Applied Sport Physiology MSc (PGCert PGDip)

Course structure

The course is flexible in that it allows you to exit with a postgraduate certificate at the end of one semester (three 20-credit modules) or a postgraduate diploma at the end of two semesters (six 20-credit modules). You must complete the 60-credit research project to qualify for the MSc.

You spend around 100 hours of the course with an organisation related to the practice of physiology, which will allow you to apply your academic knowledge in a vocational setting. Previous students have worked with organisations including Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club and the English Institute of Sport.

Many students have started their professional careers with the organisation that provided them with work experience.

Areas of study

In taught physiology modules, you will experience and discuss the responses of the human body to various stimuli, including effect of environmental changes (heat and hypoxic chambers) and of ergogenic aids, which can be used to simulate peculiar clinical conditions and help you understand better exercise tolerance.

This novel approach to teaching integrative physiology will help you to develop a host of laboratory skills. You will also be introduced to the latest in the research field of exercise physiology and will have an opportunity to write your own paper from your research project.

Through professional modules, placement opportunities and chances to network in the world of sports physiology, you will graduate with a competitive edge in the jobs market and a foot firmly in the industry.

Teaching environment
Laboratory work

• We accept a maximum of 15 students on this course
• All classes take place in our exercise physiology laboratories with a staff:student ratio of 2:3
• Students work in groups of four to five on problem-based situations

Tutorials

• Students can book individual tutorials with every lecturer offering around three hours of tutorials per week
• Group tutorials are also scheduled in our teaching programmes

Modules

• Exercise Tolerance (integrative physiology)
• Critical Insights into the Study of Physiology
• Laboratory Skills for Sport Physiologists
• Professional Enquiry
• Final Project

Options

• Issues and Innovations in Physiology
• Applied Environmental Physiology
• Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management

Facilities

Our facilities include an x-m square gym over two floors with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, which features a three-camera system to analyse weight-lifting actions and an isokinetic dynamometer to allow measurement of muscle strength.

Our sport and exercise laboratories are all accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES). They include:

• a molecular genetics laboratory with biobanking
• a biomechanics laboratory with motion analysis equipment, various EMG systems and an immersive screen
• two exercise physiology laboratories where aerobic/anaerobic endurance, power and strength assessments as well as body composition, cardiac and pulmonary screening can be carried out
• an environmental laboratory with purpose-built environment chamber where we can simulate different climates by controlling the temperature (-20 to +50°C) and relative humidity (20 to 95 per cent), and a 1.13m x 1.13m x 1.5m water immersion tank
• a research-based laboratory with an oxygen-controlled chamber to simulate altitude (hypoxia).

Why Brighton?

Four reasons to study with us:

• You will get your hands dirty. Hands-on in the lab, you will have access to all our equipment and we will teach you how to use it and how to analyse and interpret the numbers.

• We will make you think. We will challenge your knowledge and your beliefs, and get you to find solutions to the problems and challenges that are relevant to today’s sport physiologists.

• We will make you more employable. We’ll offer you opportunities to take on responsibilities, learn within a workplace and develop your understanding of the business world.

• You will be surrounded by experts. Our staff include internationally recognised coaches and researchers willing to share their knowledge with you.

Professional experience 

Professional-Based Learning Module

All credit-based postgraduate courses at the School of Sport and Service Management offer the Professional-Based Learning module.

The module offers you an opportunity to undertake practical experience in a work environment and gain invaluable first-hand knowledge. It is designed to help you engage with the process of planning and delivering expertise in practice, and to reflect upon and take steps to improve your academic, personal and professional skills.

In Semester 1 (September–January) you will have classes on CV development, interview skills, target setting, reflective practice and experiential learning, leading to 100 hours of professional experience in Semester 2 (February–June). This experience could take the form of a part-time job, an unpaid internship, a volunteering opportunity in the university or time as a mentee in your chosen industry. You can also take this module as part of a live consultancy in connection with one of your tourism, sport, hospitality or event modules, either in the UK or a School of Sport and Service Management project overseas.

Our school-based Employability Hub will be on hand to assist you in securing an experience that best meets your career goals and aspirations. Professional experience will enhance your practice and academic knowledge, and many of our students have started their careers with their placement organisation.

 Staff profiles

Location

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Maps

Accommodation

University building

Eastbourne campus map