Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PgC) after successful completion of three modules; Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (PgD) awarded completion of six modules; the MSc (potentially with named pathways) is awarded on successful completion of all taught elements including the submission of a dissertation report.

Learning & Teaching​

All modules, except the independent research project (dissertation) module, are 20 credit modules. Timetabled delivery for each taught module usually equals a minimum of 30 hours of time supplemented with up to 60 hours of directed study time and up to 60 hours of independent study time. Contact time is normally made up of lecture, seminars, practical laboratories/ workshops and tutorials. Modules are usually taught through a combination of lecture, seminar and practical based sessions. Group discussions and tasks are frequently used. Student learning is supported through the use of our Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle) that provides learning resources over and above that found in the learning centre (library). All students are supported with access to a personal tutor who is usually the Programme Director of their course. ​ ​

Assessment

With the exception of the dissertation project, all module assessment is based upon 5,000 words or equivalent. Assessment methods are designed to give students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of theoretical, applied and professional practice issues and include coursework essays, needs analyses and the design of interventions, research reports, presentations and critique. 

The dissertation report can be presented either as a traditional 12,000 word thesis or in the format of a journal article. 

Employability & Careers​

Many graduates of the programme are currently studying for a research degree (MPhil/PhD) in a related subject within Cardiff Metropolitan and at other UK institutions. Graduates have typically pursued careers as clinical and applied science consultants, lecturers (further and higher education) and, in the fitness and training industry. Recent graduates have also secured employment as applied sport scientists in the National Institutes of Sport (e.g. English Institute of Sport, Sport Wales), within UK academic departments and within clinical practices.​

Visit the Sport and Exercise Science - MSc/PgD/PgC page on the Cardiff Metropolitan University website for more details!