Physical Activity, Exercise and Health
Entry requirements
A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
Months of entry
September
Course content
Sedentary lifestyles, poor diet and high stress levels have led to an obesity and diabetes problem – and if you want to develop your existing qualifications and experience in personal health and exercise science to help improve public health, our MSc Physical Activity, Exercise and Health degree course is perfect for you.
This postgraduate qualification expands your skill and knowledge in the field, and also covers the clinical aspects of exercise, communicating with clients and the delivery of effective physical activity programmes – for patients with chronic diseases – to improve their quality of life.
And at a time when Clinical Exercise Specialists (CES) are in high demand, you'll graduate with the skills you need to pursue a career as a CES – or a related role – either in the NHS or the private sector.
What you'll experience
- Use our specialist facilities, which include biomechanics, physiology, psychology and kinanthropometry labs, climatic chambers and an immersion pool
- Improve your communication skills, so that you can to talk to clients in a professional and approachable way
- Learn about the key issues in the field, including clinical physiology, exercise rehabilitation, and the psychology of exercise and physical activity
- Understand diagnostic techniques and learn how to deliver physical activity programmes which improve your clients' fitness and health
- Complete your own research project in the field of clinical exercise
- Be supported by academic staff who are conducting research in their chosen specialism
- Benefit from our strong links with the School of Health Sciences and the National Health Service
Work experience and career planning
We'll help you to identify internships, voluntary roles and opportunities that will complement your studies.
When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work in the clinical exercise industry.
After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.
Careers and opportunities
On this course, you'll be able to work towards the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Clinical Exercise Specialist certification, and units aligned to Level Four National Occupational Standards for Health and Fitness.
The demand for qualified clinical exercise specialists is high, and the knowledge and skills you'll gain on this course will place you in a strong position to pursue a career in a variety of clinical settings, in both the public and private sector.
Career opportunities include:
- Health and wellbeing physiologist
- Clinical exercise physiologist
- Exercise referral coordinator
- PhD research
- GP exercise referral coordinator
- NHS trainee clinical scientist
- Health advisor
- Cardiopulmonary exercise testing research technician
- Mental health exercise instructor
- NHS physical activities adviser
- Private exercise physiologist
We'll provide you with as much support as possible in finding employment through close industrial contacts, careers events, recruitment fairs and individual advice.
Fees and funding
Qualification and course duration
MSc
Course contact details
- Name
- Admissions Team
- admissions@port.ac.uk
- Phone
- 023 9284 5566