Physical Activity and Health – (M.Sc.)

As the ‘health of the nation’ comes under greater scrutiny the message about the health gains to be achieved through physical activity takes on renewed significance. As a result the role of professionals working in the health sector, local government, education and the fitness industry is changing. For these professionals physical activity is an increasingly important part of initiatives targeting quality of life and health improvement.

This practice-focused course allows you to develop knowledge of physical activity based public health policy and applied aspects of health and exercise (e.g. physical activity care pathways, weight management programmes and health promotion).

The course also encourages you to explore the social and political context in which physical activity-based health interventions take place and to consider how and why such initiatives can have a positive role in behavioural change work, enhancing physical, mental and social well being.

Drawing on debates from within health policy, evidence-based practice and behavioural change literature the course will encourage you to see physical activity in public health settings as a dynamic and exciting area of work.

Designed to maximise the potential for active learning and dialogue with local practitioners, the programme will get you thinking critically about issues and developments within the health promotion and physical activity fields.

The course will offer opportunities for experiential learning through access to healthy walks, physical activity care pathways, healthy workplace initiatives and health promotion activities in other settings (i.e. schools, community groups, residential homes). Consideration will be given to how approaches to health promotion, social marketing and designing, developing and evaluating interventions inform best practice for physical activity and health professionals.