Expand+Full-time
Postgraduate Diploma: two semesters (one academic year)
MSc: In addition to the above, one further semester full-time or two further semesters part-time.

Part-time
Postgraduate Diploma: four semesters. (two academic years)
MSc: ...

Hide-Full-time
Postgraduate Diploma: two semesters (one academic year)
MSc: In addition to the above, one further semester full-time or two further semesters part-time.

Part-time
Postgraduate Diploma: four semesters. (two academic years)
MSc: In addition to the above, one further semester full-time or two further semesters part-time.

Attendance for Full-time course
Semester 1: All modules delivered online by distance learning
Semester 2: 2 modules delivered on-campus (Jordanstown), 1 module delivered by distance learning

Attendance for Part-time course
Semester 1 and 2 (year one) and semester 1 (year two): All modules delivered online by distance learning
Semester 2 (year 2): 2 modules delivered on-campus (Jordanstown)

Expand+Applicants should hold: - a second class honours degree (or higher) in Biochemistry, Dietetics, Food and Nutrition, Human Nutrition, Physiology. Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Science or other relevant degree discipline from a recognised universi...

Hide-Applicants should hold: - a second class honours degree (or higher) in Biochemistry, Dietetics, Food and Nutrition, Human Nutrition, Physiology. Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Science or other relevant degree discipline from a recognised university

Or
- an equivalent standard (normally 50% or more) in a Postgraduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate or an approved alternative qualification;

Or
- In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.

And
All applicants must have evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).

Expand+Teaching Methods
Core material is delivered through a variety of face-to-face and online lectures complemented by seminars (both online and face-to-face).

Supplementing this core material students will undertake wide ranging reading for coursewo...

Hide-Teaching Methods
Core material is delivered through a variety of face-to-face and online lectures complemented by seminars (both online and face-to-face).

Supplementing this core material students will undertake wide ranging reading for coursework assignments and projects. Self-directed learning will be complemented by group discussions and debates, tutorials and problem based learning that use both face-to-face and online modes of delivery.

Exemptions and Transferability
Students holding an IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition would normally be eligible to apply for accreditation of prior learning (APL) for progression onto the MSc Sports and Exercise Nutrition, subject to approval of a suitable MSc project. Completion and approval of a suitable MSc project would be in consultation with the Project Module Coordinator.

Professional Recognition
The programme aims to provide students with appropriate academic training in sport and exercise nutrition to allow graduates of the programme, following further mentored work experience in sport and exercise nutrition, to pursue registration as a sport and exercise nutritionist (SENr).

Expand+The programme is designed to enhance flexibility for the student. Students may choose to transfer from full-time to part-time mode should they require to take the programme at a slower pace.

The programme is delivered via blended learning; with t...

Hide-The programme is designed to enhance flexibility for the student. Students may choose to transfer from full-time to part-time mode should they require to take the programme at a slower pace.

The programme is delivered via blended learning; with the combined use of online delivery with more traditional (face-to-face) teaching and practical work and the opportunity to attend intensive workshops on-campus providing a varied learning environment for postgraduate students which fully online or fully face-to-face teaching could not achieve.

General Description
Diet and nutrition significantly affect sport and exercise performance. The food and fluid which an athlete before, during, and after training and competition affects health and body composition, as well as performance in, and, recovery from, the effects of exercise. An optimum diet can help to maximise athletic performance.

Increased participation in physical activity, exercise and sport has the potential to improve the health and well-being of our sedentary population. Increased physical activity can help to reduce obesity, the risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, osteoporosis, and can play a role in promoting positive mental health and psychological wellbeing.

Sound knowledge of sport and exercise nutrition can ensure a healthy balance between exercise and diet of individuals and groups of individuals at all levels of fitness. Due consideration must be given to the special nutritional needs imposed by participation in different forms of sport or exercise in combination with the circumstances and characteristics of the individual.

Whilst evidence clearly shows that good diet and nutrition are vital for health in all individuals, a growing variety of ‘health’ foods, ergogenic aids, supplements, herbal remedies and functional foods are widely available. These products claim to benefit health and athletic performance but such claims are often unsubstantiated. In addition many nutritional practices in sport (e.g. making weight) are based more on tradition and myth than scientific evidence. There is therefore a growing need for appropriate guidance in relation to sport and exercise nutrition, across a wide-spectrum from amateur to elite professional levels within sports.

This programme provides a postgraduate pathway for graduates who wish to pursue a career within the area of sports nutrition.

The Programme
The programme has been designed to deliver the appropriate academic training for those interested in pursuing a career in the area of sport and exercise performance nutrition. Graduates can register on the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENr) as a graduate registrant and pursue full registration once appropriate professional experience is obtained.

The blended delivery and flexibility of this course is designed to attract those with an interest in obtaining a postgraduate qualification in sports nutrition but who may not previously have been able to enrol on more traditionally delivered courses.

The e-learning facets of the course allow students the opportunity to learn at their own pace and often to suit their own schedule while the face-to-face sessions permit students to reinforce theoretical concepts in a practical context.

Expand+Full-time Mode
Semester 1:
Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (15 credits)
Nutrition Assessment, Recommendations and Requirements (15 credits)
Sport-specific Nutrition Issues (15 credits)
Research Design & Statistics (15 credits)

Semeste...

Hide-Full-time Mode
Semester 1:
Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (15 credits)
Nutrition Assessment, Recommendations and Requirements (15 credits)
Sport-specific Nutrition Issues (15 credits)
Research Design & Statistics (15 credits)

Semester 2:
Nutrition for Health and Disease Prevention (15 credits)
Evidence-based Practice in Healthcare Sciences (30 credits)
Practical Sports Nutrition (15 credits)

Semester 3:
Sport and Exercise Nutrition Research Project (60 credits)*
All modules are compulsory; *project module compulsory for award of MSc.

Part-time Mode
Semester 1, Year 1:
Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (15 credits)
Nutrition Assessment, Recommendations and Requirements (15 credits)

Semester 2, Year 1:
Evidence-based Practice in Healthcare Sciences (30 credits)

Semester 1, Year 2:
Sport-specific Nutrition Issues (15 credits)
Research Design & Statistics (15 credits)

Semester 2, Year 2:
Nutrition for Health and Disease Prevention (15 credits)
Practical Sports Nutrition (15 credits)

Semester 3, Year 2 and Semester 1, Year 3:
Sport and Exercise Nutrition Research Project (60 credits)
All modules are compulsory; *project module compulsory for award of MSc.

Description of Modules
Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism: provides an introduction to the biochemical principles of exercise metabolism and will highlight the importance of nutrition in enhancing athletic performance.

Nutrition Assessment, Recommendations and Requirements: provides an in-depth knowledge of the principles, methodologies and limitations of nutritional assessment. These concepts will be further developed in the Practical Sports Nutrition module.

Sport-specific Nutrition Issues: discusses sport-specific nutrition issues and provides students with an opportunity to study in-depth current issues and challenges facing practitioners working within the area of sports nutrition.

Research Design & Statistics: provides the foundation for the undertaking of good scientific research. The design of experimental investigations and the use of statistical methodology are discussed. The module requires the completion of computer sessions, seminars, a critical evaluation of published literature, problem-based assessments and a research proposal.

Nutrition for Health and Disease Prevention: considers the relationship between nutrition, health and disease. The module provides the student with the opportunity to further develop an understanding of the human body and how good nutritional practices can be effective for good health and disease prevention.

Evidence-based Practice in Healthcare Sciences: in this module students review an aspect of their professional practice identifying evidence to support their recommendations, initiate the keeping of a professional reflective diary and submit a portfolio of evidence to support their action research plan. Students currently not in employment will be given advice on suitable topics from the module coordinator.

Practical Sports Nutrition: considers the practical application of sports nutrition knowledge. The module provides the student with the opportunity to further develop their skills when working with a diverse range of athletes and how good nutritional practices can be effective in improving exercise performance.

After the successful completion of taught modules with a minimum value of 120 credit points, students will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise Nutrition. Students who have a module average score of 50% or over, may proceed to register for the MSc and undertake a research project.

Sport and Exercise Nutrition Research Project: carrying out an original, independent piece of research from the formulation of a research question through to reporting findings in accordance with the conventions of the academic area is an important part of the research training provided by Masters level study. This module provides students with an opportunity for students to carry out an original independent piece of research in the area of sport and exercise nutrition and present findings in the form of a journal manuscript and a conference presentation.

Expand+Assessment for individual modules is through sessional examinations and cumulative assessment. Cumulative assessment will be a combination of essays, practical reports, seminar presentations and group work. For the MSc students will also complete an ...

Hide-Assessment for individual modules is through sessional examinations and cumulative assessment. Cumulative assessment will be a combination of essays, practical reports, seminar presentations and group work. For the MSc students will also complete an independent research project.

Coursework will assess outcomes and facilitate self-directed learning and integration of knowledge. Structured coursework will include case-studies and literature-based assignments such as critical reviews, a research proposal, and (for MSc) an in-depth research project report.