Sports and Exercise Medicine Postgraduate Diploma and MSc Courses
Why Study Sports & Exercise Medicine with us?
Our Courses
Postgraduate Diploma Delivered over one year, the online, part-time, distance learning Postgraduate Diploma course is specially developed for busy health professionals. Formatted in six modules, each of six weeks duration, the course is designed to be practical and clinically focused. MSc The MSc runs over one calendar year. Starting with an initial 12 week online module to develop their skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies, the students then complete the professional project module which consists of a 1,500 word proposal and 10,500 word professional project.
Diploma MSc 2
Diploma MSc have been providing health professionals with a range of Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters courses since 2010 and the Sports and Exercise Medicine courses were added in 2013. The courses have been developed in conjunction with The Faculty of Life Sciences and Education at the University of South Wales, who have an established reputation for the delivery of innovative learning in postgraduate education for health professionals. The curriculum is based on the specialist training curriculum developed by the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians. It therefore meets the highest standards for SEM education and would enhance national and international employability. This fact, in conjunction with our affordable prices, promises a truly accessible course of the highest standard. The Sports and Exercise Medicine courses have been developed for health professionals who are interested in a leadership role within Sports Medicine including GPs, doctors, nurses, physicians, surgeons, physiotherapists, dieticians, psychologists, and counsellors running clinics.
Sports and Exercise Medicine Postgraduate Diploma Course Modules
Diploma MSc 3
The Postgraduate Diploma course is based on the Royal College of Physicians Specialty Training curriculum. It therefore meets the highest standards for SEM education and would enhance national and international employability. The online course lasts one calendar year and is a part time distance learning course. It consists of six modules per year, each of six weeks duration. Module 1 - Anatomy, Physiology and Psychology of Sport and Exercise Aims of the module: To develop an understanding of anatomy and physiology as applied to sports and exercise performance and understand the benefits and contraindications. To develop an understanding of the psychology of sport and exercise performance for the wider population. Synopsis of module content: Anatomy and physiology of muscle, innervation, function and biochemistry. Role of calcium, vitamin D, protein and hormonal control of muscle. Types of exercise (aerobic/anaerobic) and types of exercise programmes/individualising exercise. Training regimes – endurance, power, HIT, improving performance. Psychology of exercise. How to motivate the patient to exercise. How to motivate the athlete. On completion of this module the student will be able to: Critically appraise the anatomy, physiology and psychology of sport and exercise performance. Individualise specific training/exercise programmes for the patient/sportsman. Understand and apply the motivating factors that limit exercise participation in subjects. Module 2 - Exercise and Sport in Relation to Chronic Disease and Populations Aims of the module: To develop an understanding of the benefits of exercise in chronic diseases and its impact on the health of populations including behaviour change. To develop an understanding of how exercise can be tailored appropriately to the individual with chronic disease. Synopsis of module content: Impact of reduced exercise upon the individual and across populations. Limitations of disease and population characteristics upon exercise or sport. Types of exercise appropriate for diseases. Evidence based benefits of exercise in specific conditions/disorders/diseases. Introducing sports and exercise programmes across populations. On completion of this module the student will be able to: Critically appraise impact of exercise upon populations and chronic disease. Understand and apply exercise programmes for populations and specific chronic disease states. Understand and apply the benefits and contra-indications of exercise for specific chronic disease.
Module 3 - Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation and Return to Exercise Aims of the module: To understand approaches to the prevention of injury across a variety of common sports and exercises. To understand exercise techniques to reduce injury in sport and exercise. To develop an understanding of the evidence relating to products and equipment designed to reduce injury in sport and exercise. To develop an understanding of the rehabilitation of sportsmen as well as illness regarding return to play and return to exercise. Synopsis of module content: Specific programmes of exercise designed to prevent injury. Evidence based equipment and techniques used in the prevention of and rehabilitation of injury. Evidence and guidelines regarding return to play following injury. Evidence and guidelines relating to return to exercise following acute illness/disease. On completion of this module the student will be able to: Critically appraise the evidence relating to prevention of injury in sport and exercise across a spectrum of health and disease. Have an understanding of the guidance relating to the return to play or exercise of injured sportsmen as well as subjects with acute illness/disease. Have an understanding of devices and equipment used for the prevention of injury across a variety of sports and disease. Module 4 - Common Sports Injuries and Investigation Aims of the module: To develop an understanding of the common injuries sustained in sport and exercise activities. To develop an understanding of the investigation of common sport and exercise related injuries. Synopsis of module content: Common injuries sustained whilst undertaking exercise/sport relating to musculoskeletal injuries (Muscular injury, common bone injury, neurological injury, lacerations, tendon and joint injuries). Common and uncomplicated injury of the entire body: head, neck, lumbar spine, cardiovascular, upper and lower limb. Injury associated with prescribed exercise programmes. Avoidance of injury and evidence based devices to reduce or eliminate injury. Accurate diagnosis of injury through appropriate history and examination. On completion of this module the student will be able to: Have an understanding of common injuries sustained in sport and exercise and an ability to apply this information to make an accurate diagnosis. Develop an appropriate approach to the diagnosis and investigation of a patient presenting with a sport/exercise related injury. Understand and apply skills in investigating the individual presenting with a sport/exercise related. injury Understand the investigations used in the investigation of injury and apply these to the individual.
Rutu Dave
Diploma MSc 4
"When I enrolled into the course I had no idea about the opportunities it would provide me with. Having my first paper published through this course helped me overcome my apprehensions of academic writing and made me more confident to pursue it further. " - Rutu Dave
Diploma MSc 5
"Little did I know that the MSc was going to be a significant stepping stone in my medical career! Both the diploma and MSc were invaluable in terms of expanding my knowledge and management, but also enhanced my critical thinking and writing skills." - Dr Kevin Fernando
Module 5 - Management and Rehabilitation Planning of Sports and Exercise Related Injuries Aims of the module: To develop an understanding of the management of common injuries associated with sports and exercise. To develop an understanding of the approach to rehabilitation following illness. Synopsis of module content: Specific approaches to the management of exercise and sports-related injuries. Rehabilitation of individuals with sports related injuries. Role of exercise in the rehabilitation of individuals suffering illness/disease. On completion of this module the student will be able to: Critically appraise the appropriate management of individuals with sport and exercise related injury. Individualise specific rehabilitation programmes for subjects with injury. Understand and apply appropriate exercise related rehabilitation of individuals with illness including the role of exercise in behaviour modification. Module 6 - The Multidisciplinary Team in Exercise and Sport Aims of the module: To develop an understanding of the role of constituent healthcare professionals in the management of subjects with injury. To develop the interaction of healthcare professionals in the management of sports and exercise related injury. To develop educational strategies used in the management of subjects with acute and chronic injury. Synopsis of module content: Educational strategies employed in the management of acute and chronic injury. Role of the multidisciplinary team in the management of the injured patient. Multidisciplinary approaches to encouraging exercise across the population. The evolving role of the sports physician, nurse, physiotherapist and biomechanist in sports and exercise medicine. On completion of this module the student will be able to: Have an ability to critically appraise the multidisciplinary approach to the management of sports and exercise related injury. Understand the evolving role of the healthcare professional in sport and exercise related medicine. Understand and apply the educational principles of sport and exercise medicine.
Diploma MSc 6
Online Postgraduate Diploma in Sports and Exercise Medicine The course puts assessment at the heart of learning by using clinical scenarios to facilitate problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. The scenarios act as both the focus for learning and assessment thus embedding assessment within the learning process. Each of the 6 modules has the same assessment format. Due to the online nature of the course, students are expected to login and participate in the course regularly throughout the module (ideally on a daily basis). Students are split into groups of 10-15 students and are assigned a dedicated expert tutor who: Facilitates clinical case discussions with the group. Monitors, assesses and marks each student throughout the module. Students use the skills gained during the lectures to engage with the different activities (see below). Clinical Case-Based Scenarios and Discussion - 40% Each week, students are presented with two - three clinical case scenarios reflective of everyday clinical practice and research The tutor will post a number of questions and prompts to aid students in a formal discussion of each case These discussions are facilitated throughout by tutors and are then assessed by them at the end of each module Reflective Journal - 10% Typically the reflective journal would include the following: Initial expectations and reasons for taking the course Module and/or personal learning objectives Description of events/, issues and learning points within current personal practice Change in everyday practice due to knowledge gained on each module A description of what has been learned during the module. Module Activity - 20% The module activity is designed to encourage both group and individual dynamics catering to the multidisciplinary nature within the field of Sports and Exercise Medicine. On each module, students are given a specific task to accomplish (e.g. develop an appropriate screening method of your clinic) and are required to produce either a group or individual submission. Case-Based Examination - 30% 30 single best answer (SBA) questions. One and a half hour online assessment. Questions are based on the clinical aspects of the module and their discussion topics.
Postgraduate Diploma Teaching Methods & Entry Requirements
Diploma MSc 7
Teaching Methods Each module has the same format. Using an online platform and one tutor per 10-15 students, the self-directed distance learning is guided by tutor stimulated discussion based on rich case scenarios. Group projects are undertaken alongside independent projects. Reflective practice is recorded in a reflective journal to help students consider how the learning can be translated into everyday work and practice. Once you have secured your place on the course, you will be invited to an online Induction Day webinar. This will give you the opportunity to meet your tutors and participate in study skills workshops on Harvard referencing, scientific and reflective writings, and levels of evidence. It is not compulsory for you to attend our Induction Day, but it is recommended as it’ll provide you with a sturdy introduction to the course. Entry Requirements Applicants will usually possess a 2:1 first degree and a professional qualification and will typically be Doctors, Physiotherapists, Sports Therapists or other Allied Healthcare Professionals currently working within a clinical environment. Applicants who do not possess a healthcare related degree will be reviewed on an individual basis. Applications will be judged on the individual specifics of background and qualifications including ability to work at postgraduate level (applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level and demonstrate requisite clinical/professional knowledge). Applicants should submit copies of the following with their application: Qualification certificates One written reference IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 including 5.5 for each of the bands Language requirements for overseas applicants are in line with USW requirements for postgraduate study.
Diploma MSc 8
Module 1 - Research Methodologies Aims of the module: To help students recognise, understand, interpret and apply methods used in healthcare research. Understand,interpret and apply basic statistics and epidemiological terms. Understand and critically appraise the various methodologies specific to Sport and Exercise Medicine research. Synopsis of the module content: Basic terminology used in epidemiology and research studies such as prevalence, incidence, sensitivity, specificity, false positive and false negatives. Interpreting graphical representation of epidemiological and statistical data such as Kaplan-Meier Curves, Forrest Plots and Meta-analyses. Calculations used in the assessment of research data such as relative risk, absolute risk, number needed to treat. Basic statistical tests and their applications including T-Tests, ANOVA, Chi-Squared Tests. Methodologies as applied to SEM research such as health & exercise testing. Fundamentals of evidence based practice and its application into the clinical setting. Establishing patient registers and the value of disease specific registers. Research into educational principles for both doctor and patient. Understanding what may work for the patient as well as the educator. On completion of this module, students will be able to: An ability to interpret research in sport and exercise medicine. Display a critical understanding of the clinical implications of research and its impact upon healthcare delivery and service development. Implement evidence based practice into care. Module 2 - Professional Project Aims of the module: To develop an ability to critically evaluate areas of professional practice. To critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and organisational practice. To develop skills in independent research and study. To develop skills relevant to scientific publications. Synopsis of module content: The module will depend on the creation of a piece of work based upon a specific clinically related project relevant to the student’s practice. This project may comprise: Literature review and appraisal of the evidence. Audit of practice including organisational or clinical. Review and implementation of evidence-based practice. Qualitative or quantitative research (formal research involving human subjects is not anticipated). Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal. Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment. On completion of this module, students will be able to: Produce an extensive piece of literature which should be suitable for peer-reviewed publication. Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate research in clinical practice and implement improvements. Incorporate knowledge of the research process in developing services appropriately.
Sports and Exercise Medicine MSc Course Modules
The MSc in Sports & Exercise Medicine runs over 1 calendar year. Starting with an initial 12 week online module to develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies, students then complete the professional project module which consists of a 1,500 word proposal and 10,500 word professional project.
Diploma MSc 9
Teaching Methods Module 1 - Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal MSc teaching methods for this module are similar to the PG Diploma course modules however it is run over 12 weeks. Module 2 - Professional Project To produce the professional project, students continue to use the online course; however much of the work is self-directed. Students are expected in the first 8 weeks to interact with their tutor on a weekly basis. Students select a specific project and submit a project summary/proposal (approximately 1200 words). Once the proposal has been approved, the professional project (10,800 words) itself is then completed through online guidance and supervision offered by the tutor. The student and tutor will interact regularly (weekly) on the dedicated students/tutor discussion area or through any other means of communication deemed appropriate by both parties (telephone/SKYPE/email). Note of any verbal communication with the tutor is recorded in the student's journal by the student. Entry Requirements Entry to the 1 year MSc Sports & Exercise Medicine programme will require the successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Sports & Exercise Medicine (120 credits) either from the University of South Wales or from another UK University. Students may apply for the MSc as a two-year course consisting of 8 modules (180 credits), the first 120 credits of which being the Postgraduate Diploma. Applicants should submit copies of the following with their application: Qualification certificates One written reference
Graduates of this course will receive a Master of Science award from the University of South Wales, Diploma MSc’s collaborative partner. The Sports and Exercise Medicine MSc course provides a progression route for the Postgraduate Diploma course in Sports and Exercise Medicine.
Sports and Exercise Medicine MSc Entry Requirements
Entry to the one year MSc Sports and Exercise Medicine programme will require the successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Sports and Exercise Medicine (120 credits) either from the University of South Wales or from another UK University. Students may apply for the MSc as a two-year course consisting of 8 modules (180 credits), the first 120 credits of which being the Postgraduate Diploma. Applicants should submit copies of the following with their application: Qualification certificates One written reference
Diploma MSc 10
What do our students think?
Since 2010, over 1000 students have progressed their medical career by enrolling in one of our qualifications. We ourselves have learned a lot during this time and continually seek to improve the student learning experience. Here is what some of our previous students have said:
"I found the online learning very interesting. It enabled me to save money and time." Dr Imad Eddin Rahamtalla, Doctor "I strongly recommend Diploma MSc to all those busy physicians who are working in remote areas and wish to upgrade their knowledge." Dr Junaid Zaffar, Diabetologist. "The learning was fun and enjoyable. The course was awesome and it increased my confidence." Dr Sankar Nath Jha, Assistant Professor "I found learning with Diploma MSc interesting, it helped to update my academic knowledge" Dr Prasanth Kinattupurayil, Doctor "I love that it was flexible and that I could log in at my convenience. I found this course to be very in-depth, informative, challenging and stimulating." Kerri-Ann Best PGDip, RD "I feel that the diploma MSc program helped me consolidate my practical knowledge of Sports & Exercise Medicine and understand the global perspective of the disease as well. The PG Diploma has helped me grow professionally and helped me accomplish my dream of increasing patient education & awareness regarding the disease." Hemi Soneja PGDip MSc
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