Compulsory modules
Evidence-based Public Health Physical Activity and Nutrition (15 credits)
The aim of this module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the foundational concepts of physical activity and nutrition for public health. Through the module, students will explore the fundamental roles of physical activity and nutrition in the prevention, management and aetiology of diseases and health outcomes across the life course. Students will examine the physical activity and nutrition recommendations for public health and critically evaluate the inequalities in health behaviours and the implications for public health.
Measurement of Health Behaviours for Public Health (15 credits)
The aim of this module is for students to gain practical experience and competencies in the measurement and quantification of movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep) and nutrition. Topics covered will include aspects of measurement theory (concepts and terminology), evaluation of measurement techniques (choice, agreement, validity and reliability), practical aspects of measurement tool deployment (self-report and device assessed) and the link between the data collected via measurement tools and health outcomes.
Practical Research Methods (15 credits)
This module aims to introduce students to the application of epidemiological methods to real-world public health issues, with a focus on physical activity, nutrition and lifestyle-related conditions. Students will develop skills in formulating research questions, research design, data collection and analysis using quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches.
Health, Policy, Systems and Leadership (15 credits)
Students will develop an understanding of the ways public health priorities are developed and addressed through health and social policy, systems of health promotion and care and local public health leadership practices. Drawing on social science theories and international research, they will critically examine policymaking, public governance and health systems, enhancing their understanding of how interventions are developed, implemented and situated within wider social and political contexts.
Compulsory modules
Physical Activity and Nutrition in Context (15 credits)
The aim of this module is to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse determinants of physical activity and eating behaviours, emphasising a systems thinking approach. Students will be guided in using evidence-based frameworks, models and theories to explore how biological, social, environmental, cultural and political factors interact to influence behaviours. Students will explore inequalities in behaviours and the importance of context in understanding determinants and will develop skills in applying this understanding.
Techniques in Public Health Data Analysis (15 credits)
This module aims to develop students’ knowledge and skills in the analysis and interpretation of health-related data for public health applications. Topics covered will include aspects of beginner coding, epidemiological methods, behavioural analysis and analysis of public health data sources.
Intervention Development: Implementation and Evaluation (30 credits)
The aim of this module is for students to develop advanced knowledge, critical understanding and applied skills relating to the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of public health interventions aimed at improving physical activity, nutrition and associated health outcomes. Students will engage with key theoretical models, frameworks and evidence that inform intervention development across different populations and settings. The module will foster critical thinking around the complexities of behaviour change through case studies related to different behaviours, outcomes and target populations.
Compulsory modules
Research Project in Sport, Health and Rehabilitation (60 credits)
The aim of this module is for students to design, conduct and report on an original research study of an aspect of their MSc programme.