Exercise and Physical Activity for Special Populations and Healthy Ageing MSc

Originally developed at Middlesex University, the first degree in the UK to focus purely on how to prescribe safe and effective physical activity, exercise, and sporting participation to those living with the 18 most common chronic diseases in the UK and healthy aging.

Why study MSc Exercise and Physical Activity for Special Populations and Healthy Ageing at Middlesex University?

The health and fitness industry has witnessed an explosion in recent years as more and more people realize the importance of exercise. With this comes new challenges for professionals who must consider the wide range of long-term medical conditions which could impact their clients or patients, and how physical activity can positively aid healthy aging.

Our postgraduate degree promotes cutting-edge professional practice, allowing students to undertake leading research and acquire the latest knowledge of effective practice prescriptions for special populations, under the supervision of highly experienced experts.

In our partnership with Saracens Rugby Club, you’ll have access to the fantastic resources at StoneX Stadium, including the brand new £23 million redevelopment project of the West Stand which offers state-of-the-art facilities as a top educational and high-performance center for teaching and research excellence. With some of the most advanced equipment in the UK, you will be able to utilize the new specialist spaces, simulation suites, specialist labs, plus much more.

The course has been designed specifically for qualified graduates and health and fitness professionals, so understand that you will bring experience and working knowledge with you. We help you put this into context and develop it. During the course, you will learn how to justify your professional decisions with evidence-based practice and develop your professional understanding and accountability.

You might already have a Level 3 GP referral qualification, a Level 4 individual condition qualification, or a BSc degree, but this Level 7 degree takes that knowledge to the highest level. At the end of the degree, you will have a comprehensive understanding of 18 of the most commonly presented conditions and how to manage them singly or as comorbidities through exercise prescription, and how to prescribe exercise to promote healthy aging.

Course highlights

• One of the few master's degrees in the UK to focus purely on the prescription of safe and effective physical activity across the most common chronic diseases and promote healthy aging
• You will consider the most effective way to work in a range of working environments, from fully equipped gyms to clients' own homes
• Learn to understand the underlying pathologies of the most common chronic diseases
• Learn the relevance of good nutrition and prescribe appropriate diets
• Learn motivational factors of exercise adherence and utilize models to help keep your clients on track
• Look in great depth at a specific condition that interests you through an individual research project
• Once you complete the course you will be one of the highest-qualified specialist trainers in the health and fitness industry
• You learn using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, at a university recognized as one of the best in the country for sport and exercise science and rehabilitation
• The course allows you to build a sound foundation of individual research interests which can then be taken to Ph.D. level.
• As a student of this course you'll receive a free electronic textbook for every module.

• Students will require an undergraduate degree in a sport or exercise related field (2.2 or above). Students with undergraduate degrees in non-related areas will be considered subject to relevant industry experience and professional qualifications. Alternatively, prospective students who have substantial experience in the area and/or completed vocational qualifications, will be considered via interview.
• Alternatively prospective students who have completed a lower equivalent qualification in a relevant subject and have extensive experience in the area will be considered via interview. Students may be invited to an interview if they have 5+ years of experience.
• Prospective students who fail to meet some of the above criteria may be directed to some preliminary study.

• The most commonly accepted evidence of English language ability is IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all components).

   

The MSc Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity for Special Populations is a Level 7 degree designed for sport scientists and qualified health and fitness practitioners. It equips individuals with the necessary skills to help people achieve their fitness, health, and lifestyle goals safely and effectively. This Masters is valuable for undergraduate students, those working in specialist clinical units, and those interested in doctoral research with special populations. The degree is suitable for individuals working in specialist clinical units, stroke or heart units, and those seeking a thorough baseline knowledge and research experience with special populations.