For information on bursaries and scholarships for this programme click here
The aims of this postgraduate programme are for students to develop:
- a critical understanding of the concepts and controversies in exercise and nutrition science
- a scientific and enquiring approach to the study of contemporary exercise and nutrition issues
- research skills for the critical investigation of exercise and nutrition topics
Why study this course?
The wide choice of taught modules and development of analytical research skills opens up a diverse range of career opportunities for newly qualified graduates, facilitates progression and professional development for those already in their chosen career, or may help facilitate a career switch for others looking to work in this rapidly expanding area.
Features:
- A variety of module options means the programme can be tailored to suit your needs.
- The programme is highly flexible, allowing you to study full time or part time to suit your personal and work commitments
- Flexibility is achieved through the delivery of modules over three-day blocks followed by eight weeks of home-based learning. This allows students nationally and internationally to attend the programme.
- This multidisciplinary programme attracts students from a wide age range and diverse array of backgrounds.
- There are no formal examinations.
Fees and Registration for 2012-13
UK & EU Students
- Per Module: £490
- Postgraduate Certificate: £1,470
- Postgraduate Diploma £2,940
- MSc: £4,410
Non-UK or Non-EU Students:
- MSc - £9,990
- Module fee: £1,110
Apply Online
You can apply online for the Masters in Exercise and Nutrition Science programme.
Note: Please include the location for which you are applying in the 'Programme Title' field of the online application (example: Exercise and Nutrition Science - UK).
Registration
The Registry will contact you with details of Registration procedures and Induction Programme.
Downloads
Programme Leaflet
Taught Module Descriptions
Timetable and Fee Information 2012-13
- Independent Study Module: This module involves an extended review of literature on either an exercise or nutrition topic of the students choice.
Taught Modular Programme
The MSc programme consists of six taught modules and a research project.
- Each taught module involves attendance at a 20-hour, three-day intensive course (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 9.30am to 5.00pm) followed by a period of home-based learning and the submission of a 4,000-word written assignment, or its equivalent.
- Taught modules are scheduled monthly.
- Following completion of six taught modules, students commence a programme of personal research.
Students select six from the following modules:
The modules aim to enable you to develop a critical knowledge and understanding of fundamental and contemporary issues in relation to physical activity and health and nutrition in health and disease, as well as applying these principles to sporting populations. A variety of module options means the programme can be tailored to suit your needs.
- Exercise and Health
- Science of Weight Control
- Nutrition in Health and Disease
- Physiology and Physical Performance
- Biochemistry of Metabolism
- Performance Enhancement
- Sports Nutrition
- Research Methods and Data Analysis (normally compulsory for MSc students)
Each module is accredited by the Royal College of Physicians, London (RCP) for 20 CPD points.
Each taught module is assessed by a 4,000 word written assignment or its equivalent - e.g. poster presentation. There are no formal examinations.
Research Project
Following the completion of six taught modules, MSc students are required to undertake a programme of personal research. Projects may be laboratory-based at the University, or work-based, and students are under the direction of an individually allocated supervisor.
Career opportunities
The course was designed : (i) to provide postgraduate education and training opportunities for exercise, nutrition and health professionals; and (ii) to provide opportunities for those aspiring to work in this high profile field.
Career opportunities in this field are developing rapidly, below is just a sample of the positions our graduates have been successful in gaining:
- Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialists
- Exercise physiologist
- Sports nutritionist
- Occupational physiologist
- Sports Scientist
- Researcher
- Lecturing/Teaching
- Weight management
- Food industry
- Health promotion
- Corporate health and fitness
Our MSc Students in Exercise and Nutrition Science say...
Student Profile - Chris Jones
After graduating from a degree in Health and Fitness Management, I was keen to continue developing a deeper understanding of the role that exercise and nutrition plays in health and wellbeing. Having looked around at a number of Master’s degrees, I decided to study for an MSc in Exercise and Nutrition Science at the University of Chester as it had a wide-ranging focus on exercise, nutrition and physiology. During my studies at Chester, I was able to develop a detailed understanding of exercise prescription, sports nutrition and physiology, and prevention of common health conditions.
At the end of my MSc, I graduated with a Distinction and applied to Nuffield Health for the role of Regional Clinical Lead (RCL) Physiologist. I have no doubt that having my MSc was one of the key reasons that I was offered the role, and the knowledge I gained has been an important factor in my progression from RCL, to Deputy Professional Head of Physiology and, 18 months ago, to Professional Head of Physiology. My role now involves acting as the Professional Head for a team of approximately 100 Health and Wellbeing Physiologists, overseeing all aspects of clinical governance, professional development and effectiveness.
Student Profile - John Hayton
Prior to the completion of my Master’s degree I was presented with a number of career opportunities, namely in clinical physiology and research – opportunities contingent on the experience I had gained in undertaking this programme. Influenced by the highly enjoyable and successful research I had conducted during my time in Chester, I decided to embark upon a PhD at Durham University where I also fulfil a role as a part-time teacher. I am currently in the closing stages of my PhD and hope to pursue an academic career in higher education.
The Master’s in Exercise and Nutrition Science provided me with strong research skills, sound subject knowledge and the practical expertise to operate in a variety of settings across a diverse range of populations, instilling in me the confidence to make the transition into a work-oriented environment. I thoroughly enjoyed both the programme and my time in Chester, and having my thesis research published was a great personal accomplishment for me.
The strengths of the course lie in its structure, the excellent provision of support materials and the quality contact time which provides the optimum balance of theory and practical content. Upon completing the MSc, the skills and knowledge I had gained offered me tangible routes into community and public health promotion, clinical exercise settings, performance sport, and research.
The programme is open to candidates with a minimum of a lower second class honours degree in a related subject area, or equivalent professional qualifications. Consideration will also be given to applicants with relevant work experience, background knowledge and skills.
Applications are invited from professions such as:
- Nursing
- Medicine
- Dietetics
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Food Industry
- Health Promotion
- Leisure Industry
- Teaching/Lecturing
- Emergency Services (police, fire, ambulance, military)
- Sport
- Coaching
- Physical Education
- Sports Science
