Course Length: 1 Year Full-Time, 2 Years Part-Time

Start Dates: September 2021

Department: Sport and Physical Activity

Location: Edge Hill University

This interdisciplinary course, delivered in associationwith Everton in the Community (the official charity ofEverton Football Club), provides you with a uniqueopportunity to undertake cutting-edge, impact-focused

and policy-relevant teaching and research related tohealth and wellbeing in sport, physical activity andrelated sectors.

You will have the opportunity to work with academicexperts, practitioners and other professionals to furtheryour understanding of the complex links between sport,physical activity and mental health and develop expertisein the design and evaluation of programmes intended topromote mental health and wellbeing. You will alsoexamine how mental health may be compromised, as wellas enhanced, by participating and working in communityand professional sport.

Develop expertise in the design, implementation and evaluation of sport and physicalactivity initiatives promoting mental health on this interdisciplinary programme deliveredin association with Everton in the Community.

International Students Can Apply Work Placement Opportunity

MSc Sport, Physical Activity and MentalHealth

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The programme is suitable for graduates as well ascurrent practitioners, professionals and policy makers,who have an interest in sport, physical activity andmental health or health and wellbeing more broadly. The

course will also be highly relevant for those working incommunity and professional sport, including coaches,current and former athletes, safeguarding and welfareofficers, and support staff.

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Course in Depth

What will I study?

This programme enables you to study the prevalence anddeterminants of mental health and illness and theirassociation with various forms of inequality. You willanalyse how sport and physical activity are commonlyused to address mental health and illness, becomefamiliar with how sport and physical activity programmesare designed and evaluated, and explore how theseprogrammes emerge out of local, national andinternational policy processes and priorities.

Optional modules enable you to tailor the programme toparticular areas of interest. You can study how mentalhealth can be compromised and enhanced at communityand professional levels of sport. There are alsoopportunities to explore mental health promotion andneeds across different population groups.

Following an introduction to major researchmethodologies, methods and approaches, undertaking anindependent research dissertation on a topic of yourchoice will enable you to develop an in-depthunderstanding of project and people management, howorganisations address mental health and illness, and theethical dilemmas involved in researching mental health insport and physical activity contexts.

You will be encouraged to inform this project with anyinsight derived from relevant work experience in sport,physical activity and mental health settings. If you wish toundertake applied work experience to inform yourstudies, you will be supported to do so by engaging withkey partners including Everton in the Community.

How will I study?

The course will be delivered in a variety of ways, includinglectures, workshops, student-led seminars anddiscussions, tutorials, applied work experience, andpractitioner-oriented mentoring.

You will typically be required to attend one afternoon/early evening session per week and engage in supportedactivity (e.g. tutorials) as appropriate.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a combination ofcoursework (including essays, policy briefings andreports, and programme evaluations), individualpresentations and a research dissertation.

There are no formal written examinations as part of thecurrent assessment methods on this programme.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by academic staff who possessexpertise in a variety of disciplines allied to sport,physical activity and mental health, including sociology,psychology, psychiatry, physiology, policy analysis, andperforming arts.

Practitioners and professionals who work in sport,physical activity and mental health, in addition to otherguest speakers involved in teaching and research, willalso regularly contribute to the delivery of theprogramme.

A Great Study Environment

All courses in the Department of Sport and PhysicalActivity place a strong emphasis on practical work,underpinned by outstanding facilities including dedicatedbiochemistry, biomechanics, performance analysis,physiology and psychology laboratories.

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The performance analysis laboratory provides access toindustry-standard software and audio-visual equipmentfor the analysis of athletic and coaching performance,while the biochemistry laboratory enables you to collectand accurately analyse a wide range of metabolites, usingthe latest technology, to determine the physiologicalresponses of athletes and others, to a variety of exercisestresses such as running, cycling and rowing.

There is a dedicated sports therapy clinic, providing aclinical learning environment in which to gain practicalexperience, as well as a functional rehabilitation centrewhere bespoke rehabilitation programmes for individualsor small groups can be implemented.

Additional learning resources include high qualityeye-tracking systems in a specialist vision analysislaboratory where you can measure hand-eyecoordination, ocular-motor control, reaction times,cognition and other mechanisms associated with visualperception. Cutting edge musculoskeletal assessmenttools combine with a dedicated strength and conditioningarea in our MSk laboratory where you can assess athletes

and implement (p)rehabilitation programmes. Isokineticdynamometry, electromyography and dynamic balanceassessment can all be conducted with immediate transferto exercise prescription.

In the Sleep, Exercise and Performance laboratory, youcan measure the responses of individuals to sleep, sleepdeprivation and changes in the circadian rhythms of avariety of biological processes. This helps to determinethe best time to exercise or when individuals need tosleep and recover.

Complementing the impressive academic facilities, thereare £30 million of sport and leisure facilities across 60acres on campus, including top-of-the-range 3G footballand rugby pitches, hockey pitches, tennis courts, acompetition-standard athletics track and an athleticsfield. The University sports centre boasts a 25-metreswimming pool, double sports hall for badminton,basketball, netball and squash, a 100-station fitness suite,aerobics studio and a health suite with sauna and steamrooms.

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Modules

SPT4730: Mental Health and Mental Illness: Prevalence, Determinants and Inequality (20 credits)Mental Health and Mental Illness: Prevalence, Determinants and Inequality examines the prevalence of mentalillness globally and in local, regional and national contexts. The module also considers the social, cultural and economicdeterminants of mental health and how these are associated with various forms of inequality (including income andwealth inequality). This will enable you to reflect upon the major social changes associated with the increasingincidence of mental illness, discuss how this contributes to other health conditions, and consider how these conditionsand the health inequalities they produce might be effectively addressed by politicians, policy makers and otherorganisations, including charities and campaign groups, to help improve lives.

SPT4731: The Policy Process in Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health (20 credits)The Policy Process in Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health equips you with a critical understanding of thepolicy process in relation to sport, physical activity and mental health. The module examines major policy responses tomental health and illness and explores how these have been deployed in sport and physical activity contexts. You willanalyse the various interconnections between the policy agendas in sport and physical activity on the one hand, andmental health and illness on the other, with a view to exploring how these can be explained and used to identify thefuture trajectories of policy and political priorities. The module also examines the major models and phases of thepolicy process, how policy is enacted in practice, and the methods used to monitor and evaluate its effectiveness insport, physical activity and mental health.

SPT4732: Research Methods and Programme Design in Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health(40 credits)Research Methods and Programme Design in Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health introduces you to the majorresearch methodologies, methods and approaches that are commonly used in sport, physical activity and mentalhealth research. You will become familiar with the types of evaluation methods commonly used in the field and withthe planning process for programme design, development and enactment. In addition to developing an awareness ofthe theoretical frameworks which guide programme design and evaluation, you will become familiar with thepragmatic and practical realities of undertaking research and evaluation in sport, physical activity and mental health,as well as the various ethical dilemmas and decisions that need to be negotiated in the process. The ways in which datacan be generated, managed and analysed during the course of research will also be considered so that you becomecritically aware of the various elements involved in the research process and, in particular, the design and evaluation ofprogrammes.

SPT4733: Applied Research Dissertation in Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health (60 credits)Applied Research Dissertation in Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health enables you to undertake anindependent research project on a topic of your choice in the field of sport, physical activity and mental health. You willbe required to undertake a systematic review of the existing literature on your chosen topic, appraise the variousjustifications for the selected research methodologies, methods and tools, and consider the ways in which relevantdata can be managed and analysed in a manner appropriate to your identified research questions. You will be requiredto provide critical and cogent theoretical explanations of your findings and consider the ways in which they informpolicy and practice. The dissertation may be written-up in the form of a traditional thesis or as a journal article basedon the styles and conventions of an international peer-reviewed journal.

You will select two of the following modules:

SPT4734: Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health Promotion for Children and Young People (20

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credits)Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health Promotion for Children and Young People is particularly relevant if youare interested in mental health and illness among children and young people, in addition to the various strategies thatcan be deployed to address the mental health needs of these population groups. You will critically evaluate theevidence for the psychological theories and determinants that are associated with sport and physical activityparticipation, as well as sedentariness among children and young people, and consider how this relates to behaviourchange interventions in various settings. These settings include schools, community environments such as sports andyouth clubs, in addition to other leisure-oriented domains. You will also examine engagement in sport and physicalactivity and relate this to other lifestyle behaviours including diet, the use of legal and illegal drugs, use of social media,and the quantity and quality of their social relationships. The consequences of these activities for young people'smental health and their association with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, body image-relatedproblems, eating disorders and disordered eating will be examined.

SPT4735: Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health Promotion for Adults and Older People (20credits)Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health Promotion for Adults and Older People is particularly relevant if youare interested in mental health and illness among adults and older people, in addition to the various strategies that canbe deployed to address the mental health needs of these population groups. You will critically evaluate the evidencefor the psychological theories and determinants that are associated with sport and physical activity participation, aswell as sedentariness among adults and older people, and consider how this relates to behaviour change interventionsin various settings. These settings include the workplace, community environments such as sports clubs, in additionto leisure-oriented domains and other social settings. You will also examine engagement in sport and physical activityand relate this to other lifestyle behaviours including diet, the use of legal and illegal drugs, the use of social media, andthe quantity and quality of their social relationships. The consequences of these behaviours for mental health and theirassociation with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, self-harm, bodyimage-related problems, and eating disorders and disordered eating will be examined.

SPT4736: Mental Health Awareness for Community Sports Participants and Practitioners (20 credits)Mental Health Awareness for Community Sports Participants and Practitioners will develop your awareness ofmental health and illness among community sports participants and practitioners and examine how mental health canbe understood in community sport settings. In particular, the module explores the ways in which groups includingcoaches, volunteers, staff members, managers and other community sport providers can effectively address themental health needs of sport participants for whom they are responsible, whether in sports programmes or otherareas of organisational life. The module reflects upon the opportunities and challenges of promoting positive mentalhealth in community sports organisations, in addition to the workplace setting more broadly, and discusses the role ofmentoring, education and peer leadership in developing mental health awareness among those who seek to promotemental health in community sport organisations and settings.

SPT4737: Mental Health Awareness for Performance Sport Athletes and Practitioners (20 credits)Mental Health Awareness for Performance Sport Athletes and Practitioners will develop your awareness of mentalhealth and illness among performance sport athletes (throughout their careers and post-sport lives) and practitioners.The module will consider how mental health can be understood in performance sport settings and explore the ways inwhich groups including coaches, welfare officers, performance and support staff, and managers can effectively addressthe mental health needs of the performance sport athletes for whom they are responsible. Whether in performancesettings or other areas of lifestyle management, the module reflects upon the opportunities and challenges ofpromoting positive mental health in performance sports organisations, as well as in the workplace setting morebroadly. The role of mentoring, education and peer leadership in developing mental health awareness among athletesand other performance sports workers will also be discussed.

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Optional modules provide an element of choice within the programme curriculum. The availability of optional modulesmay vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that theavailability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected bytimetabling requirements.

Timetables

You can expect to receive your timetable at enrolment. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure thattimetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day or evening of the week.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes aresubject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellationof, courses.

Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarksstatements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right tomake variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

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Entry Criteria

Entry Requirements

You should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class orupper second-class honours (2:1 or above) in a relevantsports-related discipline. Suitable subjects include sportsdevelopment, sports management, sport and exercisescience, sports coaching, sports psychology, sociology ofsport, and physical activity and health. If you have adegree in a related field, such as psychology, sociology,mental health, public health, or epidemiology, you arealso encouraged to apply.

Applicants with a lower second class honours degree inone of the above disciplines, in addition to relevant workor other experience in the field of sport, physical activityand mental health, may also be admitted at thedepartment's discretion.

Evidence of a suitable standard of English literacy andnumeracy, such as GCSE English Language and GCSEMathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (orequivalent), is also desirable.

If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University, youwill be required to apply for a Disclosure and BarringService (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure indicating that youmeet the mandatory criteria of 'Clearance to Work withChildren and/or Vulnerable Adults'.

English Language Requirements

International students require IELTS 6.5, with a score nolower than 6.0 in each individual component, or anequivalent English language qualification.

If your current level of English is half a band lower, eitheroverall or in one or two elements, you may want toconsider our Pre-Sessional English course.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Edge Hill University recognises learning gainedelsewhere, whether through academic credit andqualifications acquired from other relevant courses ofstudy or through recognition of an individual'sprofessional and employment experience (also referredto as 'experiential learning'). This may include credit orlearning undertaken at another university.

Previous learning that is recognised in this way may beused towards meeting the entry requirements for aprogramme and/or for exemption from part of aprogramme. It is your responsibility to make a claim forrecognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consultthe University's academic regulations (sections C7 andF3.1) or contact the faculty in which you are interested instudying.

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Career Prospects

What are my career prospects?

You will graduate well placed to pursue a variety ofcareer paths, including working in community andprofessional sport as a mental health practitioner,programme manager/worker, policy maker, coach,administrator, safeguarding and welfare officer, or as partof a sports science support team.

Alternatively, you may wish to pursue a career inresearch, youth and social work, or in the sport, leisureand business management sectors. The course alsoprovides ideal preparation to progress onto doctoralstudy in sport and physical activity.

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Finance

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for full-time study on this MSc are £5,580 forUK students and £13,500 for international studentsenrolling on the programme in academic year 2021/22.Exemptions apply for EU students who have settled orpre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, aswell as Irish nationals, who may be eligible for the UKfull-time tuition fee rate.

Tuition fees for part-time study on this MSc are £31 percredit for UK students enrolling on the programme inacademic year 2021/22, i.e. £620 per 20 credit module.180 credits are required to complete a Masters degree.EU students who have settled or pre-settled status underthe EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, maybe eligible for the UK part-time tuition fee rate.

The University may administer a small inflationary rise in

part-time postgraduate tuition fees in subsequentacademic years as you progress through the course.

Financial Support

For comprehensive information about the financialsupport available to eligible UK students joiningpostgraduate courses at Edge Hill University in academicyear 2021/22, together with details of how to apply forpotential funding, please view our Money Matters 2021/22 guide at www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradfinance2021.

EU students who have settled or pre-settled status underthe EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply forfinancial support. Irish nationals should apply to StudentUniversal Support Ireland (SUSI).

Financial support information for international studentscan be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.

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Apply

How to Apply

There is an online application process for thisprogramme.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applydirect to access therelevant online application form and to find out moreabout the application process.

Further information for international students about howto apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.

Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us andformally enrol as a student, you will be subject to theprovisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions andpolicies which apply to our students. These are availableat www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

Visit Us

If you are considering applying to study at Edge HillUniversity, the best way to gain an insight into studentlife is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by

attending an open day. You can view dates and book yourplace at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.

Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, youcan find out more about our full range of events forprospective students, including campus tours and virtualactivities, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

Request a Prospectus

If you would like to explore our full range of taughtMasters degrees, MBA awards and our Masters byResearch (MRes) degree before you apply, you can ordera postgraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradprospectus.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about this programme or whatit’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

• Course Enquiries

• Tel: 01695 657000

• Email: study@edgehill.ac.uk

If you would like to talk to the programme leader aboutthe course in more detail, please contact:

• Professor Andy Smith

• Tel: 01695 584884

• Email: Andy.Smith@edgehill.ac.uk

International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk withany queries about overseas study.

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