Institution

Sports and Exercise Medicine, William Harvey Research Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University London (QMUL), London, UK.

Course

Master of Science (MSc) in Sports and Exercise Medicine.

Why?

With the continued growth of sports participation, both recreationally and professionally, the expectation for the highest level of health provision is also set to grow. Completion of a Masters in Sports and Exercise Medicine (SEM), to inform evidence-based medicine delivery and demonstrate professional competencies, is increasingly becoming a requirement within these sporting environments.1

Overview

The SEM Masters programme is open to nationally and internationally qualified medical doctors, physiotherapists, osteopaths and podiatrists (table 1). As the longest established SEM MSc in Europe (and possibly the world), the programme has a prestigious history. The vision of Professor John King, as course founder >30 years ago, was to provide the best possible SEM training and to inspire the next generation of SEM expert clinician scientists. Graduates include the Chief Medical Officers for Team Great Britain at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games, and the Greek team at Athens 2004.

The course was inspirational, with access to world-class experts lecturing, and practical exposure with the top clinicians of the time. This exposure was transformational for me as I moved full-time into sports medicine. (Dr Nick Webbon (1992 Graduate), Chair of the British Paralympic Association)

The learning objectives and course content are aligned with competencies defined by the International Federation of Sports Physiotherapists and the medical Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine. All students complete five core modules—three within a multidisciplinary environment and two specific to the professional route (medical, physiotherapy/osteopathy and podiatry) (figure 1). The three multidisciplinary modules focus on core principles of SEM assessment and research methods, forming the majority of the first semester (full-time) or year (part-time) of study. In addition, students complete three optional modules and a research project. Optional modules include Podiatry and Biomechanics, Exercise as a Health Tool, Football Medicine, Dance Medicine, Imaging in Sports Medicine and Military Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Students have the option of completing, or not completing, an original research project to exit with a masters in SEM or postgraduate diploma, respectively (figure 1). The postgraduate certificate offered in podiatric sports medicine includes four core modules and clinical experience.

• Download figure
• Open in new tab
• Download powerpoint

Figure 1

Diagrammatic representation of the flow through the Master of Science, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate (Podiatric Sports Medicine), plus standalone modules.

During the MSc, students are expected to accrue 32 (half-day) multidisciplinary, clinical placements (organised by the student in collaboration with programme staff). Unique clinical learning opportunities are provided, including monthly interdisciplinary combined clinics, practical experience of elite sporting environments and development of clinical reasoning within leading sports medicine facilities (eg, Pure Sports Medicine and the Blackberry Clinic). Clinical placements are undertaken within London and Home Counties to ensure a diversity of SEM experiences, with international students able to complete appropriate clinical placements in their home countries following discussion with the course leads.

The taught components of the course are delivered in lecture and practical formats across two semesters (semester 1: September–December; semester 2: January–March inclusively). While full-time students will attend the university for these taught sessions (Tuesdays/Thursdays) during both semesters, part-time students can choose to study the MSc over 2–4 years. These sessions are presented by national and international experts, from cutting edge basic scientists to physiotherapists (eg, Jon Fern, head physiotherapist, Chelsea FC; Claire Small, Clinical Director, Pure Sports Medicine), doctors (eg, Dr Ritan Mehta, Womens Lead Performance Doctor, The FA) and other health professionals, including psychologists, nutritionists and strength and conditioning coaches working with world-class athletes. Assessments include essays (eg, literature review and case reports) and written/practical exams. The research project is a significant component of the MSc programme, in which students are teamed with mentors specific to the area of research interest. They complete a systematic review, novel research project and presentation of findings at the annual QMUL SEM clinical academic conference. The topic of study is chosen by the student and guided by their mentor, with many students publishing their research in peer-reviewed journals.

The teaching team of 15 substantive and 30 honorary staff, led by Dr Dylan Morrissey—an National Institute of Health Research/Higher Education England Consultant Physiotherapist and Clinical Reader with a long history of working in elite sport—work closely with students to develop clinical excellence in SEM. Overall, the design of the programme provides a comprehensive foundation from which students take forward their own specific and continued professional development in SEM.

Application deadlines

First of September each year.

Location

QMUL is one of 24 universities that make up the prestigious Russell Group, which represents the leading research-led universities in the UK. The Centre for SEM teaching facility is situated on the same campus as the sports injury, physiotherapy, podiatry and the interdisciplinary sport clinics within the multicultural and vibrant East End of London, Mile End.

Further information

MSc Course Lead: Dr Simon Lack—s.lack@qmul.ac.uk

MSc Course Administrator: Sue Tracey - s.tracey@qmul.ac.uk

W: http://www.whri.qmul.ac.uk/about-us/418-sports-exercise-medicine

Twitter: @QMUL @simonthephysio @DrDylanM