Sport Sciences (Human Performance) MSc

About the Course

This course primarily focuses on the physiological and biomechanical elements of the human performer, while also providing you with grounding in the lab techniques used by physiologists and biomechanists. The course serves as ideal preparation for those wishing to pursue accreditation as a Sport Scientist through the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES).

Aims

• To build on your existing knowledge and extend your understanding of applied physiology and sport and exercise biomechanics
• To provide experiences designed to enhance critical analysis and independence of thought
• To develop your understanding of, and competence in, research methods and statistical analysis
• To enable you to critically evaluate and initiate project work relevant to applied physiology and sport and exercise biomechanics
• To provide a sound and secure basis from which you may proceed to a research degree (e.g., PhD) or a career as an applied sport scientist with specialist knowledge in applied physiology and sport and exercise biomechanics.
• To provide an integrated study programme that is compatible with current guidelines and benchmarks provided by or through BASES

Enquiries

Taught Programmes Office
Sport Sciences
School of Sport and Education
Brunel University
Email sse-pgtcourses@brunel.ac.uk
Tel +44 (0)1895 266493

Related Courses

• PGCert Secondary Education (Physical Education) with recommendation for QTS
• Sport and Exercise Psychology MSc

Special Features

The School of Sport and Education enjoys a prominent position within the University, building upon traditions that stem from Borough Road College - the oldest teacher-training college in the British Commonwealth.

We have a long-standing reputation for excellence in teaching and an impressive record of research and publication which consistently attracts high-calibre students, including high level sportsmen and sportswomen who successfully combine study with training and competition.

Our students have varied backgrounds and interests. Some are keen to gain knowledge about sports performance, others are keen to explore the links between sport and, for example, community, education, health, and politics.

Sport is a hugely popular form of culture around the world and the academic study of sport has grown in popularity to meet the demands of the global sports industry. In parallel with these developments, sport sciences courses at Brunel are up-to-date, dynamic, and forward-looking.

Course Content

Core Modules

Applied Sports Physiology (30 credits)
This module aims to explore the physiological limitations to elite performance and the role of exercise physiology in preparing the elite athlete. This will be accomplished by an in-depth study of current sport and exercise physiology concepts, and examination of the role of the physiologist within the inter-disciplinary support team.

Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise (15 credits)
This module enables you to become proficient at applying biomechanical principles to the performance of athletes and the design of sports equipment. You will also learn to use mathematical modelling to investigate the biomechanical basis of sports movements and equipment.

Laboratory Techniques in Physiology and Biomechanics (15 credits)
This module is designed to enable the student (a) to acquire practical and analytical laboratory skills and techniques that are relevant to the physiological and biomechanical assessment of human performance, (b) to develop an understanding of interdisciplinary practice and (c) to develop the skills required to work as a member of a coherent sport science support team. Part-time students must have satisfactorily completed SP5035 or SP5511 prior to commencing SP5513.

Research Methods and Data Analysis (45 credits)
This module aims to enable you to develop the necessary skills to undertake a piece of research; develop competence in the range of quantitative and qualitative research methods available; critically assess the appropriateness of any research method in relation to a research question; effectively search for and utilise a variety of research sources; critically analyse personal research ideas; develop a critical appreciation of principles and techniques involved in analysing quantitative and qualitative data; apply statistical techniques using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS); analyse qualitative data, including the use of software; undertake your MSc dissertation appropriately.

Research Dissertation (60 credits)
Students select an appropriate topic of study that is approved by their supervisor. These topics normally span the research interests of Department staff.

Elective Modules (one from)

Sport Organisation, Politics and the Law (15 credits)
The purpose of this module is to locate forms of sport organisations in the UK within their cultural and political contexts. This module will examine the role of the state and the effects of legislation on sport organisation and sporting provision. The module will also assess the significance of national and international politics, and the role of the law in the regulation of sport.

Performance Lifestyle (15 credits)
This module focuses on high achieving athletes and those tasked to care for them as they strive to create an environment that facilitates success while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. The module has been endorsed by UK Sport and the content reflects the Performance Lifestyle support available to athletes through advisors at the English Institute of Sport. The module provides students with an opportunity to consider the performing athlete in a broader sense.

Assessment

Your academic performance will be assessed in a variety of ways. Assessment procedures include essays, case studies, oral presentations, poster presentations laboratory report writing and computer-based tests. Formal written examinations constitute part of the assessment in some modules. In addition, you will need to submit, and pass, a research dissertation.

Fees for 2013/14 entry

UK/EU students: £5,800 full-time; £2,900 part-time

International students: £15,000 full-time; £7,500 part-time

Read about funding opportunities available to postgraduate students

Fees quoted are per annum and are subject to an annual increase.

Entry Requirements

Normally at least a good honours degree in a relevant subject or subjects. This includes graduates who have completed a joint course with Sport Sciences; Sports Studies; or Physical Education as one of their subjects as well as single honours Sports Sciences graduates. Consideration will also be given to graduates with an appropriate academic background which does not include Sport Sciences eg Biology; Psychology; Sociology; or Philosophy. The suitability of such applicants will be considered at interview. Financial Support: There are a number of scholarships for which postgraduate students can apply. These may help towards costs. Details available on application.

English Language Requirements

Brunel also offers our own BrunELT English Test and accept a range of other language courses. We also have a range of Pre-sessional English language courses, for students who do not meet these requirements, or who wish to improve their English.