MSc Sport and Exercise Physiology

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.

Muscle Physiology for Sport Exercise and Nutrition

An understanding of the role of skeletal muscles for whole-body physiological functioning exercise is essential when examining the impact of nutrition and physical training for sports for performance.

This module develops critical knowledge of muscle function and energy demands, the use of carbohydrate, lipids and proteins as energy sources, the metabolic pathways, the nature of metabolic limitations in skeletal muscles during exercise, the role of nutrition and ergogenic aids (e.g. polyphenols, carbohydrates, beta-alanine, creatine) for optimal function of skeletal muscles during exercise, the role of proteins for muscle mass and the relationships between nutritional interventions, signalling pathways and training adaptations in skeletal muscle.

The application of this knowledge to athletic training and sport with divergent exercise intensity and exercise demands will be discussed within both theoretical and practical contexts.

Applied Techniques in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition

This is a hands-on module that advances the skills required to undertake physiological assessments linked to client population requirements.

Professional Skills in Sport and Exercise Physiology & Nutrition

This module develops your knowledge base associated with applied physiological and nutritional support in a range of different environments including exercise testing, physiological and dietary measurement, food safety and hygiene and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) considerations.

Specifically, the module will address the interplay between external physical challenges associated with different environments; internal physiological and metabolic challenges associated with gender, training status and various states of disease-impaired or compromised function such as musculoskeletal injuries.

Whilst the module gives due consideration to elite sports performance and recreational exercise participation, the module also discusses exercise and physical performance in occupational settings such as the military and emergency services.

A focus of the module is to critically discuss how sport and exercise scientists working in interdisciplinary teams can enhance performance, protection and promote safety and wellbeing.

Planning Your Dissertation/Supervised Experience Portfolio

The MSc Research Dissertation and MSc Supervised Experience Portfolio requires meticulous planning and preparation.

The primary aim of the module is to allow you to develop the rationale for the research question, aims, objectives and the rigorous and detailed methodology for the MSc Research Dissertation or MSc Supervised Experience Portfolio.

This module is a requirement to allow registration for undertaking the MSc Research Dissertation or MSc Supervised Experience Portfolio.

Supervised Experience Portfolio

This module provides you with the opportunity to plan, implement and evaluate discipline-specific sport and/or exercise science support within a real-life setting. You will gain insight into applied sport and exercise science, and prepare for the type of reflective and academically-grounded experience that is a central demand of candidates seeking Support Accreditation via BASES. The module has been designed to provide the opportunity for you to learn and develop in a real world setting whilst having access to identified support and training mechanisms.

The Research Dissertation

This module is the culmination of previous learning and is the major element of your independent enquiry on your programme.  The module requires that you reflect on, and utilise the knowledge base, context, and application of taught modules, as well as placement experiences. It is designed to encourage you to generate and explore your own ‘problem’ assisted by supervision from a tutor.