Gain a unique insight into the intriguing interactions between physical activity and health
Overview
Study the key relationship between physical activity and public health
Our MSc Physical Activity and Public Health course equips you with key skills and provides you with a unique insight into the intriguing interactions between physical activity and health by infusing epidemiology, physiology, psychology, and policy-relevant research.
You will also develop important skills in designing and evaluating research and community interventions that promote health behaviour change.
This programme recognises the need for specialisation in the intertwined disciplines of physical activity and public health, which is differentiated from other MSc courses in public health.
With real-world applicability, it substantially contributes towards higher-level qualifications emerging in this area extending the knowledge and practical skills for health sector professionals, physical activity and fitness professionals, teachers or local government employees.
The Course
Explore the most recent theory, research and debates on the effect of physical activity and public health
Our MSc Physical Activity and Public Health course develops your understanding of current theory, research, and debates at the forefront of physical activity and public health to influence population health and well-being.
You will develop a comprehensive and critical overview of technical competencies and professional and ethical practice in the field of physical activity and public health, as well as foster a self-directed approach to learning.
Principles and Practice of Physical Activity and Public Health
This module offers a broad introduction to the subject matter of public health and physical activity. You will develop your understanding of epidemiological measures and explore a selection of contemporary areas of physical activity research such as data modelling, physical activity in green/blue space, and health economics.Enhancing Physical Activity, Participation and Wellbeing
Contemporary research and theory relating to the adoption and maintenance of physical activity participation for health and wellbeing will be explored.Measurements in Physical Activity, Public Health and Wellbeing
This module adopts an evidence-based approach to identifying ‘best practice’ in terms of protocols and procedures when undertaking work in the area of physical activity and public health.Physical Activity in Public Health Interventions: Conceptualisation, Design and Delivery
This module allows you to gain knowledge of the process of developing and designing an intervention to increase physical activity for public health.Project Planning and Management for Public Health
The discipline of project management will be critically surveyed and you will apply project management techniques and concepts to plan a project in the area of public health.Research Methods for Exercise and Public Health
This is an introduction to quantitative and qualitative methodology for exercise and health using practical and real-world examples to illustrate how we make sense of data.Research Dissertation or Consultancy Project
The credit of Master of Science is achieved by completion of either a full write-up or write-up and presentation dissertation, or a consultancy project.Experience
Discover world-class sporting facilities to support your learning
Sports laboratories
We have four specialist psychology labs including a virtual reality reader, brain imaging unit and an observation suite.
Sports injury clinic
Sports Therapy students use our specialist injury clinics these spaces for practical sessions and run a practice.
Tudor Hale Centre for Sport
Our world-class Tudor Hale Centre for Sport acts as the focus for sports science, therapy and physiology.
Sports hall
Our specialist sports hall can be used for a wide range of indoor sports, including basketball, netball, badminton, and volleyball.
Specialist outdoor sports pitches
Alongside our grass football and rugby pitches, we also have our International Hockey Federation compliant floodlit astro turf.
Close community
Our commitment to a friendly and close-knit student community contributes to a high degree of success for our graduates.
Expert staff
Learn from experienced specialists and researchers who are here to support you throughout your degree.
FA Women's High-Performance Football Centre
As one of only nine centres in the UK, we provide additional opportunities for women to develop as players and coaches.
Fitness suite
We offer a variety of cardio, resistance and weight equipment, with a dedicated strength and conditioning room.
Sports Dome
The Sports Dome is a large indoor facility which can be used for sports such as cricket, football, hockey, and many more.
Learning Resource Centre
The Learning Resource centre (LRC) contains the library, a café, IT/teaching rooms, and the Student Information Zone (SIZ).
Library
Our campus library holds more than 200,000 books and over 500,000 eBooks.
Subject specific librarians
If you have difficulty finding material for an essay, seminar or project, subject librarians will be happy to provide assistance.
Teaching and Assessment
Innovative teaching methods that focus on practice
Teaching
Our team of principal lecturers ensure innovation, enthusiasm and expertise combine to deliver the excellent standards that give our institution its high reputation.
When you come to Chichester, you will join a community of students and lecturers working in partnership to ensure that your learning experience reflects best practice and embraces the opportunities presented by new, interactive technologies.
Each module is delivered differently depending on its content and focus of study.
In most modules you can expect lead lectures to introduce core content, but the majority of your time will be spent working in small groups with tutor support in seminars, workshops or laboratory sessions.
Many sessions will require you to have completed some preparatory work and you will also be given structured follow-up work after a session to further progress your learning, often reading or an individual/group task. As you progress through your degree you will be expected to take more and more ownership over your learning and development, directing your study into areas of most interest to you.
Assessment
You will be assessed by a variety of methods, including essays, examinations, portfolios, practical assessments, lab reports, and oral presentations.
Our course includes a mix of assessments, so that you may develop a wide range of transferable skills. Modules are assessed at every stage of the course, offering cumulative assessment of your progress.
You can monitor your own progress, allowing you the opportunity to discuss and plan your development with your lecturers throughout the course. Where appropriate special arrangements can be made for students with an identified need.
Careers
Acquire the skills and knowledge required to gain employment with the sports industry
Physical activity and public health are no longer viewed as the responsibility of only those working in the health sector.
A wide range of opportunities are available in statutory, voluntary, charity, private and community organisations as well as in local government and academic institutions.
Typical careers include:
- Sports facility management
- Sales and marketing
- Sports coaching
- Sports development
- Business management
- Teaching
Course Costs
Course fees 2022/23
UK fee
International fee
For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fees page.
For further details about international scholarships, please see our Scholarships page.
To find out about any additional costs on this course, please see our Additional Costs page.
Entry Requirements
- Attained (or be about to attain) at least a first or upper second class honours degree in a related scientific discipline.
- Still be offered a place on this course if you can show evidence of the potential to succeed based on professional and/or related experiences subject from a recognised institution of higher education.
- If you have a lower second class award you may be accepted if you can provide a transcript to show that you performed near the upper second class level on appropriate modules. If you do not have these academic qualifications, you could have relevant professional experience that would be considered.
If English is not your first language then English language proficiency required is IELTS 6.5 (with no element less than 5.5) – or equivalent qualification.
