MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY PS/1 PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Basic Programme Details 1 Programme title MSc Sport and Exercise Science (MScSES) 2 Mode(s) and duration MScSES : Full -time study : 12 months, Part-time study : 24 months 3 Awarding institution MMU 4 Teaching institution(s) MMU Cheshire 5 Final award(s)/title(s) MSc Sport and Exercise Science MSc Sport and Exercise Science (Biomechanics) MSc Sport and Exercise Science (Exercise Physiology) MSc Sport and Exercise Science (Sport Psychology) 6 NQF position Masters 7 Stage award(s)/title(s) Pg Cert Sport and Exercise Science Pg Dip Sport and Exercise Science Pg Dip Sport and Exercise Science (Biomechanics) Pg Dip Sport and Exercise Science (Exercise Physiology) Pg Dip Sport and Exercise Science (Sport Psychology) 8 Home Department Exercise and Sport Science 9 Home Faculty MMU Cheshire 10 UCAS code(s) Not applicable 1
11 Type of collaborative provision None 12 Collaborative partner(s) None 13 Date/outcome of last MMU review/approval Approved indefinitely with no conditions (subject to the normal requirement of periodic review) 11 th December 2001. 14 PS/1 effective date: September 2005 15 QAA Benchmark Statement(s) Unit 25 Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Unit 4 Anatomy and Physiology 16 Date/outcome of last Subject Review March 2000 : Quality Approved (22/24) Curriculum Design, Content and Organisation 4 Teaching, Learning and Assessment 3 Student Progression and Achievement 4 Student Support and Guidance 4 Learning Resources 4 Quality Management and Enhancement 3 17 PSB(s) None 18 Date/outcome of last PSB approval(s) Not applicable Programme Aims and Learning Outcomes 19 Programme Aims The general aims of the Programme are consistent with the University s General Educational Aims at Masters Level and seek to produce students who can demonstrate: i) A systematic understanding, knowledge and critical awareness of current issues in their chosen field or fields of study. Much of this understanding is at, or is informed by, evidence from the forefront of sport and exercise science research and practice. 2
ii) iii) iv) A comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their chosen field or fields of study and to either research or applied work at an advanced level. Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge. Conceptual understanding that enables students to evaluate critically research and advanced scholarship in sport and exercise science and further to use this understanding to evaluate and critique methodologies and, where appropriate, propose new hypotheses. The specific aim of the Programme differs slightly depending on whether students elect to follow a Named Pathway or a Combined Route. The overall aim of the Programme for students following a Named Pathway is: To provide an intellectually challenging, discipline focused postgraduate programme of education concerned with the development and professional preparation of students for careers within their chosen sub-discipline of sport and exercise science at an advanced level. The overall aim of the Programme for students following the Combined Route is: To provide an intellectually challenging, multidisciplinary postgraduate programme of education in sport and exercise science at an advanced level which encourages the development of the intellectual and practical skills of students to Masters level and prepares the student for a career in sport and exercise science at an advanced level.. 3
20 Programme Learning Outcomes Learning outcomes fall into the three categories of: knowledge outcomes, skills outcomes and personal outcomes. It is considered appropriate that on completion of a Masters level of study students will be able to: Knowledge Outcomes i) identify and evaluate disciplinary knowledge and use it to explore both theoretical and practical issues, develop argument and debate the merits of competing explanations for behaviour in sport and exercise science; ii) synthesise disciplinary knowledge to formulate hypotheses and to design research questions and interventions; iii) critically analyse forms of discipline-based knowledge and be familiar with differing methods of representation in order to compare, and where appropriate synthesise, varying disciplinary perspectives, iv) acquire a thorough understanding of empirical techniques in order to formulate and pursue questions applicable to research and practice in sport and exercise science. Skills Outcomes i) use a range of techniques to communicate effectively across a variety of media and audiences; ii) apply appropriate conceptual and operational frameworks for structuring research and other related forms of enquiry and application; iii) employ a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches when problem solving; iv) validate and critically appraise a range of methods employed in scientific enquiry and investigation; v) use a range of information storage, retrieval and management systems; vi) demonstrate safe, ethical and professionally appropriate practice across a range of working environments and population groups; vii) upon completion, be able to transfer knowledge and skills acquired through the postgraduate educational experience into a working environment. 4
Personal Outcomes i) be proactive in the planning and management of their personal development; ii) show independence in the acquisition of knowledge and the development of understanding; iii) show self-discipline and motivation in the learning process; iv) show skills of personal evaluation and an ability to learn from mistakes through the process of reflection and self-review; v) work effectively as part of a group of peers, managing and leading group initiatives where appropriate; vi) develop knowledge of available employment outlets and necessary entry requirements for careers within sport and exercise science. 21 Stage Learning Outcomes Across the staged awards that comprise the MScSES programme, the previously stated learning outcomes will be achieved as follows: PG Certificate i) critically analyse forms of discipline-based knowledge and be familiar with differing methods of representation in order to compare, and where appropriate synthesise, varying disciplinary perspectives, ii) acquire a thorough understanding of empirical techniques in order to formulate and pursue questions applicable to research and practice in sport and exercise science. iii) reflect critically on a range of potential career options. PG Diploma/ Masters i) identify and evaluate disciplinary knowledge and use it to explore both theoretical and practical issues, develop argument and debate the merits of competing explanations for behaviour in sport and exercise science; ii) synthesise disciplinary knowledge to formulate hypotheses and to design research questions and interventions; iii) apply appropriate conceptual and operational frameworks for structuring research and other related forms of enquiry and application; iv) show independence in the acquisition of knowledge and the development of understanding; 5
v) show skills of personal evaluation and an ability to learn from mistakes through the process of reflection and self-review; vi) develop knowledge of available employment outlets and necessary entry requirements for careers within sport and exercise science. All Stages i) use a range of techniques to communicate effectively across a variety of media and audiences; ii) employ a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches when problem solving; iii) validate and critically appraise a range of methods employed in scientific enquiry and investigation; iv) use a range of information storage, retrieval and management systems; v) demonstrate safe, ethical and professionally appropriate practice across a range of working environments and population groups; vi) be proactive in the planning and management of their personal development; vii) show self-discipline and motivation in the learning process; viii) work effectively as part of a group of peers, managing and leading group initiatives where appropriate; Upon Graduation i) transfer knowledge and skills acquired through the post-graduate educational experience into a working environment. 22 Teaching/Learning and Assessment Strategies Teaching and Learning Strategies A range of teaching and learning strategies is employed throughout the programme that is tailored to best suit student need and to achieve the stated learning outcomes of the programme and its constituent units. These will include lectures, seminars, group discussion and interpretative work, tutorials, laboratory activities and self-directed study. Throughout the programme, the emphasis will be on developing within students the ability to proactively manage their own learning. 6
Lectures The purpose of lectures within units is two-fold. Firstly, they provide summaries of the main factual, conceptual and methodological background to a topic. Secondly, depending on their focus, they also provide the student with in-depth first hand exposure to research findings and the practical experiences of teaching staff all of whom are active researchers or working in applied sport or exercise settings. In both cases, it is expected that subsequent detail will then be provided through the student's independent access to recommended literature, other information sources and experience. Seminars Seminars are largely viewed as the intellectual property of the student, with the tutor's role being more one of a chairperson responsible for guiding the discussion through restrained and judicious questioning. In seminars the student's learning experience derives not only from their prior preparation but also from their critical evaluation of each other's work. This vital transferable skill is likely to emerge progressively throughout the course, as confidence in structuring coherent and cogent arguments is developed. Group Discussion and Interpretative Work An ability to work effectively within the context of a group is seen as one of the fundamental personal skills developed within the programme. The majority of units will make use of this learning environment, where the focus will often be on the interpretation of data collected within laboratory, field-based environments or relevant archives. Work of this nature encourages co-operation and respect for the views of others while developing openmindedness in the interpretation of empirical findings. Tutorials are designed to develop the ability to summarise concisely and to appraise critically the collected findings of a body of research or experience. A range of units within the programme will employ tutorials as part of the required contact hours; however, it is in the Research Project that work of this nature will feature most strongly. 7
Laboratory Activity Laboratory work is a key feature of many of the units within the programme. The development of the skills underpinning safe, ethical and efficient working practice in a laboratory setting, most commonly involving human participants, is seen as fundamental to the programme. The laboratory environment not only familiarises students with the design and operation of equipment and technologies essential for exploring their chosen area of sport and exercise science, but also provides an ideal setting for the development of interpersonal, IT and professional skills that are essential when working with participants from a range of population groups. Library/Learning Resource Centre Work Self-directed study underpins the student's effectiveness in many areas of the programme. This is particularly the case in seminar, tutorial, project based activity. Effective use of library stock and information cataloguing and access and retrieval systems are vital skills for students to acquire or refine early on in their programme of study. Accordingly, from the start of the programme (i.e. at the PG Cert stage) students will be expected to develop such skills as part of the coursework requirements. The acquisition of these skills will be supported by work within relevant research methods units. Assessment Strategies The purpose of assessment is to enable students to demonstrate that they have fulfilled the objectives of the programme of study and achieved the standard required for the award they seek. All matters pertaining to assessment are subject to the Regulations for Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes of Study, including any amendments that the Academic Board may from time to time make to them. The nature of assessment varies between units within the programme depending upon the nature of the learning outcomes. Typically, such assessments may include written, oral and practical work using a variety of means of communication. Formative and summative assessment feature within the units and students will need to show that they can operate effectively both individually and as part of a working group. In this respect, assessment will focus on those knowledge-based, skills-based and personal outcomes that are viewed as important in achieving the overall aims of the programme. 8
Within the MSc Sport and Exercise Science, assessment is contained within the coursework component of units and is scheduled according to the particular requirements of the unit as specified in the unit outline. Some degree of flexibility is also required within the assessment schedule as often both full and part-time students pursue units concurrently. If a student is unable, through disability or illness, to be assessed by normal methods, the work involved may be varied accordingly depending upon the nature of the disability or illness and bearing in mind the objectives of the programme. In this way the assessment of such students will occur in a way that enables them to be assessed on equal terms with other students. Students enrolled on the Masters programme will be provided with a copy of the programme s assessment regulations within the student handbook. All assessed work submitted by students is graded according to the assessment criteria published in the student handbook and/or unit documentation. The pass mark for all assessed work is 40% with the maximum mark to be awarded for any re-assessment work normally being 40%. Assessed work not handed in by the published assignment date will be penalised as described in the University s Regulations for Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes of Study. 23 Programme structure, levels, credits, awards and curriculum map The structure of the staged awards comprising the MSc in Sport and Exercise Science is shown in Figure 1 along with the proposed delivery model. Figures 2 and 3 provide more detail on the units that comprise the various staged awards of the programme. The successful completion of each unit of study will contribute credits towards an award. All units within the programme of study are valued at either 10 or 20 M level credits or multiples thereof. Each M level credit is earned by the equivalent of 10 hours of student effort with a typical 20 credit unit requiring 200 hours of student effort to complete. In total, successful completion of the Masters Award will involve 180 credits and 1800 hours of student effort. The Research Project unit contributes 60 M level credits to the award. 9
MScSES Structure September 2005 onwards PG Cert PG Dip Masters Thursday Friday Pathway Foundation Unit Research Methods and Design Quantitative & Qualitative Research Methods Professional Skills Discipline Based Unit 1 Discipline Based Unit 2 Discipline Based Unit 3 Discipline Based Unit 4 Research Project and Proposal 60 M level credits 60 M level credits 60 M level credits Figure 1. Structural model of the MSc Sport and Exercise Science programme showing staged exit awards. 10
Thursday Foundation Psychology Systems Physiology and Exercise Testing Foundation Biomechanics 20 Credit Units Research Methods and Design Friday Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods Professional Skills Sport Psychology Exercise Physiology Pathway Social Psychology of Performance Sport The Biological Basis of Human Movement Thursday Cognitive Neuroscience in Sport & Exercise Cardiorespiratory Physiology Emotion and Cognition in Sport & Exercise Clinical Exercise Physiology Friday Needs Analysis in Consultancy Nutrition Biomechanics Analysing Movement Modelling and Simulation Understanding Locomotion Applied Biomechanical Techniques Figure 2. Structural model of the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate 11
Diploma stages of the MSc Sport and Exercise Science MScSES Structure 2005 06 Masters Stage Research Project (Including Proposal) 60 Credits Figure 3. Structural model of the Masters stage of the MSc Sport and Exercise Science programme. 12
In order to gain the credits for a unit a student must normally fulfil three requirements: i) attendance at all teaching sessions that are indicated as compulsory on the unit outline. ii) submission of all required assessed work by the agreed deadlines. iii) attain a mark of 40% or above in each unit. The following awards will be available to students : i) Postgraduate Certificate 60 Credits ii) Postgraduate Diploma 60 Credits iii) Masters Degree 60 Credits Exit from the programme with an appropriate staged award is permissible provided that the appropriate credits have been accumulated. Any student successfully completing the Masters degree will not be issued with certificates for interim awards. Curriculum Details Unit title Credits Level Stage Foundation Psychology 20 M PG Certificate Systems Physiological and Exercise Testing 20 M PG Certificate Foundation Biomechanics 20 M PG Certificate Professional Skills 10 M PG Certificate Quantitative and Qualitative 20 M PG Certificate Research Methods Research Design and Methods 10 M PG Certificate Sport Psychology Pathway Social Psychology of Performance Sport 20 M PG Diploma Cognitive Neuroscience in Sport & Exercise 10 M PG Diploma Emotion and Cognition in Sport & Exercise 20 M PG Diploma Needs Analysis in Consultancy 10 M PG Diploma 13
Exercise Physiology Pathway The Biological Basis of Human Movement 20 M PG Diploma Cardio-Respiratory Physiology 10 M PG Diploma Clinical Exercise Physiology 20 M PG Diploma Nutrition 10 M PG Diploma Biomechanics Pathway Analysing Movement 20 M PG Diploma Modelling and Simulation 10 M PG Diploma Understanding Locomotion 20 M PG Diploma Applied Biomechanical Techniques 10 M PG Diploma Research Project 60 M Masters 24 Additional Information Students following a Named Pathway within the MScSES undertake a discipline-specific postgraduate qualification in Sport Psychology, Exercise Physiology or Biomechanics. Students are also able to combine study from two (involving a Major [60 credit] and Minor [20 credit] combination at the Postgraduate Diploma stage) of the three pathways to create a Combined Route through the programme. The MScSES provides a highly relevant programme of study for persons intending to apply to the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) to undertake a period of Supervised Experience potentially leading to BASES accreditation. 14
25 Points of Reference The design and content of the MSc Sport and Exercise Science programme was undertaken with reference to number of reference points. These include: Internal Documents University Mission and Strategic Aims University Learning and Teaching Strategy Regulations for the Academic Awards of the University Regulations for Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes of Study Department of Exercise and Sport Science Strategic Plan External Documents QAA Subject Benchmark Statement QAA Descriptors for Qualifications at Masters M level. QAA Codes of Practice QAA Subject Review reports BASES Code of Conduct and Accreditation Documents This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of a Programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he take full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, curriculum content, teaching/learning, assessment methods for each unit and on the Programme s relationship to QAA Subject Benchmark Statements may be found in the definitive document and student handbook for the Programme. The accuracy of the information in this document is reviewed periodically by the University and may be subject to verification by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. 15