MSc Sport, Health And Exercise Science
01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2028
| Course Leader | Christopher Marley |
|---|---|
| Course Team | Melanie Tuckwell, Joseph Sunday, Nathan Evans, Stuart Jarvis, Adnan Haq, Lee Baldock, Jay Probert, Jayne Ludlow, Rhian Cummings |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | University of South Wales |
| Modes of Study | Full Time, Part Time |
Document Version
| Version | 8 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2026 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
QAA Benchmarks
Educational Aim
The PGCert / PGDip course aims to:
• extend students' theoretical understanding of current issues in Sport, Health and Exercise Science;
• provide students with the skills to independently plan, implement and evaluate work in applied settings;
• develop reflective practitioners with the ability to critically apply theoretical knowledge and understanding in
applied settings;
• enhance students' ability to question current thinking, develop alternative hypotheses and engage in
independent research;
• facilitate vocational development in order to enable postgraduate students to help develop and deliver sports services and strategies.
In addition to those identified above the aim of the Masters degree is to build upon previous research experience and undertake a piece of discipline-related research activity.
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | PGCert and PGDip students will be able to demonstrate the following outcomes associated with knowledge and understanding: An advanced understanding of the key theoretical issues in Sport, Health and Exercise Science; |
| A2 | PGCert and PGDip students will be able to demonstrate the following outcomes associated with knowledge and understanding: A comprehensive understanding of relevant research and applied techniques in Sport, Health and Exercise Science with an informed knowledge of how the results of this application may improve sport or exercise performance and develop research ideas and/or professional practice. |
| A3 | In addition, MSc students will be able to: Demonstrate the intellectual capability to investigate a research question at the forefront of Sport, Health and Exercise Science. |
| B1 | PGCert and PGDip students will be able to demonstrate the following outcomes associated with cognitive skills: Apply critical skills and techniques analytically to case study or 'real life' situations to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed interventions; |
| B2 | PGCert and PGDip students will be able to demonstrate the following outcomes associated with cognitive skills: Display a level of critical understanding that develops and advances new ideas; |
| B3 | PGCert and PGDip students will be able to demonstrate the following outcomes associated with cognitive skills: Demonstrate a reflective approach to evidence-based practice. |
| B4 | In addition, MSc students will be able to: Demonstrate autonomy and independence in conducting an independent research project from the identification of a research question to the communication of the findings. |
| C1 | Students will be able to demonstrate the following outcomes associated with professional and vocational skills: The application of appropriate professional and vocational skills that are relevant to the work based learning position. |
| C2 | Students will be able to demonstrate the following outcomes associated with professional and vocational skills: Demonstrate autonomy in demonstrating initiative and personal responsibility in professional practice. |
| C3 | Students will be able to demonstrate the following outcomes associated with professional and vocational skills: Technical expertise and is able to demonstrate and follow appropriate procedures relevant to the work place. |
| C4 | Students will be able to demonstrate the following outcomes associated with professional and vocational skills: Application of skills in both complex and unpredictable environments. |
Course Structure
Level 7 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE4S092 | MOD009235 | Epidemiology and Biostatistics for Public Health | Running | 20 | optional |
| SR4S005 | MOD001851 | Strength and Conditioning | Running | 20 | optional |
| SR4S008 | MOD001854 | Movement Analysis | Running | 20 | optional |
| SR4S010 | MOD001856 | Nutrition for Health and Performance | Running | 20 | specified |
| SR4S012 | MOD001858 | Physical Activity and Health | Running | 20 | optional |
| SR4S013 | MOD001859 | Professional Work Based Development | Running | 20 | core |
| SR4S043 | MOD009279 | Exercise Physiology | Running | 20 | specified |
| SR4S072 | MOD013406 | The Research Process | Running | 20 | specified |
| SR4D006 | MOD013407 | Research Project | Running | 40 | specified |
| SR4S073 | MOD013742 | Psychology for the Sports Coach/Practitioner | Running | 20 | optional |
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
Employer Engagement
• Local authorities, Education, Leisure and Sports Development departments
• Professional Sporting Clubs
• National Governing Bodies
• Sport Wales
• SCUK
Means of Assessment
The standard, University-wide regulations apply to this award. Assessment will be guided by the regulations as published in the University Academic Handbook
Students are required to evidence knowledge and understanding through a diverse range of assessment, including:
• Formal essays
• Case studies
• Academic critiques
• Written examinations
• Portfolios
• Group presentations
• Poster presentations
• Practical assessments
• A research dissertation or applied project on a student-chosen topic relevant to the overall parameters of the degree programme
• Formative Assessments
Learning Support
• Course leader support
• Student Services specialist advice for welfare, health or financial advice, and special needs support
• Fully equipped laboratories
• Tutorials
• Blackboard / LCSS
• Student handbook and module guide
• Health and Safety guides
• Individual academic tutor
• Tutorials
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Science | 180 credits of which at least 150 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6 | Final |
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 credits with at least 40 at Level 7 and no more than 20 at Level 6 | Intermediate |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 credits of which at least 90 must be at Level 7 and no more than 30 at Level 6. Award related specified and option modules = 60 credits plus award related option module = 20 credits plus award related core module = 40 credits = total 120 credits | Intermediate |
Progression Route
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
Normally we require Honours degree classification at least a 2:2 in a relevant subject although relevant experience can also be taken into account.Alternatively those working within the sport, exercise and health industry such as Fitness Instructor, personal trainer, NGB coach, Sports development officer, strength and conditioning coach or sport science support will be considered.Equivalent international qualifications are acceptable and if English is not your first language you must have a certificate in English Language Proficiency (e.g. IELTS at least 6.5).
Inclusive Curriculum Statement
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution
N/A
Methods Of Quality Standards
A: Mechanisms for review and evaluation:
• Module reviews (feedback questionnaires and module leader report)
• Annual programme review
• Periodic review which includes external panel members
• Annual staff appraisal
• Reflecting on Academic Practice
• External examiner reports
• Faculty Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Committee
B: Committees responsible for monitoring and evaluation
• Faculty Board
• Faculty Quality Assurance Committee
• Quality Assurance Committee
• Annual monitoring meeting
• Staff/student liaison committee
C: Mechanisms for gaining student feedback
• Student representation on Faculty Board
• Module reviews and Award Blackboard site
• Staff/student liaison committee
D: Staff development activities to improve the programme
• Regular meetings, identifying specific training needs
• University staff appraisal scheme and provision of staff development training courses
• Attendance at conferences to maintain up to date knowledge of specialist subject area.
• Attendance at CPD events and National and International conferences
• Updating information and communication technology skills.
• Staff research seminars.
Quality Of Standards Indicators
This programme can demonstrate its quality through achieving and attaining:
• Satisfactory External Examiners' Reports.
• Annual course monitoring review conducted by Faculty Quality Assurance.
• Conferring and consulting with QAA regulations for Level 7 provision for academic awards.
• Regular feedback conducted through Staff Student Liaison committees
• Subject Benchmarking
• Internal Subject Review
• QAC Thematic Audit
• Periodic Subject Review