Course summary
Originally developed at Middlesex University, the first degree in the UK to focus purely on how to prescribe safe and effective physical activity, exercise and sporting participation to those living with the 18 most common chronic diseases in the UK and healthy ageing. Why study MSc/PGDip/PGCert Exercise and Physical Activity for Special Populations and Healthy Ageing at Middlesex University? The health and fitness industry has witnessed an explosion in recent years as more and more people realise the importance of exercise. With this comes new challenges for professionals who must consider the wide range of long-term medical conditions which could impact their clients or patients, and how physical activity can positively aid healthy ageing. Our postgraduate degree promotes cutting edge professional practice, giving students the opportunity to undertake leading research and acquire the latest knowledge of effective practice prescription for special populations, including post-Covid-19, under the supervision of highly experienced experts. The course has been designed specifically for qualified graduates and health and fitness professionals, so understands that you will bring experience and working knowledge with you. We help you put this into context and develop it. During the course you will learn how to justify your professional decisions with evidence-based practice and develop your professional understanding and accountability. You might already have a Level 3 GP referral qualification, a Level 4 individual condition qualification or a BSc degree, but this Level 7 degree takes that knowledge to the highest level. At the end of the degree you will have a comprehensive understanding of 18 of the most commonly presented conditions and how to manage them singly or as comorbidities through exercise prescription, and how to prescribe exercise to promote healthy ageing. Introducing our new Learning Framework After working with our students to gather feedback on what they love most about our courses, we’re making some changes to how we structure and teach our programmes for the start of the 2024/25 academic year. You can find more information about how this course is affected by viewing the relevant course information sheet on our Learning Framework page: https://www.mdx.ac.uk/study/learning-framework/
Modules
Clinical Sciences and Nutrition (30 credits) - Compulsory Exercise Prescription and Management in Special Populations and Healthy Ageing (30 credits) - Compulsory Research Methods (30 credits) - Compulsory Dissertation (60 credits) - Compulsory Work Placement (30 credits) - Compulsory
Entry requirements
Students will require an undergraduate degree in a sport or exercise related field (2.2 or above). Students with undergraduate degrees in non-related areas will be considered subject to relevant industry experience and professional qualifications. Alternatively, prospective students who have substantial experience in the area and/or completed vocational qualifications, will be considered via interview. Alternatively prospective students who have completed a lower equivalent qualification in a relevant subject and have extensive experience in the area will be considered via interview. Students may be invited to an interview if they have 5+ years of experience. Prospective students who fail to meet some of the above criteria may be directed to some preliminary study. Entry requirements listed are accurate at the time of publishing and vary between programmes. Please check your chosen course page for specific entry requirements. Depending on your chosen course, we also consider a combination of qualifications. The latest entry requirements can be found on the course page at: https://www.mdx.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/exercise-and-physical-activity-for-special-populations We have a personalised admissions approach in which we make fair, but aspirational offers to our applicants. We feel it’s important that you continue to aim high and achieve great results. If you don’t quite make the grades you hoped to, we’ll look at more than your qualifications when making our final decision. We’ll take into consideration any barriers you may have faced in your learning, especially with potential disruption due to the coronavirus, your achievements in other areas and your personal statement. At Middlesex, we’ll always aim to be as flexible as possible. We pride ourselves on how we recognise potential in our applicants, and support them to succeed in the future.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | With at least 6.0 in each component |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 87 | With at least 21 in Listening & writing |
| PTE Academic | 58 | With at least 51 in all components |
Visit our general entry requirements page, by clicking on the link below, to see how these points can be achieved from our acceptable level 3 qualifications and the combinations which are welcomed by Middlesex University, including GCSE requirements.
Entry Qualifications
http://www.mdx.ac.uk/courses/help-with-your-application/undergraduate-application/entry-requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Channel Islands | £64 | Credit |
| England | £64 | Credit |
| Northern Ireland | £64 | Credit |
| Scotland | £64 | Credit |
| Wales | £64 | Credit |
| EU | £77 | Credit |
| International | £77 | Credit |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
At Middlesex, we have a range of funding and loan options available to ensure you are able to attend university, whatever your financial background. Tuition fees vary for UK, EU and International students. More information about fees for the course you are interested in studying can be found at: https://www.mdx.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/exercise-and-physical-activity-for-special-populations
Provider information
Middlesex University
Hendon Campus
The Burroughs
Barnet
NW4 4BT