- During your studies you will develop an advanced understanding of the research evidence in the context of clinical exercise science.
- You will learn to apply theoretical concepts and professional skills in practical situations likely to be encountered by a clinical exercise scientist.
- You will employ advanced investigative, analytical and practical techniques to advance knowledge in clinical exercise science.
- You will present evidence-based clinical exercise prescription appropriate for a range of pathologies and in seemingly healthy populations and be able to effectively communicate evidence and treatment goals with a variety of populations.
- You will gain enhanced knowledge and learn skills in clinical exercise science to increase employability in an academic or applied setting.
Subjects include
****Taught modules are all compulsory
Trimester 1
- Exercise, wellbeing and psychological Health (SES11114), taught by Dr Amanda Pitkethly
- Cardiometabolic conditions and exercise (SES111XX), taught by Dr Mel Leggate
- Research methods in sport and exercise science (SES11116), taught by Dr Kostas Kaliarntas
Trimester 2
- Clinical Exercise Placement (SES11127), taught by Dr Mel Leggate and Dr Amanda Pitkethly
- Physical Activity and Cancer Survivorship (SES11115), taught by Prof Anna Campbell
- Physical Activity for Neurological Conditions (SES11111), taught by Dr Kostas Kaliarntas
Trimester 3
- Research Project (SES11107), taught by Dr Kostas Kaliarntas
The in-depth description of the modules can be found below.
Trimester 1
Exercise, Wellbeing & Psychological Health (20 credits) - During this module, we focus on the complexity of human behaviour and support you to understand contemporary theoretical models of behaviour change and human motivation, underlying mechanisms of how activity benefits psychological health and importantly, how to apply this knowledge through a range of techniques and approaches that motivate adherence to exercise. For example, we will teach you a counselling approach, Motivational Interviewing, to ensure you can confidently have conversations that compassionately support the motivation, confidence and autonomy that people need to meet complex health goals. You will apply this knowledge to an exercise behaviour case study.
Research Methods in Sport and Exercise Science (20 credits) - In strand one, the content will cover, the philosophical basis of scientific knowledge construction, the debates around NHST and magnitude-based statistics. Mid-module, you will look at at epidemiology in more depth. The final theme will focus on applied research and the dissemination of research and assessment data to the lay audience.
Cardiometabolic conditions and exercise (20 credits) - During this module you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the underpinning influencing physiological factors that can lead to the development of a number of metabolic and cardiovascular conditions. As well as gaining an in-depth knowledge regarding the pathophysiology of cardiometabolic disease, this module will evaluate the reported health benefits of exercise/increased physical activity in populations with long term conditions including cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction and diabetes, obesity, renal disease and dyslipidaemia. You will develop an understanding of the concept ‘Exercise is Medicine’ and devise and develop exercise programmes for individuals at risk of developing metabolic and cardiovascular conditions.
Trimester 2
Physical Activity for Neurological Conditions (20 credits) - The current module aims to explore the role of clinical exercise for the management and prevention of common neurological conditions. In this module you will study the pathophysiology, clinical implications and reasoning, clinical exercise and prescription for common neurological diseases such as: stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy. Also, you will acquire some clinical experience through clinical placement sessions. Clinical placements will be in the form of shadowing health professionals in: acute neurology, downstream in-patient rehab, community rehab, exercise interventions delivered within Edinburgh Leisure. In this module you will also understand key concepts such as: clinical exercise and prescription, evidence based practice, clinical reasoning and risk evaluation for exercise prescription.
Physical Activity and Cancer Survivorship (20 credits) - This module is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding into a new area of research: cancer and exercise - from prevention to survivorship. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of the role that physical activity plays in primary and secondary prevention of cancer. As well as providing in-depth knowledge of the physical and psychological effects of exercise during and after cancer treatment, you will gain an insight into the most recent evidence -based benefits of exercise on many chronic and late appearing cancer treatment side effects. You will learn to assess, consult and prescribe individualised exercise programmes for cancer survivors – based on the most current research and guidelines within this area.
Clinical Exercise Placement (20 credits) - In trimester 2, you will engage in your Clinical Exercise Placement. On placement, you will see the hypothetical and real case studies you have studied come to life. You may work in a range of environments, for example, in physical activity referral schemes, or the NHS, with GP/Physiotherapy/other specialist referrals. Through your reflective client reports, you will gain experiential learning related to exercise behaviour, testing and prescription, most with a clinical basis, where you can apply your knowledge of how complications such as obesity, depression, stroke, heart disease or cancer may affect your clients and how to best support them.
In trimester 3, you can choose to follow your interest and will develop a research project under supervision from one of the teaching team (60 credits).