Applied Exercise and Health Science , MSc

The MSc in Applied Exercise and Health Science builds on expertise at Canterbury Christ Church University to deliver a programme of academic and practical study. Drawing upon cross-School, Faculty, and University expertise, as well as our industry links, the programme aims to produce graduates with a detailed academic knowledge, which is supported by an advanced practical skill set that has the potential to expand employment opportunities within the industry. The MSc is set in the context of the current health climate, where there is an emphasis on the need to develop quality health services for all ages across the health and social sector. Poor lifestyle habits including physical inactivity are associated with the prevalence of certain chronic diseases and this programme aims to develop graduates who can critique current thinking in these areas, and through advanced scholarship develop ideas to progress this field. The technical skill sets that are required in this field will also be fully explored by students on the programme. The technical and practical work should be viewed on the programme as part of an advanced academic experience, developing the abilities to plan, collect, analyse and interpret advanced data in this field. Some examples of the laboratory practical work you will engage with include cardiac and vascular scanning, respiratory physiology, heart rate variability, ECG interpretation, body composition, and cellular-level physiological investigation. There will also be similar advanced analysis of qualitative data collection in the health field, work which will include pain evaluation, perceived exertion, and the development and implementation of questionnaire and interview tools to enhance our understanding of issues in this field. On the programme you will be expected to understand concepts associated with how health and wellbeing are considered and reflected in models of health promotion. This will also encompass the challenges of establishing criteria to define and measure health which are both key underpinning themes associated with the programme. This broad spectrum of activities will allow for a diverse range of students to engage with the material; from those progressing directly from a theory-based undergraduate programme to those that have extensive work-related experience. In lectures, seminars and practical sessions you will be expected to bring your experiences to these learning events to explore some of the key concepts in this field. You will study a broad Research Methods module; the promotion of health policy and associated politics (with health professionals from the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing); and exercise scientists will deliver modules on physical activity, disease, and behavioural change based on both a case study approach and the investigation of specific populations. With the exercise scientists you will study concepts and evidence from single, multi and an interdisciplinary approach using expertise in physiology, psychology, biomechanics and sociology. The integration of practical work with academic study on the programme will help you to increase potential employment outcomes, and is also aimed at supporting ambition if you wish to go on to study at a higher level.