MSc Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health

Develop expertise in the design, implementation and evaluation of sport and physical activity initiatives promoting mental health on this interdisciplinary programme delivered in association with Everton in the Community.

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    Overview

    Course Length: 1 Year Full-Time, 2 Years Part-Time
    Start Dates: September 2020, September 2021
    Subjects: Mental Health and Counselling
    Sport and Physical Activity
    Location: Edge Hill University

    This interdisciplinary course, delivered in association with Everton in the Community (the official charity of Everton Football Club), provides you with a unique opportunity to undertake cutting-edge, impact-focused and policy-relevant teaching and research related to health and wellbeing in sport, physical activity and related sectors.

    You will have the opportunity to work with academic experts, practitioners and other professionals to further your understanding of the complex links between sport, physical activity and mental health and develop expertise in the design and evaluation of programmes intended to promote mental health and wellbeing. You will also examine how mental health may be compromised, as well as enhanced, by participating and working in community and professional sport.

    The programme is suitable for graduates as well as current practitioners, professionals and policy makers, who have an interest in sport, physical activity and mental health or health and wellbeing more broadly. The course will also be highly relevant for those working in community and professional sport, including coaches, current and former athletes, safeguarding and welfare officers, and support staff.

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    In Depth

    What will I study?

    This programme enables you to study the prevalence and determinants of mental health and illness and their association with various forms of inequality. You will analyse how sport and physical activity are commonly used to address mental health and illness, become familiar with how sport and physical activity programmes are designed and evaluated, and explore how these programmes emerge out of local, national and international policy processes and priorities.

    Optional modules enable you to tailor the programme to particular areas of interest. You can study how mental health can be compromised and enhanced at community and professional levels of sport. There are also opportunities to explore mental health promotion and needs across different population groups.

    Following an introduction to major research methodologies, methods and approaches, undertaking an independent research dissertation on a topic of your choice will enable you to develop an in-depth understanding of project and people management, how organisations address mental health and illness, and the ethical dilemmas involved in researching mental health in sport and physical activity contexts.

    You will be encouraged to inform this project with any insight derived from relevant work experience in sport, physical activity and mental health settings. If you wish to undertake applied work experience to inform your studies, you will be supported to do so by engaging with key partners including Everton in the Community.

    How will I study?

    The course will be delivered in a variety of ways, including lectures, workshops, student-led seminars and discussions, tutorials, applied work experience, and practitioner-oriented mentoring.

    You will typically be required to attend one afternoon/early evening session per week and engage in supported activity (e.g. tutorials) as appropriate.

    How will I be assessed?

    You will be assessed through a combination of coursework (including essays, policy briefings and reports, and programme evaluations), individual presentations and a research dissertation.

    There are no formal written examinations as part of the current assessment methods on this programme.

    Who will be teaching me?

    You will be taught by academic staff who possess expertise in a variety of disciplines allied to sport, physical activity and mental health, including sociology, psychology, psychiatry, physiology, policy analysis, and performing arts.

    Practitioners and professionals who work in sport, physical activity and mental health, in addition to other guest speakers involved in teaching and research, will also regularly contribute to the delivery of the programme.

    A Great Study Environment

    Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health students, wearing course-branded hoodies, participate in a seminar.All courses in the Department of Sport and Physical Activity place a strong emphasis on practical work, underpinned by outstanding facilities including dedicated biochemistry, biomechanics, performance analysis, physiology and psychology laboratories.

    The performance analysis laboratory provides access to industry-standard software and audio-visual equipment for the analysis of athletic and coaching performance, while the biochemistry laboratory enables you to collect and accurately analyse a wide range of metabolites, using the latest technology, to determine the physiological responses of athletes and others, to a variety of exercise stresses such as running, cycling and rowing.

    There is a dedicated sports therapy clinic, providing a clinical learning environment in which to gain practical experience, as well as a functional rehabilitation centre where bespoke rehabilitation programmes for individuals or small groups can be implemented.

    Additional learning resources include high quality eye-tracking systems in a specialist vision analysis laboratory where you can measure hand-eye coordination, ocular-motor control, reaction times, cognition and other mechanisms associated with visual perception. Cutting edge musculoskeletal assessment tools combine with a dedicated strength and conditioning area in our MSk laboratory where you can assess athletes and implement (p)rehabilitation programmes. Isokinetic dynamometry, electromyography and dynamic balance assessment can all be conducted with immediate transfer to exercise prescription.

    In the Sleep, Exercise and Performance laboratory, you can measure the responses of individuals to sleep, sleep deprivation and changes in the circadian rhythms of a variety of biological processes. This helps to determine the best time to exercise or when individuals need to sleep and recover.

    Complementing the impressive academic facilities, there are £30 million of sport and leisure facilities across 60 acres on campus, including top-of-the-range 3G football and rugby pitches, hockey pitches, tennis courts, a competition-standard athletics track and an athletics field. The University sports centre boasts a 25-metre swimming pool, double sports hall for badminton, basketball, netball and squash, a 100-station fitness suite, aerobics studio and a health suite with sauna and steam rooms.

    Modules

    Expand All

    SPT4730Mental Health and Mental Illness: Prevalence, Determinants and Inequality (20 credits)

    Mental Health and Mental Illness: Prevalence, Determinants and Inequality examines the prevalence of mental illness globally and in local, regional and national contexts. The module also considers the social, cultural and economic determinants of mental health and how these are associated with various forms of inequality (including income and wealth inequality). This will enable you to reflect upon the major social changes associated with the increasing incidence of mental illness, discuss how this contributes to other health conditions, and consider how these conditions and the health inequalities they produce might be effectively addressed by politicians, policy makers and other organisations, including charities and campaign groups, to help improve lives.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Practical(s): 50%.

    SPT4731The Policy Process in Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health (20 credits)

    The Policy Process in Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health equips you with a critical understanding of the policy process in relation to sport, physical activity and mental health. The module examines major policy responses to mental health and illness and explores how these have been deployed in sport and physical activity contexts. You will analyse the various interconnections between the policy agendas in sport and physical activity on the one hand, and mental health and illness on the other, with a view to exploring how these can be explained and used to identify the future trajectories of policy and political priorities. The module also examines the major models and phases of the policy process, how policy is enacted in practice, and the methods used to monitor and evaluate its effectiveness in sport, physical activity and mental health.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    SPT4732Research Methods and Programme Design in Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health (40 credits)

    Research Methods and Programme Design in Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health introduces you to the major research methodologies, methods and approaches that are commonly used in sport, physical activity and mental health research. You will become familiar with the types of evaluation methods commonly used in the field and with the planning process for programme design, development and enactment. In addition to developing an awareness of the theoretical frameworks which guide programme design and evaluation, you will become familiar with the pragmatic and practical realities of undertaking research and evaluation in sport, physical activity and mental health, as well as the various ethical dilemmas and decisions that need to be negotiated in the process. The ways in which data can be generated, managed and analysed during the course of research will also be considered so that you become critically aware of the various elements involved in the research process and, in particular, the design and evaluation of programmes.


    Assessment: Coursework: 70%, Practical(s): 30%.

    SPT4733Applied Research Dissertation in Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health (60 credits)

    Applied Research Dissertation in Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health enables you to undertake an independent research project on a topic of your choice in the field of sport, physical activity and mental health. You will be required to undertake a systematic review of the existing literature on your chosen topic, appraise the various justifications for the selected research methodologies, methods and tools, and consider the ways in which relevant data can be managed and analysed in a manner appropriate to your identified research questions. You will be required to provide critical and cogent theoretical explanations of your findings and consider the ways in which they inform policy and practice. The dissertation may be written-up in the form of a traditional thesis or as a journal article based on the styles and conventions of an international peer-reviewed journal.


    Assessment: Coursework: 80%, Practical(s): 20%.

    You will select two of the following modules:

    SPT4734Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health Promotion for Children and Young People (20 credits)

    Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health Promotion for Children and Young People is particularly relevant if you are interested in mental health and illness among children and young people, in addition to the various strategies that can be deployed to address the mental health needs of these population groups. You will critically evaluate the evidence for the psychological theories and determinants that are associated with sport and physical activity participation, as well as sedentariness among children and young people, and consider how this relates to behaviour change interventions in various settings. These settings include schools, community environments such as sports and youth clubs, in addition to other leisure-oriented domains. You will also examine engagement in sport and physical activity and relate this to other lifestyle behaviours including diet, the use of legal and illegal drugs, use of social media, and the quantity and quality of their social relationships. The consequences of these activities for young people’s mental health and their association with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, body image-related problems, eating disorders and disordered eating will be examined.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Practical(s): 50%.

    SPT4735Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health Promotion for Adults and Older People (20 credits)

    Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health Promotion for Adults and Older People is particularly relevant if you are interested in mental health and illness among adults and older people, in addition to the various strategies that can be deployed to address the mental health needs of these population groups. You will critically evaluate the evidence for the psychological theories and determinants that are associated with sport and physical activity participation, as well as sedentariness among adults and older people, and consider how this relates to behaviour change interventions in various settings. These settings include the workplace, community environments such as sports clubs, in addition to leisure-oriented domains and other social settings. You will also examine engagement in sport and physical activity and relate this to other lifestyle behaviours including diet, the use of legal and illegal drugs, the use of social media, and the quantity and quality of their social relationships. The consequences of these behaviours for mental health and their association with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, self-harm, body image-related problems, and eating disorders and disordered eating will be examined.


    Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Practical(s): 50%.

    SPT4736Mental Health Awareness for Community Sports Participants and Practitioners (20 credits)

    Mental Health Awareness for Community Sports Participants and Practitioners will develop your awareness of mental health and illness among community sports participants and practitioners and examine how mental health can be understood in community sport settings. In particular, the module explores the ways in which groups including coaches, volunteers, staff members, managers and other community sport providers can effectively address the mental health needs of sport participants for whom they are responsible, whether in sports programmes or other areas of organisational life. The module reflects upon the opportunities and challenges of promoting positive mental health in community sports organisations, in addition to the workplace setting more broadly, and discusses the role of mentoring, education and peer leadership in developing mental health awareness among those who seek to promote mental health in community sport organisations and settings.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    SPT4737Mental Health Awareness for Performance Sport Athletes and Practitioners (20 credits)

    Mental Health Awareness for Performance Sport Athletes and Practitioners will develop your awareness of mental health and illness among performance sport athletes (throughout their careers and post-sport lives) and practitioners. The module will consider how mental health can be understood in performance sport settings and explore the ways in which groups including coaches, welfare officers, performance and support staff, and managers can effectively address the mental health needs of the performance sport athletes for whom they are responsible. Whether in performance settings or other areas of lifestyle management, the module reflects upon the opportunities and challenges of promoting positive mental health in performance sports organisations, as well as in the workplace setting more broadly. The role of mentoring, education and peer leadership in developing mental health awareness among athletes and other performance sports workers will also be discussed.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    Optional modules provide an element of choice within the programme curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements.

    Timetables

    You can expect to receive your timetable at enrolment. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day or evening of the week.

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

    Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

    Entry Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    You should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class or upper second-class honours (2:1 or above) in a relevant sports-related discipline. Suitable subjects include sports development, sports management, sport and exercise science, sports coaching, sports psychology, sociology of sport, and physical activity and health. If you have a degree in a related field, such as psychology, sociology, mental health, public health, or epidemiology, you are also encouraged to apply.

    Applicants with a lower second class honours degree in one of the above disciplines, in addition to relevant work or other experience in the field of sport, physical activity and mental health, may also be admitted at the department’s discretion.

    Evidence of a suitable standard of English literacy and numeracy, such as GCSE English Language and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent), is also desirable.

    If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of ‘Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults’.

    English Language Requirements

    International students require IELTS 6.5, with a score no lower than 6.0 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

    If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’). This may include credit or learning undertaken at another university.

    Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s academic regulations (sections C7 and F3.1) or contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.

    Career Prospects

    What are my career prospects?

    You will graduate well placed to pursue a variety of career paths, including working in community and professional sport as a mental health practitioner, programme manager/worker, policy maker, coach, administrator, safeguarding and welfare officer, or as part of a sports science support team.

    Alternatively, you may wish to pursue a career in research, youth and social work, or in the sport, leisure and business management sectors. The course also provides ideal preparation to progress onto doctoral study in sport and physical activity.

    Finance

    Tuition Fees

    Tuition fees for full-time study on this MSc are £5,400 for UK and EU students and £13,250 for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2020/21.

    Tuition fees for part-time study on this MSc are £30 per credit for UK and EU students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2020/21, i.e. £600 per 20 credit module.

    180 credits are required to complete a Masters degree.

    The University may administer a small inflationary rise in part-time postgraduate tuition fees in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

    Financial Support

    For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK and EU students joining postgraduate courses at Edge Hill University in academic year 2020/21, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2020/21 guide at www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradfinance2020.

    Financial support information for international students can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.

    Apply

    How to Apply

    There is an online application process for this programme.

    Please choose the application form for your preferred intake date and mode of study.

    Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applydirect for more information about the application process.

    Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applydirect to access the relevant online application form and to find out more about the application process.

    Further information for international students about how to apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.

    Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

    Visit Us

    If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.

    Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about all of our events for prospective students, including monthly campus tours, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

    Request a Prospectus

    If you would like to explore our full range of taught Masters degrees, MBA awards and our Masters by Research (MRes) degree before you apply, you can order a postgraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradprospectus.

    Get in Touch

    If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

    If you would like to talk to the programme leader about the course in more detail, please contact:

    International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries about overseas study.

    Course Changes

    Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.

    This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years. No material changes have been made to the information for this programme in that time. Any future amends will be tracked here.