Ulster University - Jordanstown

Sports & Exercise Medicine

This course is aimed at clinical professionals working as medical doctors, physiotherapists or other health professionals (e.g. podiatrists). It will provide the knowledge, critical awareness and transferable skills for clinicians aspiring to engage in the field of sport and exercise medicine. The teaching faculty is multidisciplinary and comprises clinical specialists from physiotherapy, sports medicine, exercise physiology, orthopaedics, radiology and biomechanics.

Modules focus on sports injury management, sports rehabilitation, biomechanics, research methods, and exercise and disease prevention. You will also be required to undertake an independent research project in your final semester. Core modules comprise both theoretical and practical components and have significant clinical and vocational relevance.

The overarching aim of this course is to develop practitioners who understand the importance of evidence-based and specialist reflective practice, and who will enhance the healthcare of people involved in sport and exercise within the UK, Ireland and beyond.

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have gained

(1) An Honours or non-Honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, or the Higher Education and Training Awards Council or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard; OR an equivalent standard in a Postgraduate Certificate, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification; AND
(2) Provide evidence of competence in written English (GCSE grade C or equivalent); AND

(3) Be registered as a health professional with the relevant regulatory body or equivalent

In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Duration

Attendance

Full time or part time options are available. Students can enrol on the programme on a Full time (over 1 year; 3 semesters), or Part time basis (over 3 years; 6 semesters).

Careers or further progression

Career options

All students enrolling on this course will already possess a relevant professional qualification (eg. medical doctor, physiotherapist, podiatry). It is anticipated that most students on this programme will be employed or will be seeking employment within the National Health Service, Social, voluntary sectors, or in independent practice. The programme therefore has significant clinical and vocational relevance. The specialist knowledge and postgraduate level skills gained will enhance students' opportunities to progress in their careers.

We have also ensured that the content of the programme meets the postgraduate education requirements and levels of competencies for accreditation, set out by key professional bodies: 1). Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sport and Exercise Medicine (Physios in Sport UK) and 2). International Federation of Sports Physiotherapists.

Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) statistics provided by the University Careers Service for the last three years show that a significant cohort of students graduating from Ulster with sport and exercise related undergraduate awards go on to full-time employment (statistics are available on request). It is anticipated that this programme will allow the Faculty and the USA to continue its excellent track record of producing multi-skilled graduates who are attractive to a range of employers. This will be achieved in conjunction with the Career Development Centre at the University, with all students encouraged to avail of the relevant employability training and support.

Further enquiries

Contact
Admissions
Karen McCarroll
T: +44 (0)28 9036 8983
E: kl.mccarroll@ulster.ac.uk

Mark Matthews
T: +44 (0)28 9036 6798
E: m.matthews@ulster.ac.uk

Subjects taught

Year one

Optimising Exercise and Load: Effective monitoring and management
In order to optimise the performance of an athlete, it is essential to understand the key scientific and practical concepts of biomechanics, athlete monitoring and load considerations to prevent injuries, or optimise rehabilitation of an athlete's return to play. This module will advance the students' ability to observe and collect athlete data, analyse, interpret, act upon and communicate with the athlete and within, or across, multidisciplinary settings. This module draws upon the student's previous knowledge and skills to ensure a multifaceted approach to the development of professional practice in sports and exercise medicine.

Advanced Research Methods for Sports and Performance
This module is designed to enhance the knowledge and competencies of students to prepare them to undertake research in Physical Activity and Public Health; Psychology and Sports Nutrition. It focuses on the application of advanced elements in experimental design, conducting quantitative analysis, research synthesis and the presentation of data and findings. It equips students to review, conduct and commission research.

Research Project in Sports and Performance
Carrying out an original, independent piece of research from the formulation of a research question through to reporting findings in accordance with the conventions of the academic area is an important part of the research training provided by Masters level study. This module provides students with an opportunity for students to carry out an original independent piece of research within the area of their own profession, or special interest in sports and performance, and present findings in the form of a journal manuscript and a conference presentation.

Sports Injury Management: Maximising Clinical Effectiveness
In order to provide an optimal outcome for the sports person, it is essential to understand the physiological and psychological response to injury. Assessment skills, clinical reasoning and a range of treatment strategies are also essential for successful sports injury management and outcome. This module draws upon the student's previous knowledge and skills to ensure a holistic approach to the management of the injured athlete.

Sports Rehabilitation: Critical Thinking and Dynamic Practice
In order to provide optimal care to the injured athlete it is essential that health professionals working in the area of sport and exercise medicine are proficient in a wide range of assessment and monitoring skills, enabling successful rehabilitation planning and outcome. During this module the student will develop an advanced knowledge of the physiology of injury and repair at key points in the rehabilitation process allowing for tailored rehabilitation programmes to be developed across a range of sporting injuries.