Originally developed at Middlesex University, the first degree in the UK to focus purely on how to prescribe safe and effective physical activity, exercise and sporting participation to those living with the 18 most common chronic diseases in the UK and healthy ageing.
The health and fitness industry has witnessed an explosion in recent years as more and more people realise the importance of exercise. With this comes new challenges for professionals who must consider the wide range of long-term medical conditions which could impact their clients or patients, and how physical activity can positively aid healthy ageing.
Our postgraduate degree promotes cutting edge professional practice, giving students the opportunity to undertake leading research and acquire the latest knowledge of effective practice prescription for special populations, including post-Covid-19, under the supervision of highly experienced experts.
The course has been designed specifically for qualified graduates and health and fitness professionals, so understands that you will bring experience and working knowledge with you. We help you put this into context and develop it. During the course you will learn how to justify your professional decisions with evidence-based practice and develop your professional understanding and accountability.
You might already have a Level 3 GP referral qualification, a Level 4 individual condition qualification or a BSc degree, but this Level 7 degree takes that knowledge to the highest level. At the end of the degree you will have a comprehensive understanding of 18 of the most commonly presented conditions and how to manage them singly or as comorbidities through exercise prescription, and how to prescribe exercise to promote healthy ageing.
Please note this course only runs in October
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This programme has been designed to give sports scientists and health and fitness practitioners the expertise and qualifications to prescribe exercise regimes to the 18 most common special populations in the UK and diet and healthy ageing.
The course examines the baseline prescription for a healthy population, and specific approaches to: eating disorders, obesity and dieting, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, thrombosis, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, elderly, depression, alzheimer’s disease, asthma, pregnancy, cancer, menopause, working with multi-morbidities, epidemiology of lifestyle factors, Baseline prescription and adaption, principles of nutrition, motivation and adherence psychology.
Students will also consider epidemiology and lifestyle factors of special population conditions. You will also explore how to prescribe a healthy diet and look at applied psychological models such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI).
The first three modules see you study the pathology of chronic diseases, nutrition, the best practice in exercise prescription, developing an understanding of your professional practice and applying your newly acquired knowledge in a work-based project. In the following two modules you will study research methods and then undertake a research project on a topic that particularly interests you.
Full-time students
Full-time students will complete all five modules in one year.
Part-time students
Part-time students will complete the first three modules in their first year before undertaking the Research Methods and Dissertation modules in the second year.
MSc
For the MSc, you will take all 5 modules.
PG Dip
You will take the following modules:
Exercise Prescription and Management in Special Populations and Healthy Ageing
Clinical Science and Nutrition
Research Methods
Professional placement
PG Cert
You will take Exercise Prescription and Management in Special Populations and Healthy Ageing and Clinical Science and Nutrition only.
During this module you will explore the normal anatomy, physiology and pathological changes for each condition and how this relates to exercise prescription for special populations. The module aims to equip you with knowledge and understanding of the abnormalities seen in function and provides the opportunity to study the general pathological mechanisms seen in diseases. This includes aspects of systemic disease with respect to aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and pharmacology.
This module focuses on the design, management and implementation of exercise programmes across all conditions, as well as common comorbidities including: contraindications and useful exercises. It aims to provide the opportunity to develop knowledge, inquiry and work-based activities that improve and inform therapeutic areas of your own practice. You will explore both academic and practical applications of specialist knowledge and demonstrate the learning gained.
This module is designed to provide a critical overview of the main methods and approaches used for research at masters level, and to equip you to apply this knowledge in planning a research proposal. The module affords students opportunities to appraise the strengths and weaknesses of published work in their specialist area, or in health care in general. You will learn in groups and will explore philosophical, ethical and methodological differences which underpin various approaches to knowledge generation that can inform health care work. Workshops allow you to develop a research proposal for your dissertation, consider its adequacy and limitations, and justify the approach taken.
Throughout the dissertation module you will be supported while undertaking research with a focus appropriate to your area of interest, potentially building upon the research proposal formulated in the Research Methods module. The module creates a peer learning community for students, enabling you to provide guidance and critically support one another on matters of ethical application, research methods, data collection, analysis and writing-up in the research process in addition to that provided by your supervisor.
This module provides students with the opportunity to reflect on existing practice and put new knowledge gained from other modules into application in a real work scenario. You will be required to adopt a reflective and critical approach to your working practice and to promote a problem-solving approach in a work environment.
Should it be impossible to undertake placement due to Coronavirus, students will work towards a reflective essay aided by discussion with the mentor and theoretical learning materials which will be available on MyLearning.
During this module you will explore the normal anatomy, physiology and pathological changes for each condition and how this relates to exercise prescription for special populations. The module aims to equip you with knowledge and understanding of the abnormalities seen in function and provides the opportunity to study the general pathological mechanisms seen in diseases. This includes aspects of systemic disease with respect to aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and pharmacology.
This module focuses on the design, management and implementation of exercise programmes across all conditions, as well as common comorbidities including: contraindications and useful exercises. It aims to provide the opportunity to develop knowledge, inquiry and work-based activities that improve and inform therapeutic areas of your own practice. You will explore both academic and practical applications of specialist knowledge and demonstrate the learning gained.
This module is designed to provide a critical overview of the main methods and approaches used for research at masters level, and to equip you to apply this knowledge in planning a research proposal. The module affords students opportunities to appraise the strengths and weaknesses of published work in their specialist area, or in health care in general. You will learn in groups and will explore philosophical, ethical and methodological differences which underpin various approaches to knowledge generation that can inform health care work. Workshops allow you to develop a research proposal for your dissertation, consider its adequacy and limitations, and justify the approach taken.
Throughout the dissertation module you will be supported while undertaking research with a focus appropriate to your area of interest, potentially building upon the research proposal formulated in the Research Methods module. The module creates a peer learning community for students, enabling you to provide guidance and critically support one another on matters of ethical application, research methods, data collection, analysis and writing-up in the research process in addition to that provided by your supervisor.
This module provides students with the opportunity to reflect on existing practice and put new knowledge gained from other modules into application in a real work scenario. You will be required to adopt a reflective and critical approach to your working practice and to promote a problem-solving approach in a work environment.
See the course specification for more information:
Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.
The course will be taught using blended learning through online learning materials, recorded lectures, online live seminars and tutorials. There will be four consecutive days in the middle of the 2nd semester on campus to cover all practical work and a practical assessment. Preparatory work for the following week's topic is put up on UniHub together with a wide range of resources to aid learning. You are expected to attend the online live seminar each week fully prepared with opinions and observations based on your preparatory reading and work experience to explore ideas fully in class. You will also give occasional presentations to your class based on your personal and group research into topics.
The course is very focused on the application of knowledge into practice and work placement allows for classroom knowledge to be applied, and a reflective process of professionalism and efficacy is integrated through discussion in class and the production of a learning journal together with online learning materials. This again illuminates areas of your practice that you might then use for your own research project for the dissertation.
Both work placement and the four-day practical sessions will be Covid dependant and should either of these activities be impossible to undertake, you will be given alternative ways of learning.
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You will be assessed by a variety of means, including:
If you’re starting university in 2020, we’ll be teaching you in different ways to make sure you get the best learning experience possible. You’ll learn through live sessions with teaching staff and have the chance to study independently too, with access to all the online resources you need through our globally available student portal.
We’re planning different scenarios for teaching so that we can be flexible. While we’re social distancing, we’re aiming to teach you through some small group sessions on campus, with other interactive teaching as well as larger lectures delivered online and recorded sessions available to you on-demand. If you’re unable to make it to campus at first, or we need to limit access to campus in the future, your course can be delivered fully online.
The table below shows current plans for your learning across a typical week, including scheduled live online teaching and an indication of what we hope to teach face to face, where you can make it to campus. While some weeks might look different to this, due to how we schedule classes and make arrangements for any face to face sessions (for example, in some cases these could take place every two weeks with an increased number of hours), the table gives you an idea of what to expect based on the overall number of teaching hours on your course.
You’ll receive final arrangements for your teaching and a full course timetable before you start.
Scenario 1: course delivered fully online | |||
1. | Live learning | Contact time per week, per level: | 2 hours |
2. | Self-paced learning time | Average hours per week, per level: | 20 hours |
3. | On demand resources | Average hours per week, per level: | 5 hours |
Scenario 2: course delivered with a mix of online and face to face learning with social distancing in place | |||
1. | Live learning | Contact time per week, per level: | 2 hours |
2. | Self-paced learning time | Average hours per week, per level: | 19 hours |
3. | On demand resources | Average hours per week, per level: | 5 hours |
4. | Face-to-face sessions | Contact time per week, per level: | 20 hours |
Read more about our scenarios for returning to campus and what they might mean for your teaching and learning experience, and how you’ll be able to access student support.
Future plans for teaching
We’re developing our timetable for face to face teaching with current government advice on social distancing to keep you safe. If social distancing requirements are lifted, we’ll start to safely move back towards our usual teaching arrangements with more opportunities for face to face learning. Some learning and support might stay online in this scenario. If more restrictions are put in place, or there is another lockdown, we’ll be prepared to deliver your learning and support fully online, with alternative arrangements made for any required placements. We’ll always give you notice of any changes that we make.
Definitions of terms
Support
You’ll have a strong support network available to you to make sure you develop all the necessary academic skills you need to do well on your course.
Our support services will mainly be delivered online and you’ll have access to a range of different resources so you can get the help you need, whether you’re studying at home or have the opportunity to come to campus.
You’ll have access to one to one and group sessions for personal learning and academic support from our library and IT teams, and our network of learning experts. Our teams will also be here to offer financial advice, and personal wellbeing, mental health and disability support.
Read our guide to what’s been happening in your subject area recently and more about what to expect this autumn.
The course has been designed specifically for sport scientists and qualified health and fitness practitioners, providing a Level 7 degree which is the highest level of qualification in the industry.
Whether you are a personal trainer, physiotherapist, clinic rehabilitator, nurse, home visitor or other health professional; this Masters equips you to be one of the highest qualified specialists in the field and enables you to help people achieve their fitness, health and lifestyle goals safely and effectively.
Students with an undergraduate degree in a relevant area who wish to continue their education before pursuing one of the above careers would find this masters valuable.
The degree is also suitable for individuals working in specialist clinical units such as stroke or heart units, or those with an interest in research at doctoral level, who need a thorough baseline knowledge and require research experience with special populations.
Tija Hubej
MSc Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity for Special Populations graduate
I chose this course because I had previously worked with people with different chronic conditions and I felt that I was lacking some crucial knowledge of the sector. The MSc Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity for Special Populations really looked like it would help me to gain a deeper understanding of these conditions and therefore improve my practice.
The support on the course was amazing throughout; I was able to really focus on my studies and gain one to one support from the lecturers. I also received assistance with my academic writing, and the library staff were extremely valuable in helping me to understand the system used to access journals. Weekly presentations helped me tremendously with my confidence and English speaking skills. I was never told what to do but instead was guided which is exactly what I was looking for at master’s level. .
My MSc project examined the effectiveness of an exercise programme for informal carers of people living with dementia. I believe that carers need something designed that is just for them, to promote balance and enhance quality of life. Currently I am a PhD student, inspired by my passion for this project and desire to continue researching this area. A PhD to me is like an ocean of opportunities – even though there are sharks and other dangers, there is so much to explore!
To anyone considering this course, I would say to trust the professors instinct and engage 100%. It is such a broad and dynamic course so you can really pick your focus from a diverse range of topics. It is a challenging course so be prepared to take the leap and commit yourself for one year - the rewards will be immense!
Kenneth Ellacott
MSc Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity for Special Populations student
I’ve been climbing for over a year and have just been selected for the GB para climbing team. Olympics 2024 is my goal.
I suffered from a stroke in 2012, leaving me paralysed on the left side. From a personal perspective, understanding what happened to me and what helped me during rehabilitation was definitely motivation to study this course. Also, since my accident, I have been working with people in the gym who have different conditions and disabilities and I wanted to understand the theoretical background to these impairments and how they impact exercise ability. Having already gained practical experience, I wanted to supplement this with theoretical knowledge.
Coming to Middlesex, it was quickly apparent how friendly the staff were. They treated me like I was ‘normal’ which then helped me to feel more normal and was definitely a factor in feeling like I could achieve anything I wanted to. I had done my undergraduate degree here too and by the end of the course I felt ready and confident to progress on to master’s level. The support and expertise on the course is fantastic.
I would recommend this programme to anyone who wants to better understand people living with a vast number of specialist conditions, and how exercise can improve their functionality and well-being.
Find out more about Kenneth and his journey to the Olympics on his Facebook page.
Lia Stephenson
MSc Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity for Special Populations student
Lia Stephenson has been a triple jumper for five years and recently won the National BUCS Triple Jumping Competition.
Middlesex University provided a smooth transition for me from undergraduate to postgraduate study. The MSc course is well structured with many practical elements combined with theoretical insights, which is exactly what I’d been looking for. The staff on the course are all extremely supportive and provide detailed feedback on all assignments.
As an athlete, I train five times a week, meaning that I need to manage my time really well. The structure of the course helped with this as we have all our timetabled lectures on a Monday, allowing me to fit my training commitments in alongside independent study.
I won the Middlesex Sports Scholarship (Silver Award), giving me access to a coaching course, sport science workshops, sports massage and rehab centre, and £500 towards training and competition expenses. This has definitely helped me with many aspects of my professional development and progression.
Choosing this course felt like the natural next step after my BSc in Sport Science as I wanted to further my education. My dissertation is examining the perceptions of exercise, and as someone who suffers from anaemia, I have a special interest in how this perception links to people using exercise as a tool to combat illness. This programme is the missing piece in my jigsaw – it all fits together nicely!
Nick Herman
MSc Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity for Special Populations student
Middlesex University is the only university that offers such a unique course. As a practitioner, I have being working with Special Populations for years without actually realising it. When reading about the course , it became apparent that I would be studying my clients (as well as myself being age 53 and a part of a special population). I had an opportunity to learn and as it was practice based learning, really improve my skills and understanding.
When I started this course, it had been decades since I was last in a formal educational environment so I not only had to study and learn the subjects within each module, I also had to very quickly get up to speed with academic ways. The support was fantastic, I cannot fault it. Everyone involved in the teaching side, from the head of department, the course leader and the lecturers have been positive, encouraging, patient, passionate about their subject, and good humoured. It is fair to say the quality of support made the difference for me in terms of passing or not. I have had to balance a full-time job, part-time work, and my family life alongside this course and the support helped me to do so effectively. In terms of facilities, the library, especially the quiet places, were extremely useful for me.
At present I am doing what I was doing before I started the course, but I am considering the options and opportunities that are there for me which did not exist before I started. I have been looking at working in Public Health in a research or campaign position, however I feel that I my private practitioner work is evolving and I am designing a new practice and taking on more study. Hopefully, I will be in a position where I can come back to Middlesex University and study for Doctorate of Professional Studies.
We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.
Start: October 2021, EU/INT induction: September 2021
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2-3 years part-time
Code: PGC611
