If you are interested in looking at how and why sport became a cultural phenomenon; if you want to explore the relationship between fitness, the body and society; or perhaps understand why there is such interest in social policy related to exercise and healthier lifestyles; or look at the relationship between sport and mass media, then the MSc in Sociology of Sport and Exercise could be the course for you. Here are my top five reasons why you should choose to study this course at Chester.
Freedom to Specialise
At Chester, the MSc in Sociology of Sport and Exercise allows students the freedom to explore their areas of interest. The students on my course come from a range of undergraduate disciplines, including Sports Science, Events Management, and Social Sciences.
As a Sociology graduate with no background in sport, my studies have focussed on exercise and the body. This involves exploring the ways in which commonly held assumptions about exercise may contribute towards negative body image and construct new forms of social inequality. Other students on my course are looking at disability sports, women’s football, Nigerian physical education, female bodybuilding, and the coach-athlete relationship.
Expert Teaching, Dynamic Content
You will be taught by staff who are widely published active researchers, and who are respected within their field. Their extensive knowledge and experience generates dynamic content, covering a wide range of theoretical perspectives and topics, including the relationship between sport and exercise, social policy, changes in leisure practices, health, physical education and elite sport.
Friendly and Positive
While the course is academically rigorous, it is taught within an environment that is friendly, supportive, and relaxed. Staff show a genuine interest in getting to know the students, adapting lectures to suit the interests of the group. Students are actively encouraged to contact staff for advice, who make themselves readily available for a chat or email exchange. And it would be remiss of me not to mention the biscuits provided in every lecture!
Diverse Assessments, Extensive Support
Assessments, typically spaced at least four weeks apart, include essays, presentations, and posters, plus a dissertation, all designed to develop a range of transferable skills. At Chester, in addition to the support offered by Department staff, the University has a dedicated Academic Skills Team providing support to improve academic writing and research skills, all tailored to your level of study.
Transferable Skills
The range of assessments enables students to not only develop research skills but also to demonstrate ‘soft’ competencies that employers increasingly look for such as self-motivation, professional communication and problem-solving.
Find out more about studying MSc in Sociology of Sport and Exercise at Chester.
