Awards

Target Award

Award Description:Master of Science - MS
Alternative Exit
Alternative Exit

Programme Offerings

Full-Time

F2F-JMU-SEP

Educational Aims of the Course

The overall aim of this MSc programme is to develop the student's theoretical and practical skills in sport nutrition in an innovative and challenging environment providing the students with all of the necessary skills to embark upon a career in sport nutrition. Specifically, the programme aims to develop graduates that are able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgments in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. This course aims to develop qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment in roles requiring initiative and personal responsibility, decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations, and independent learning-ability required for continuing professional development. Since the programme is written in alignment with the competencies set out by the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENr),the course aims to allow students to apply for graduate entry onto this register.

Learning Outcomes

1.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the fundamental principles of sport nutrition supported by in-depth critical knowledge of classical and contemporary literature.
2.
Implement knowledge of evidence based nutrition and apply this to the management of athletes' needs.
3.
Produce a piece of independent research in journal article format.
4.
Assimilate, integrate and critically discuss research findings.
5.
Communicate effectively and work with athletes and coaching staff
6.
Develop and implement effective sport nutrition advice to athletes
7.
Critically evaluate the need for reflective practice and demonstrate reflection within sports nutrition consultancy
8.
Accurately assess body composition of athletes
9.
Assess energy intake and expenditure in athletes and demonstrate a critical understanding of the limitations of the chosen techniques.
10.
Develop note taking and interviewing techniques when working with elite athletes
11.
Use IT to prepare, process and present information.
12.
Demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding of sport nutrition techniques.
13.
Recognise and describe problems, plan and implement solutions.
14.
Interpret numerical information.
15.
Communicate effectively with peers and members of the sports community.
16.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of exercise biochemistry supported by classical and contemporary literature.
17.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the effects of drug and supplement usage in sport alongside a comprehensive understanding of anti-doping rules and regulations.
18.
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of research methods applicable to sport nutrition and an ability to design, implement and interpret novel research projects in sport nutrition.
19.
Critically evaluate the appropriateness of a research design.
20.
Critically evaluate data analysis procedures.
21.
Apply report and interpret a range of data analysis procedures.
22.
Apply problem solving skills to the nutritional care of athletes.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Lectures, practicals, tutorial support, site visits, problem based learning, essay, laboratory reports, case study, oral presentations, statistical reports, short answer exams, practical oral exams, viva, dissertation. Production of the final research product is supported by the Research Project module and through individual tutorial guidance. Consequently, the research process is active throughout the academic cycle. Throughout the programme an appropriate mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorial support, and practical workshops encourages a critical, reflective engagement with a range of fundamental and applied topics. These teaching and learning processes are underpinned by the research standing and passion of the staff. All staff are members of the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences.

Opportunities for work related learning

Work-related learning will be a key aspect of this degree and will be built into most modules. All Module Leaders will have significant experience in working in sport nutrition. Moreover, industry experts will be brought in to give guest lectures on highly specialised topics. Site visits will be included, such as visits to supplement manufacturers and sporting organisations. However, the major work-based learning will occur in Semester 2 when the students will complete a work placement in an appropriate sport setting. This module will build upon the work-related skills taught in the applied nutrition module in Semester 1 and give the students the chance to practise these skills in a real working context. The placement will be supervised by a highly experienced academic practitioner and the student will also receive on-site supervision through the placement provider. All students will also gain training in assessing body composition and will be given the opportunity to sit the ISAK exam to gain professional accreditation in this technique. Placements have been secured with various sports organisations.

Programme Structure

Programme Structure Description

Students that gain 120 credits are eligible for a Post-graduate Diploma (PgDip) and those achieving any 60 credits of the taught modules are eligible for a Post-graduate Certificate (PgCert).

Entry Requirements

IELTS
Other international requirements
RPL
Relevant work experience
Undergraduate degree

HECoS Code(s)

(CAH02-06) allied health
(CAH03-02) sport and exercise sciences