Sport & Exercise Science - MSc/PGDip

• Recent placements we have offered our students have included posts at leading sporting organisations including Chelsea Football Club, Harlequins Rugby Club and the Lawn Tennis Association
• Benefit from excellent access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in which you can conduct your research.
• Examine critically the theoretical bases of assessment methods and their practical application within physiology, psychology and biomechanics.

Summary

Produce high quality original research in the areas of sport, exercise, nutritional and health sciences. This programme provides an excellent platform for progression to PhD-level study as well as other related career paths.

This programme is for students who want to focus on a research topic with a view to create new knowledge within the growing area of sport and exercise science. You will be guided by experts in the field who will support you to produce high quality original research.

You will have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art equipment in the laboratories. Our expertise will allow students to employ the latest techniques in the pursuit of producing significant and original research that is publishable. Some of the techniques include modified ELISA’s, Real-Time PCR, Western Blot, isotope methodology for metabolism, 2-3D motion analysis using MaxTRAQ and Vicon, force analysis using Kistler force plates and isokinetic dynamometers, muscle ultrasound, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation.

You will automatically gain access to our research community in the Sport and Exercise Science Research Centre (SESRC) and Health Sciences Research Centre (HSRC). The research centres are active in researching diabetes, obesity, diseased and healthy metabolism, neuromuscular function, biomechanics in elite and pathological populations, environmental physiology, nutrition in athletic and chronic diseased populations, protein synthesis and muscle growth, sport & exercise psychology and performance and well-being.

Content

The key modules on this course revolve around you producing a high-level independent research project, which will prepare you for higher levels of research and study.

The course begins with a research methods module which will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of different approaches to research, allowing you to choose the correct method for your project, depending on your specific area of interest. You will study key philosophical questions as to the nature of science and knowledge, and develop a critical awareness of the principles and practice of qualitative and quantitative approaches and techniques. You will also be introduced to the management of ethical issues associated with collecting and analysing data on human participants.

You will also be guided on the development of your research proposal, and be invited to attend the Sport Science Seminars Series to frame your understanding of current sport-related research.

Other modules on the programme allow you to study more in-depth knowledge and gain relevant practical skill in biomechanics, psychology, and/or physiology that are invaluable for your dissertation project.

Modules

Compulsory module (MSc students only)

• MSc/MA Research Dissertation

Compulsory module (PGD & MSc students)

• Research Methods

plus modules from two of the three disciplines are compulsory:

Psychology

• Psychology of Physical Activity, Health and Injury

or

• Psychology of Sport and Performance

Physiology

• Physiological Assessment

Biomechanics

• Biomechanical Measurement and Technology

Optional modules

• Physiological Assessment
• Psychology of Physical Activity, Health and Injury
• Biomechanical Measurement and Technology
• Approaches to Psychological Support
• Nutritional Aspects of Exercise and Sport Performance
• Psychology of Sport and Performance
• Advanced Biomechanics of Locomotion
• Neuromusculoskeletal Function

Compulsory and Required modules

Compulsory and/or required modules may change when we review and update programmes. Above is a list of modules offered this academic year.

Optional modules

Optional modules, when offered as part of a programme, may vary from year to year and are subject to viability.

Career options

Pathways include teaching, coaching, sport public relations and promotion, sports consultant and lecturer, further academic study.

Visit the Sport & Exercise Science - MSc/PGDip page on the University of Roehampton website for more details!