We are one of the leading global sports science departments for scientific research into sport, exercise, health and rehabilitation. With a range of outstanding collaborators, we are ideally placed to tackle some of the most challenging contemporary sport and physical activity questions. We are interested in finding new ways to support the physical activity and sport needs of all individuals and communities ranging from athletes to young children, elderly exercisers, inactive groups and those recovering from illness or injury.
WHY CHOOSE OUR PROGRAMMES?
- We are ranked twelfth in the world for sports-related subjects (QS World University Rankings 2021)
- All of our programmes enable our students to develop and apply knowledge in the sciences of sport, exercise, health and rehabilitation
- Our programmes are shaped by an evidence-based, practice-focused approach
HOW WILL YOU BE TAUGHT?
You will learn through an innovative method of blended delivery using both high-quality online platforms and campus-based teaching. This blended approach supports self-directed learning, allowing students to combine full-time work with access to a world-leading postgraduate programme of study.
The time spent in the University is dedicated to personalised learning to ensure that students have maximum and positive learning experiences throughout the programme. Each student is assigned a personal tutor, and this role ensures that students are further supported in their academic studies.
During the course, you will learn from leading academics at the University of Birmingham and international academics/practitioners. The uniqueness of our courses is that you are taught by experts in key topic areas, and regardless of geographical location, you can engage with academics who are at the forefront of current research and practice.
GRADUATE CAREER DESTINATIONS:
Our multidisciplinary environment provides valuable academic and employability skills leading to a wide range of careers.
Students from our MSc Sport Coaching and MSc Physical Education and Wellbeing programmes have found career development roles in:
- Sport/physical activity/health-focused organisations
- Social and digital technology-focused companies
- Education sector
- Coach education and athlete development
Some students have also initiated their own private or voluntary sector companies.
TWELFTH IN THE WORLD FOR SPORTS SCIENCE
(QS WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS 2021)
Physical Education and Wellbeing MSc – 2 years part-time
What will you study?
Our Physical Education and Wellbeing MSc is a nationally and internationally relevant evidence-based programme, which is applicable to primary, secondary and further education. There is Accredited Prior Learning for postgraduate degrees (eg, PGCE).
This programme seeks to support the continuing professional development of practising and prospective physical education teachers, youth physical activity leaders, assistants or coaches working with young people in schools.
It is expected that students taking the programme will develop the skills to allow them to critically evaluate new developments in theory, research and practice and integrate this knowledge, where appropriate, into their practice. The distinctiveness and knowledge of students graduating from the qualification will place them in an ideal position to inform the future direction of the profession by taking leadership positions and challenging current practices and/or by engaging in further study at PhD level.
The course is based on the latest evidence, research and innovations in the field of physical education and wellbeing. You will learn in a community of learners with likeminded perspectives or current practitioners interested in improving young people’s experiences of physical activity and sport. The course will also strengthen your capabilities to lead on new directions in the field of physical education and sport pedagogy by engaging with leading and international practitioners and researchers.
‘I was made to feel at home by the lecturers who were really down to earth and always pleased to help us and support us. It was a great journey thanks to them.’
Ramon Formosa, MSc Physical Education and Wellbeing alumnus (UK campus student)
Sport Coaching MSc – 2 years part-time
What will you study?
Our part-time Sport Coaching MSc is a unique development in the field of sport coaching in seeking to develop high-quality coaches in a research-active environment.
The distinctiveness and knowledge that you will gain from this programme will place you in an ideal position to inform the future direction of sport at all levels and impact participation and performance by challenging current practices.
By taking this programme, you will develop the skills to critically evaluate new developments/theory and integrate this knowledge, where appropriate, into your own personal coaching practice.
Throughout the programme, you will be encouraged to develop yourself as a lifelong learner, understanding the importance of learning and the theory behind coaching practice, together with an insight into the development of high-quality sporting performance.
The programme draws from an innovative blended delivery format using both high-quality online resources complemented with face-to-face discussion time with academics and leaders in the programme field. You will be encouraged to develop your use of theory in practice, and to reflect upon your own personal coaching philosophy and development in light of new knowledge.
‘The modules directly inspired my final-year project, which for me was the highlight of the course. I was given a tremendous amount of freedom, support, and encouragement from my tutor to pursue a topic of my own choice and it was incredibly rewarding to produce an original piece of academic writing at the end of it which I’m really proud of.’
Alexander Sobolewski, MSc Sport Coaching alumnus (UK campus student)