Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To develop an understanding of the links between physical activity and health using a lifespan, public health perspective
• To integrate and translate theory and research into practice

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

Subject benchmarks for Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Group;

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications;

Learned Society's Standards e.g. Physiological Society, British Association of Sport & Exercise Sciences.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 

• different approaches to the study of determinants of physical activity
• the evidence concerned with the proposed links between physical activity and psychological well-being
• understand the physiological and metabolic bases of the relationship between regular physical activity and health
• appreciate the strengths and limitations of the evidence linking physical activity and health
• understand the key principles, concepts and approaches of physical activity
• describe and analyse physical activity and sedentary behaviour  recommendations and programmes for different populations
• key theories of health promotion and their application to physical activity promotion
• critically evaluate different strategies, interventions and methods for promoting physical activity for health
• review, synthesise and critically evaluate research methods and findings in physical activity and health

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Apply key theoretical principles to physical activity promotion
• Critically evaluate the physical activity recommendations for different population groups
• Critically evaluate the psychological research evidence in physical activity and health
• Critically evaluate the behavioural epidemiological research evidence in physical activity and health
• Critically evaluate the physiological research evidence in physical activity and health
• Critically and reflectively analyse current trends and evidence and its implications for practice in physical activity promotion

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Design appropriate physical activity interventions
• Critically and reflectively analyse current trends and evidence and its implications for practice
• Identify areas of practice that could benefit from small-scale research; design, conduct and evaluate an appropriate investigation.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Communicate effectively orally, electronically and in writing
• Manage personal learning efficiently and effectively
• Use IT effectively as a learning and communication tool
• Develop and utilise qualitative and quantitative research skills
• Work confidently both as an individual and as part of a small team
• Work independently and use available support strategically and effectively. 

4. Programme structure

In the following table, ‘C’ indicates a compulsory module and ‘O’ indicates an optional module

* Candidates undertaking a Project need formal approval of a research proposal by the Programme Director and an agreed Supervisor. 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification