MSc Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health

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1 MSc Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health 1

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3 What is Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health? The Masters programme in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health (MSc NPAPH) in Bristol is a unique, academically rigorous, multi-disciplinary programme with a vibrant UK, EU and international student community. The programme is located within the Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, a research-intensive Centre within the School for Policy Studies, with an outstanding international reputation. The programme is taught by a team of internationally recognised experts in the biomedical, epidemiological, psychosocial and socio-environmental aspects of physical activity and nutrition, as well as in the development and implementation of strategies for disease prevention and health promotion. The programme is set in Bristol, an academically, culturally and socially dynamic city that offers unique opportunities for students to explore innovative local projects in their dissertation. The Masters programme in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health is designed for students who want to pursue professional careers in research, public health policy, public health consultancy and the implementation of programmes for promoting health within the public, private, or non-profit sectors. The programme also aims at professional development by enhancing the practice and delivery of services of working professionals, such as physiotherapists, nurses or teachers. Most of our students go on to become public health project officers, researchers, health promotion specialists, lifestyle managers, nutrition or physical activity project coordinators, or public health consultants. Former students (coming from over 30 countries across the world) are flourishing in their careers and contributing to the design and evaluation of nutrition and/or physical activity initiatives, as well as effective and more rigorous public health policy making at local, regional, national and international levels. 3

4 4 Why study MSc NPAPH at Bristol? The Masters programme in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health is aimed at recent graduates and mid-career professionals from around the world interested in nutrition and/or physical activity policy and/or research. This course caters for a mixture of home and international students, and both full- and part-time students. Students taking the Masters in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health come from a wide variety of backgrounds (dietetics; sports science; psychology; biochemistry; biology; physiology; nursing; social policy; occupational therapy, teaching). Some have no prior knowledge of the field, while others come to consolidate their undergraduate studies. Increasingly, students already working in a policy environment are sponsored by their employer to complete the course, improving their skills and career prospects. The degree aims to provide high level professional and academic development in the three inter-related fields of nutrition, physical activity and public health. Students will be trained to explore the key public health issues in nutrition and physical activity relevant for the population as a whole and for sub-groups based on factors such as age, ethnicity, disease status and socio-economic position. The programme is especially relevant to professionals who wish to advance themselves in the areas of: 4Public health promotion and policy 4Health-related research development 4Programme delivery and evaluation Bristol as a vibrant city Our students always say how much they love the city of Bristol - from its friendly people and fantastic music scene to its vibrant harbourside, green spaces and buzzing centre.

5 MSc NPAPH at Bristol The programme focuses on the science and research underpinning the promotion and maintenance of health and wellbeing of populations with a unique dual-emphasis on nutrition and physical activity. It helps develop essential skills for understanding but also developing, conducting and evaluating research, policy and evidence-based practice in nutrition and physical activity. Applicants are expected to have an upper second-class honours degree (2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant field, although other academic backgrounds and relevant professional experience will be considered. Offers can be made at Diploma level, with upgrade to MSc on successful completion of all taught components of the programme. The University International Office website gives details of accepted international equivalent degree classifications by country. For full-time students the programme is delivered across three terms, with students attending units one or two days a week during the Autumn and Spring terms. Three mandatory units are completed during the Autumn term, and the remaining four units in the Spring term. Students spend the summer term completing their dissertation. There are no taught components during the Summer term. Part-time students are required to complete a minimum of two mandatory units in the Autumn term of their first year, and a minimum of one mandatory unit in the Spring term of their first year. Depending on which units are chosen it is expected that the student will attend one or two days per week. During the second year, part-time students will take one mandatory unit in the Autumn term and the remaining mandatory units in the Spring term. Students spend the Summer term completing their dissertation. 5

6 6 Programme structure A rich variety of teaching methods are used across the different units. Lectures are combined with facilitated sessions, and in some units students are given the opportunity to develop presentational skills through group projects. The Masters programme consists of seven mandatory units and a dissertation. 4Research Methods This unit considers basic principles, methods and techniques used by researchers in the field of public health nutrition and physical activity. It introduces fundamental concepts in research design, data collection, analysis and reporting and presenting of results from quantitative and qualitative perspectives, in order to develop students critical analysis skills. Essential scientific themes addressed include basic statistics, epidemiology research, concepts of validity and reliability, and research ethics. The skills acquired by this unit are increasingly required in public health, health promotion and/or academia. 4Physical Activity, Disease and Public Health This unit critically reviews the role of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in the prevention and management of chronic disease, as well as in the maintenance of physical function through the lifespan. The unit explores the range of methods for physical activity assessment and reviews key issues in identifying the optimal physical activity recommendation for public health, enabling students to understand the links between physical activity and health for people of all ages and across a range of lifestyles and backgrounds. 4Nutrition, Disease and Public Health This unit identifies and critically reviews key public health nutrition issues and explores the role of nutrition in the aetiology, prevention and management of chronic disease. The unit explores the range of methods for dietary assessment and reviews the links between nutrition and health for people of all ages and across a range of lifestyles and backgrounds. It highlights the differences in requirement for optimal nutrition between these different populations and explores how these needs can be met in practice to promote health and prevent major public health problems in society. 4Determinants of Physical Activity and Eating Behaviour This unit reviews the determinants of physical activity and eating behaviour within existing theoretical models and frameworks of behaviour change. The unit highlights the interaction of determinants across different populations and how this affects behavioural outcomes. It also explores the practical implications of manipulating these determinants to achieve behaviour change. Essential themes addressed include the physical, social and environmental determinants, alongside the more established personal and psychological influences. 4Physical Activity and Nutrition Interventions: Conceptualisation and Design This unit examines the issues associated with designing nutrition and physical activity interventions for different target groups. The unit specifically demonstrates how the Medical Research Council guidelines for complex behavioural interventions can be used to design and evaluate effective

7 7 nutrition and physical activity interventions for children, adults, and seniors. Essential themes addressed include the discussion and analysis of formative research, process evaluations, media campaigns, environmental interventions and randomised controlled interventions, as well as issues related to cost-effectiveness of interventions. The strengths and weaknesses of different intervention approaches for key participant groups are also highlighted. 4Practical Research Methods This unit teaches students the knowledge and skills needed to develop relevant research questions for addressing a current public health problem related to nutrition and/or physical activity. Students acquire an understanding of the application and analysis of quantitative and qualitative methodology needed to create research proposals and to answer research questions. The unit specifically focuses on the evaluation and synthesis of key elements of research designs, aligning questions with appropriate methods, and practising application of practical tools to assess qualitative and quantitative methodology. 4Policy, Promotion and Delivery: Physical Activity and Nutrition Programmes This unit teaches students the knowledge and skills needed to plan and assess health promotion programmes within the context of current health promotion frameworks, public policy and engagement. Students also learn how impact, public engagement and service user/community partnerships are needed and contribute to health promotion programmes. The unit focuses on the critical evaluation and application of analytical skills to appraise how health promotion programmes are planned and implemented, integrating concepts of partnerships, engagement and impact. Assessment Each of the five 20-credit units are assessed in the form of a 4,000 word essay and each of the two 10-credit units in the form of a 2,000 word essay. The dissertation (15,000 words) involves independent research into an area of nutrition, physical activity and public health. The University and the programme offer a wide range of support for essay and dissertation writing, including study skills courses to support students in academic writing skills, covering topics such as referencing, essay planning, theorising and critical skills. At the beginning of teaching block one (TB1), students submit a formative essay, which gives the first opportunity for students to get feedback on their writing. For their dissertation, students receive individual supervision from an expert in their chosen topic area, who will offer guidance and detailed comments on draft dissertations. Dissertations Students are encouraged, with guidance from staff, to select their own research question for their dissertation projects. In addition, we can suggest that the students develop their own ideas from several existing projects that are funded and ongoing. Projects may include qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods original studies, as well as secondary analyses of project datasets and systematic reviews. The selection below shows some dissertation topics from the past few years: A trial to introduce healthy dish choices into commercial restaurants in Bristol Evaluation of cook and eat sessions for people on low incomes The influence of parents on children s physical activity

8 8 Future careers Graduates from our Masters in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health often go on to work in roles that focus on research; public health policy and the development and implementation of programmes for promoting health. Potential employers include: 4local or central government departments 4the National Health Service 4Universities or research institutions 4national or international non-governmental organisations. Students also continue their studies with postgraduate research (PhD) either in the Centre or elsewhere. The following are experiences of previous students on the programme: Having worked within the food industry for 15 years, I wanted to change the direction of my career. The course had particular appeal because I could complete it without having to give up my full-time job. Although it was sometimes tough... but the staff were incredibly understanding. I ve recently accepted a position with the Heart Foundation in New Zealand working to develop supportive environments for healthy eating...which would never have been possible without the knowledge gained by completing this course. Kaye Burling, New Zealand The totally different teaching style and humour of teachers deeply impressed me. I now work in Shanghai IEC (International Education and Communication) Centre for Population and Family Planning, China... to give lectures in English in the community for pregnant women, 0-3 year old babies and menopausal and post-menopausal women. Nutrition and exercise tips are welcomed... It s so practical, and the Bristol ENHS lecture style will be my style to impress the audience. I also help to edit reproductive health brochures and boards for all populations covered, such as adolescents, newlyweds, pregnant women, and the elderly. I feel so grateful that my studies in ENHS gave me the chance to find this enjoyable job. Cai Rong, China It wasn t easy going back into education as a mature student. However, it was a turning point for me and gave me the confidence to seek out new challenges. To gain some work experience while I studied I volunteered as a Dietetic Assistant and in a Health Promotion position. Since completing my MSc I have been inundated with project work including with a child obesity programme, MEND and as a School Meals Project Officer. I would advise anyone considering a career in Public Health to enrol onto this course; it is simply fantastic. The modules are so interesting and the staff are so helpful and supportive thank you everyone at the University of Bristol! Emma Creighton, UK

9 Research interests of academic staff 9 Academic staff in the Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences are research experts in the field of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health and their research informs their teaching. Professor Ashley Cooper s research focusses on the role of physical activity in the prevention and management of chronic disease. Ashley utilises his vast experience in type 2 diabetes interventions, environmental determinants of physical activity, and physical activity assessment, to coordinate the Physical Activity, Disease and Public Health unit. Dr Anne Haase s research focusses on the development and implementation of theory-based interventions to sustain long term behaviour change across a range of physical and mental chronic diseases. Anne uses her expertise in theoretical constructs and socio-environmental determinants of physical activity and eating behaviour to coordinate the Practical Research Methods and Policy, Promotion and Delivery units. Professor Russ Jago s research focusses on the design and evaluation of complex interventions to increase children s physical activity and reduce sedentary time. Russ utilises his vast interventions experience to coordinate the Physical Activity and Nutrition Interventions unit. Dr Laura Johnson s research focusses on establishing the role of overall dietary and eating patterns in the prevention and treatment of obesity, diabetes and coronary heart disease, as well as understanding the factors that influence food intake and appetite control. Laura uses her expertise in nutritional epidemiology to facilitate the Nutrition, Disease and Public Health unit. Dr Sibylle Kranz s research focusses on the effect of dietary intake behaviour on diet quality and the relationship between diet quality and optimal growth, development and health. Sibylle draws on her expertise in child nutrition to facilitate the Nutrition, Disease and Public Health unit. Dr Angie Page s research focusses on understanding and being able to measure the factors that determine health behaviours so we can learn what to change for effective intervention. Angie uses her expertise in determinants of physical activity and eating behaviour to coordinate the Determinants of Physical Activity and Eating Behaviour unit. Dr Angeliki Papadaki s research focusses on the design and evaluation of nutrition interventions to promote healthy dietary habits in children and adults, in a wide variety of settings. Angeliki uses her nutritional background and expertise in complex interventions to coordinate the Nutrition, Disease and Public Health unit. Dr Simon Sebire s research focusses on understanding the psychological underpinnings of physical activity and health in children, adolescents and adults. He applies these principles to the development and evaluation of interventions in schools, community settings and families. Simon draws on his theoretical understanding and applied research to coordinate the Research Methods unit.

10 10 Student support The University and the Masters in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health programme recognise that students have different needs. The programme seeks to provide students with support in three main areas: Academic Unit tutors can provide students with support in relation to the unit being taken. In addition, the School has developed a programme of personal development workshops which provide students with study skills, careers advice and transferable skills. The University also runs study skills sessions for students. Pastoral The School has a well-developed system for pastoral care. Students have a personal tutor throughout their Masters programme, who is a member of the Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences academic staff. The tutor meets students at least once a term and is there to help with general wellbeing, academic progress and any matters that concern the student. In addition, there is a wide range of specialist help, including counselling services, offered by the University. Support services Studying at University of Bristol also means outstanding learning facilities as well as access to a range of excellent support services. Careers services offer guidance, advice, workshops and info points for students seeking job opportunities, internships, work experience, as well as scholarships. The International Office (bris.ac.uk/international) offers extensive support and advice for students on visas, immigration, travel, and living. Student Counselling offers free and confidential counselling for students.

11 Contact information 11 If you have any queries about the programme that have not been answered by this leaflet, please contact Emma Western, Senior Postgraduate Admissions Administrator, on the details below: General information Emma Western School for Policy Studies University of Bristol 8 Priory Road Bristol BS8 1TZ Tel: +44 (0) F: +44 (0) sps-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk The information in this guide refers to the session Although it is correct at the time of going to press, amendments may be made from time to time without notice both in relation to individual courses and the facilities or services available from or provided by the University. The University reserves the right to withdraw or change courses. All images supplied University of Bristol Printed on recycled paper by JamJar Print, Bristol.

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