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Course Summary

As well as increasing your theoretical and empirical knowledge within the area, our course comprises core modules that are designed to provide opportunities to enhance your abilities in a range of transferable skills, and also to develop the basic competencies that will aid your personal development should you wish to pursue accreditation in the future, for example with BASES, UKSCA or ISPAS. 

The course is taught by an experienced team of tutors who have specialist research interests and publications within the subdiscipline pathways. All teaching has an applied focus, with full use made of the BASES-accredited sports science laboratories. 

The above critical elements of teaching excellence and research, combined with the applied practical experience of many of the staff who have worked with national and international athletes and teams, means that during all lectures you will not only be challenged intellectually but will also gain experience and knowledge of how research informs and is informed by practice. 

The requirement for an experiential learning placement within the course means that our course provides invaluable practical experience that provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge within an applied sporting environment, as well as developing key interpersonal skills while working alongside applied practitioners. 

This course is suitable for: (i) students who wish to embark upon a career in the sports medicine and/or sciences domain and who are seeking postgraduate study with the opportunity of supervised experience; (ii) practitioners already working in the field (physical therapists, physiotherapists, doctors, sports rehabilitators, sports therapists, physical/strength and conditioning coach); (iii) those looking to extend their knowledge before moving into the research and academic sectors. 


What you’llStudy

Over the year, full-time students will take six taught modules, including: Research Methods; two sports science/medicine generic modules designed to examine practitioner skills, in both academic and applied contexts, allowing you to gain field-based experience of working in an applied setting (Experiential Learning in Applied Sporting Performance); and three course-specific modules on Sports Medicine. You will also complete one triple-module Research Project.

Module content:

  • Applications to the Faculty Research Ethics Committee.
  • Formulating the research question.
  • Developing appropriate studies for hypotheses testing.
  • Key factors in research design, reliability, and validity. Population sampling techniques.
  • Current controversies in sports science research.
  • Data analysis techniques - quantitative approaches, including a review of the use and application of old and new statistical analysis, flaws and faults in statistics.
  • Introduction to data analysis software (SPSS for Windows) and descriptive and inferential statistics, using appropriate examples and data from Sports Science. 
  • Reporting findings.
  • Research ethics.

Module aims:

This module is designed to develop in students an understanding of research methods applicable to post-graduate study within the field of sports science. It is designed to facilitate students’ ability to evaluate research methods and critique current research within the sub-disciplines of sports science. These core skills have been identified as key skills of the sports scientist (BASES Research and Accreditation Guidelines). In particular, students will develop and broaden their knowledge of ethical issues in Sports Science research, quantitative research methods and analysis techniques through the examination of published research in order for them to prepare a research proposal and complete the Research Project.

Module content:

  • Sports science support within the sub-disciplines.
  • Sports science practitioner competencies (interpersonal skills, communication, empathy, listening skills, conflict management and resolution).
  • Ethics when working in the field (BASES guidelines).
  • Key issues for special populations (Children’s Act, Vulnerable Adults Policy, Creating safe environments).
  • Interview and case history techniques (interview skills, observation, and note taking).
  • Referral processes, guidelines and examples.
  • Reflection and the reflective process for practice.
  • Working with data for presentation.
  • The role of experimental research in guiding practice (scientist –practitioner model, practitioner-scholar model, action research).

Module aims:

In gaining specialist accreditation in one area of sports science practitioners are charged with developing an understanding and appreciation of generic practitioner skills and the work of professionals in other areas (BASES Accreditation Guidelines requirement). This module will introduce students to the key competencies and skills of the sports science practitioner including the ethical guidelines associated with sports science support and working with athletes from differing populations. To develop a broad understanding of the role of sports science support services students will review how each area of sports science delivers support and gain an understanding of how research guides practice in each area. Therefore the aims of the module are to develop in students:

  1. An understanding of the key competencies of the applied practitioner.
  2. Knowledge of, and an ability to critically appraise the position of the sports science practitioner within the sport structure.
  3. An ability to critically appraise practice in light of ethical guidelines.
  4. Core practitioner skills such as communication, basic interview techniques, team work and report writing.
  5. The ability to reflect on their practice using theoretical reflection frameworks.
  6. An appreciation of all areas of sports science support.
  7. The ability to critically review practice in light of BASES guidelines.
  8. The ability to critically review and reflect on different practices within areas.
  9. A competency with data handling and analysis.
  10. An understanding of how research guides practice within the sports sciences.

Module content:

In the first four weeks of the module students will further develop an understanding of the roles of the sports scientist (research and applied) and develop core competency skills and knowledge relating to code of conduct, ethical implications of applied sport science support work, and designing and implementing intervention strategies. In addition, students will also be provided with opportunities to develop skills related to applying and preparing for job interviews in applied sport science. While the approach to deliver the general material will be fairly broad, students will be able to focus the development of specific skills on their area of interest, i.e. psychology, physiology, movement analysis, nutrition, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, medicine).

Each student will work in their chosen area of sports science/medicine undertaking work for an assigned tutor and/or client. This may include links through the tutor with outside individuals and or organisations where appropriate. Where students are on placements external to the University, the Department, and the student, will ensure that the placement complies with the advice offered on the QAA’s ‘Code of Practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in higher education: Placement learning’


Module aims:

  • To prepare students for applied research in the field areas of sports science and medicine;
  • To further develop in students the skills and competencies necessary for preparing and completing job applications and interviews in sports science/medicine;
  • Develop the core practical skills necessary for working with athletes and coaches in field and laboratory settings;
  • To develop transferable work placement skills (team work, communication, report writing).

Module content:

Module content will vary according to the individual research investigation requirements and will evolve through student initiative and student-tutor negotiation.


Module aims:

This module is designed to develop students research skills building on the knowledge gained in the taught modules (SS7301 – 315). Students will be required to plan, conduct and report upon an independent piece of research and in doing so fulfil the post-graduate QAA Master's Degree Characteristics benchmark of demonstrating self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and acting autonomously. Through successful completion of the module students will gain experience in the research process by pursuing a topic of their choice utilising either laboratory or field based skills. The module will also provide a secure research grounding for those students who wish to go on to work for a higher degree by research
(MPhil / PhD.). The aims of the module are to develop in students:

  1. The ability to plan and instigate an appropriate data collection method;

  2. An ability to project manage the research process;

  3. An appreciation of the demands of research and the skills of the researcher;

  4. The ability to analyse data and synthesise findings;

  5. The ability to produce a Masters level scientific Research Report in a journal style format.

  6. The ability to explain orally their research and communicate the details to an applied scientific audience.

Module content:

  • The epidemiology of medical events and conditions in sports – students will address the prevalence of typical medical events and conditions across a range of individual and team sports.
  • The aetiology of medical events and conditions in sports – students will address the causes and risk factors of typical medical events and conditions across a range of individual and team sports.
  • Issues in epidemiological and aetiological research - students will critically explore the key issues in conducting effective research in sports medicine.
  • The anatomy/pathology of sports conditions – students will overview the more common injuries, illnesses and medical issues associated with elite sports performance.
  • Health and well-being in the elite athlete - students will develop understanding of non-injury related issues important to elite athlete health and well-being.
  • Biomechanical techniques to evaluate movement – students will develop an understanding of the role three-dimensional analysis and electromyography can play in assessing and/or managing movement efficacy.

Module aims:

To enable students to:

Develop knowledge and understanding of:

  • The epidemiology and aetiology of common sports conditions.
  • The anatomy/pathology of common sports conditions.
  • Critical appraisal of the literature in sports medicine.
  • Health and well-being in the elite athlete.
  • Biomechanical techniques to evaluate movement.

 Develop the practical abilities to:

  • Identify common sports conditions and the associated risk factors.
  • Conduct effective sports medicine literature.
  • Evaluate the medical health and well-being of elite athletes.
  • Conduct biomechanical assessments of movement (e.g. three-dimensional analysis and electromyography).

Module content:

  • Rehabilitation processes – students will critically consider the rehab process including the restoration of normal function through a range of relevant techniques.
  • Return-to-play processes - students will critically consider the complexity of the decision-making processes following a sports-related medical condition.
  • Physiological, biomechanical and psychological techniques to evaluate the rehabilitation process – students will develop an understanding of a range of multidisciplinary techniques to monitor the rehabilitation process.
  • Working within the multidisciplinary environment - students will develop an understanding of the complex clinical environment tasked with dealing with athletes suffering with injury and/or illness. 

Module aims:

To enable students to:

 

Develop knowledge and understanding of:

  • Principles of injury rehabilitation.
  • Principles of rehabilitation following illness.
  • Return-to-play (c.f. return-to-sport) decision making.
  • Physiological, biomechanical and psychological techniques to monitor the rehabilitation process.
  • Working within the multidisciplinary environment.

 

Develop the practical abilities to:

  • Monitor and manage the health and well-being of athletes.
  • Rehabilitate the athlete following sports-related conditions.
  • Conduct physiological, biomechanical and psychological tests to monitor the rehabilitation process.

Module content:

  • Preventing injury in athletes – including use of equipment, functional movement analysis, stretching, resistance training and the management of training loads.
  • Preventing illness in athletes - including basic hygiene and adequate nutrition/hydration.
  • Anti-doping in elite and professional sport -  including the sociological and physiological concepts.

Module aims:

To enable students to:

Develop knowledge and understanding of:

  • Preventative techniques implemented to reduce the likelihood of injury and illness in athletes. 
  • Physiological (inc. strength and conditioning), biomechanical and psychological methods to prevent injury and illness in athletes. 
  • Contemporary approaches to anti-doping. 

Develop the practical abilities to:

  • Implement preventative injury programmes.
  • Implement techniques to prevent illness.
MSc Sports Medicine at the University of Chester YouTube video

MSc Sports Medicine at the University of Chester

Who you’ll Learn from

Dr Edd Thomson

Senior Lecturer
Dr Edd Thomson

How you'll Learn

Types of assessments include case study work, rehab/exercise plans, oral presentations, discussions, critical reviews and infographics. There are no formal examinations. 

Beyond the Classroom

On this course, you’ll spend time out on placement where you’ll apply what you have learnt to real scenarios in the workplace, giving you genuine experience and insight that will prepare you for your future career. 

Entry Requirements

2:2 honours degree

A typical background for an applicant will be someone who has a first degree (minimum requirement of a lower second class honours classification) in Sport or Exercise Sciences, exercise physiology, sports rehabilitation, sports therapy, physiotherapy or physical therapy. 

2:2 honours degree

A typical background for an applicant will be someone who has a first degree (minimum requirement of a lower second class honours classification) in Sport or Exercise Sciences, exercise physiology, sports rehabilitation, sports therapy, physiotherapy or physical therapy. 

English Language Requirements

For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50. 

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements

Where you'll Study Exton Park, Chester

Fees and Funding

£8,505 per year (2024/25)

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses in the academic year 2024/25 are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page.

£14,750 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £14,750. 

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.  

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills. 

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

Your future Career

Job prospects

Many of our graduates go on to employment in the applied sports science fields, for example with national organisations such as the English Institute of Sport, or professional sports teams. Some progress on to PhD programmes and/or into lecturing in Further and Higher Education.

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs.