MSc
Human and Equine Sports Science

WHO IS THE COURSE FOR:
The aim of this course is to provide graduates from a variety of disciplines with an advanced understanding of equine and human exercise science through the study of biological and physiological systems. Applicants will normally hold an honours degree (2.2 or above) in physical education, physiology, biochemistry, biological science, anatomy, sports medicine, recreation and leisure management, any equine studies/science, or allied subjects. Professional qualifications may also be acceptable and every application will be considered on its individual merits. 

DELIVERY AND ASSESSMENT:
Teaching takes place at the University of Essex campus in Colchester on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the full-time degree, and will alternate annually between these days for the part-time degree. All modules taught at Writtle College will take place at weekends.

Teaching methods will be a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies and student-managed learning. The self-guided study aspect of the course will be supervised by an academic member of staff to ensure that students take full advantage of the open-access study facilities at both Writtle and Essex.

The course consists of six taught modules, two self-study dissertations (8,000 words), and a masters stage research project. Only one dissertation is compulsory, which means that students can choose to write the second dissertation or take an additional optional taught module instead. The research project (14,000 words maximum) is normally carried out over the summer vacation and submitted by 1st September.

COURSE AIMS:
Students who complete this programme will be able to demonstrate:

	Knowledge of the fundamental concepts of human and equine sports science
	A clear understanding of contemporary debates about the impact of exercise on the performance, fitness and health of human and equine athletes
	The ability to formulate and undertake research into specific industry areas
	A range of key skills in information retrieval, communication, analysis and data interpretation

KEY FEATURES:

	Focus on the scientific principles underpinning human and equine athletic performance
	Excellent sports science facilities including an exercise laboratory and fitness testing laboratory The Centre for Sports and Exercise Science at Essex University received a maximum score of 24 in a recent assessment carried out by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)
	Equine training and development centre with 40 horses, and a working stud

CAREER PROSPECTS:

	Health and fitness practitioners/professionals
	Research in biochemistry, biological sciences and physiology
	Lecturing in equine and sports science
	Senior positions in recreation and leisure management
	Equine nutritionist
	Equine product development

Duration

The MSc is delivered in conjunction with the University of Essex on a full-time (one year)

Modules
Compulsory Core Units

	Equine Competition Science (M00A004)
	Equine Exercise Physiology (M00A003)
	Sports Medicine and Performance (H4E370

Options

	Equine Ethics & Welfare (M00A005)
	Equine Health (M00A001)
	Equine Nutrition (POSTGRADUATE) (M00A002)
	Equine Sports Medicine (M00A006)