Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

MSc Physical Activity and Public Health

Academic Year: 2014/15

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

  • Summary
  • Aims
  • Learning outcomes
  • Structure
  • Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different)
Owning school/department School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body
Final award
Programme title Physical Activity and Public Health
Programme code PSPT40
Length of programme
UCAS code
Admissions criteria

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/departments/sport/physicalactivityandhealth/

Date at which the programme specification was published Thu, 04 Sep 2014 14:08:51 BST

1. Programme Aims

  • To develop an understanding of the links between physical activity and health using a lifespan, public health perspective
  • To integrate and translate theory and research into practice

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

Subject benchmarks for Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Group;

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications;

Learned Society's Standards e.g. Physiological Society, British Association of Sport & Exercise Sciences.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 

  • different approaches to the study of determinants of physical activity
  • the evidence concerned with the proposed links between physical activity and psychological well-being
  • understand the physiological and metabolic bases of the relationship between regular physical activity and health
  • appreciate the strengths and limitations of the evidence linking physical activity and health
  • understand the key principles, concepts and approaches of physical activity
  • describe and analyse physical activity and sedentary behaviour  recommendations and programmes for different populations
  • key theories of health promotion and their application to physical activity promotion
  • critically evaluate different strategies, interventions and methods for promoting physical activity for health
  • review, synthesise and critically evaluate research methods and findings in physical activity and health

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  • Apply key theoretical principles to physical activity promotion
  • Critically evaluate the physical activity recommendations for different population groups
  • Critically evaluate the psychological research evidence in physical activity and health
  • Critically evaluate the behavioural epidemiological research evidence in physical activity and health
  • Critically evaluate the physiological research evidence in physical activity and health
  • Critically and reflectively analyse current trends and evidence and its implications for practice in physical activity promotion
b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  • Design appropriate physical activity interventions
  • Critically and reflectively analyse current trends and evidence and its implications for practice
  • Identify areas of practice that could benefit from small-scale research; design, conduct and evaluate an appropriate investigation.
c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  • Communicate effectively orally, electronically and in writing
  • Manage personal learning efficiently and effectively
  • Use IT effectively as a learning and communication tool
  • Develop and utilise qualitative and quantitative research skills
  • Work confidently both as an individual and as part of a small team
  • Work independently and use available support strategically and effectively. 

4. Programme structure

In the following table, ‘C’ indicates a compulsory module and ‘O’ indicates an optional module

 

Code

Module title

Modular weight

Semester

Module

PSP001

Research Methodologies and Methods         

15

1&2

C

PSP353

Epidemiology of Physical Activity

15

1

C

PSP355

Physical Activity and the Environment

15

1

C

PSP357

Measurement of Physical Activity & Sedentary Behaviour

15

1

C

PSP002

Quantitative Research

15

2

C

PSP316

Psychology of Physical Activity and Public Health

15

2

C

PSP354

Interventions for Physical Activity Promotion

15

2

C

PSP356

Bio-Social Influences on Physical Activity & Health

15

2

C

PSP350*

Project (MSc Physical Activity and Public Health)

60

2

C

 

* Candidates undertaking a Project need formal approval of a research proposal by the Programme Director and an agreed Supervisor. 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

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