Why this course?
This is a Masters level course which looks at global physical activity for health.
Background
Lack of physical activity is fuelling an increasing burden of morbidity and premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCD) like:
- diabetes
- heart disease
- stroke
- some cancers
The World Health Organisation has adopted targets to prevent and control these diseases. International action is likely and there's expected to be an increasing demand for academic expertise in this area.
What you'll learn
We'll provide you with a comprehensive introduction to physical activity, and its role in the prevention and control of NCD's.
This course is suitable if you have a relevant background and training in areas like:
- medicine
- physiology
- exercise science
- nutrition
It's also a good option if you have a particular interest in the subject but don't have undergraduate training.
By the end of the course you'll have a high level of understanding and skill within the following areas:
- measurement and analysis of physical activity and sedentary behaviour. This is within a variety of contexts and for a range of purposes, including research, clinical practicepublic health surveillance
- patterns of, and variations in, levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in various population groups (national, clinical, specialist) world-wide
- developing and influencing recommendations for physical activity and sedentary behaviour levels in various populations (national, clinical, specialist populations)
- the relationship between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and health/disease within various populations (national, clinical, specialist populations)
- sources of physical activity and sedentary behaviour (physiological, psychological, social and cultural)
- developing, implementing and evaluating clinical and/or public health interventions to change physical activity and sedentary behaviour
- identifying, appraising and synthesising research evidence
- planning, conducting, analysing and reporting/disseminating research
Possible specialisations
You can specialise in:
- diabetes
- obesity
- child & adolescent health
- health policy
These are not compulsory and we're open to discussing other options.
PhD
This course is a good route into a three year PhD in Physical Activity and NCDs.
The Physical Activity for Health Group
The Physical Activity for Health Group is a team of:
- academics
- teaching staff
- post-doctoral students
- research students
Expertise
The group's expertise lies in physical activity for health, with a global perspective on the subject.
Research
Research looks at the development and testing of things that encourage people to take part in more physical activity.
Location
You'll find the group within the School of Psychological Sciences and Health.
Course content
Semester one
Introduction to Physical Activity for Health
A comprehensive introduction to the topics of physical activity for health and sedentary behaviour. The class involves a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical activities.
Physical Activity and Mental Health
This class covers the relationships between physical activity and mental health. It's mainly lecture-based with some practical activities.
Contemporary Debates in Physical Activity for Health
In this class, we broaden the focus to include key issues in research, policy and practice in physical activity. It involves a combination of lectures and tutorials. You're also expected to attend and participate in the monthly Research Seminar hosted by the Physical Activity for Health Group, in which students will engage with expert academics.
Semester 2
Physical Activity with Specialist Population Groups
This class explores the challenges and issues in dealing with specialist populations (clinical populations, young children and older adults) in physical activity interventions. It involves lectures, tutorials, and a series of practical hands-on workshops.
Quantitative Methods
This class will equip you to deal with the complex data preparation and analysis that is part of work in the physical activity for health area.
Mind, Body, and Physical Activity
This class covers the contextual/social/psychological dimensions of behaviour change, thus equipping students to deal with physical activity for health issues around how to change physical activity and sedentary behaviour in individuals and in populations.
Research Project
This class involves an extended piece of research in a topic of your choice and supported through a combination of individual tutorials, small group sessions and online discussion. We anticipate that some students may wish to complete the research project in their home country.
Learning & teaching
You'll attend six classes throughout the year and undertake one research project module. It's designed to offer an intensive immersion in the subject of physical activity for health if you've not studied it before.
You'll attend lectures along with tutorials, workshops, and seminars.
Assessment
You'll be assessed in a variety of methods including written assignments, reading, group work and online participation.
Entry requirements
First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree, or overseas equivalent, in one of the following:
- social science
- health
- medical
- other relevant discipline/degree subject
English Language Requirements
If English isn’t your first language, you'll need a minimum score of IELTS 6.5 (no individual score below 6.0). Your test must be valid for two years.
Pre-sessional English Language Courses
If you’re a national of an English speaking country recognised by UK Visa and Immigrations, or you have successfully completed an academic qualification (at least equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree) in any of these countries, then you don't need to present any additional evidence.
If you're from a country not recognised as an English speaking country by the United Kingdom Visa and Immigration (UKVI), please check our English requirements before making your application.
Fees & funding
How much will my course cost?
All fees quoted are per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Scotland/EU
Rest of UK
International
Bench Fee
For postgraduate students all projects will have research project costs in addition to tuition fees. A Bench Fee of £1,500 is a condition of the offer of study and is payable through the online shop.
How can I fund my course?
Check our scholarship search for help with fees and funding.
Available scholarships
To recognise academic achievement, the Dean's International Excellence Award offers international students a merit-based scholarship of up to £3,000 for entry onto a full-time Masters programme in the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences.
Scottish and non-UK EU postgraduate students
Scottish and non-UK EU postgraduate students starting in 2017 may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from England
Students ordinarily resident in England can apply for Postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Wales
Postgraduate students starting in 2017 who are ordinarily resident in Wales can apply for support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. We are waiting on further information being released about this support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Northern Ireland
Postgraduate students starting in 2017 who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland can apply for support from Student Finance NI. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. We are waiting on further information being released about this support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
International students
We have a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Please note
The fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
Careers
Research
This course is primarily designed for honours graduates who are interested in beginning a career in research with the opportunity to apply for PhD study upon completion of the course.
Career development
If you're coming from an existing post in health/NCD units, this course will offer an immersive conversion course in physical activity for health, for career development.
Career change
If you're not currently working in this area, this course will offer a specialist qualification that will be useful when applying for jobs in health/NCD units at home and overseas.
Apply
Bench Fee
For postgraduate students all projects will have research project costs in addition to tuition fees. A Bench Fee of £1,500 is a condition of the offer of study and is payable through the online shop.
Physical Activity in NCD Prevention and Control
Qualification: MSc, Start date: Sep 2017, Mode of delivery: attendance, full-time
