Sports Medicine  MSc

This module prepares students for effective, ethical practice in sports medicine and science, focusing on essential competencies for professional support within various sub-disciplines. Students will develop interpersonal skills vital for working with diverse populations, including children and vulnerable adults, following ethical standards like the BASES guidelines. The module covers interview and case history techniques, referral processes, and reflective practice, enhancing students’ skills in patient assessment and self-improvement. Additionally, students will learn to work with data for professional presentations and explore how experimental research informs best practices through models like the scientist-practitioner approach.

This module equips students with essential research skills in sports and exercise medicine and science, from developing research questions to effectively reporting findings. Students will learn to design reliable and valid studies, exploring sampling techniques and addressing key considerations in hypothesis testing. Emphasis is placed on quantitative data analysis, covering traditional and modern statistical methods, along with common statistical flaws. Practical training includes the use of software to apply descriptive and inferential statistics, using real-world sports and exercise data. The module also highlights research ethics, including the process for ethical approval and considerations of current controversies within sports and exercise medicine and science research.

This module equips students with core competencies and ethical standards essential for careers in sports science and medicine. In the initial weeks, students will learn the roles of both research and applied sports practitioners, focusing on professional conduct, ethical considerations, and the design of intervention strategies. They will also gain job application skills, such as interview preparation. Students can specialise in their chosen field—like sports medicine, physiology, or strength and conditioning—and engage in hands-on data collection through tutor-assigned or external placements. The module therefore, provides practical, real-world experience aligned with scientific and academic expectations.

This module provides students with a deep understanding of common sports-related conditions, including their epidemiology, causes, and pathology. Students will learn to critically appraise sports medicine literature, focusing on elite athlete health and well-being. The module also develops practical skills in identifying sports conditions and associated risk factors, assessing athletes' medical health, and performing advanced biomechanical evaluations. Techniques such as three-dimensional movement analysis and electromyography will be used to analyse movement patterns, equipping students with essential skills for clinical and research roles in sports medicine.

This module focuses on the rehabilitation and return-to-play processes in sports medicine, guiding students through the complex decision-making required after sports-related injuries or illnesses. Students will critically analyse rehabilitation strategies to restore normal function, employing physiological, biomechanical, and psychological techniques to monitor progress effectively. Additionally, the module emphasises the importance of working within a multidisciplinary team, helping students understand the collaborative clinical environment essential for treating injured or ill athletes. By the end, students will be equipped with a holistic understanding of rehabilitation and the diverse approaches needed to support athletes’ successful recovery and safe return to play.

This module focuses on injury and illness prevention in athletes, highlighting essential techniques for maintaining optimal health and performance. Students will explore injury prevention strategies such as functional movement analysis, proper use of equipment, stretching, resistance training, conditioning and effective training load management. Additionally, students will study methods to prevent illness through practices like hygiene, nutrition, and hydration. The module also addresses anti-doping in elite and professional sports, covering both the socio-cultural influences and physiological impacts of doping. By the end, students will understand comprehensive prevention techniques to support athlete health, performance, and adherence to ethical standards.

This module focusses on a student-led research project in sports science or medicine, allowing students to independently identify and execute an investigation with supervisory guidance. Content and direction are tailored to each project’s unique requirements, evolving through collaboration and negotiation between the student and tutor. This approach fosters initiative, critical thinking, and advanced research skills, as students engage deeply with their chosen topic. By independently designing, conducting, and analysing their research, students gain hands-on experience in the research process, preparing them for future academic or professional roles that demand expertise in sports science and medicine.