Exercise Medicine MSc

This module offers you the chance to work closely with an expert member of staff from the course team, to support the development and execution of your research project. This module allows you to apply the skills and competencies you have developed throughout your course, including subject-specific knowledge, data analysis, and valuable transferable skills such as critical thinking and the ability to effectively communicate findings to academic and professional audiences.

This module covers key concepts in physical activity and lifestyle, emphasising their role in preventing long-term health conditions. You will be introduced to essential terminology such as sedentary behaviour (SB), physical activity (PA), and exercise, and explore why physical activity is crucial for reducing the risk of long-term health issues. Key questions include how to distinguish exercise from general physical activity and how to promote long term adherence to physical activity in the general population. The module also delves into research design, guiding you in understanding and applying different methodologies in this field. The module discusses various technologies available to measure physical activity and sedentary behaviour, examining their validity and reliability. You will be also taught behaviour change theories and techniques, which are essential for understanding and promoting adherence to health promoting behaviours in public health. Common barriers and facilitators to physical activity will also be taught, including relevant socio-economic and cultural factors.

This module is designed to increase your awareness of the diverse career opportunities within exercise medicine and allied health sectors to help you navigate through the processes involved in gaining meaningful employment and progressing within the sector globally. You will be exposed to careers across the public, private and third sector and will explore UK governing bodies and standards of conduct, scope of practice and legal requirements. You will explore job market trends, gain an understanding of industry expectations, and identify pathways for certification and specialisation. During the module you will also develop your employability skills.

In this module, you will critically explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and pathogenesis of a wide range of long-term health conditions, such as cardiometabolic diseases, cancer, frailty, and mental health challenges. You will examine specific issues related to life stages such as menopause, as well as the complexities associated with multi-morbidities.

You will also develop a critical understanding of how these conditions impact on each component of physical fitness, both individually and collectively. You will utilise evidence-based techniques to assess and monitor these conditions. During the module you will be assessed on your knowledge and understanding around these topics and competencies to assess and interpret findings. This module will prepare you to undertake advanced physiological testing and will equip you with skills to address the diverse needs of patients in clinical exercise settings.

This module equips students with essential research skills in sports and exercise medicine and science, from developing research questions to effectively reporting findings. Students will learn to design reliable and valid studies, exploring sampling techniques and addressing key considerations in hypothesis testing. Emphasis is placed on quantitative data analysis, covering traditional and modern statistical methods, along with common statistical flaws. Practical training includes the use of software to apply descriptive and inferential statistics, using real-world sports and exercise data. The module also highlights research ethics, including the process for ethical approval and considerations of current controversies within sports and exercise medicine and science research.

This module is designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills required to safely and effectively prescribe exercise for individuals with various long-term health conditions. Students will focus on the benefits of exercise training for each condition, in terms of promoting healthy outcomes and prolonging the lives of those with life limiting disease. Applied knowledge will emphasise targeted exercise recommendations for each condition, as-well as detailed methods of risk stratification. Gym based practical sessions will reinforce theoretical knowledge, providing hands-on experience with exercise prescription, monitoring, and adjustment for different clinical conditions and individual patient types. The module will also address real-world challenges practitioners will likely face when working in health and exercise related settings.