Overview
The Brunel Physical Activity and Exercise for Health MSc explores the importance of physical activity and exercise across different population groups. It provides students the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to assess, prescribe and support individuals and groups with engaging in health-enhancing physical activity and exercise.
Physical activity has a wide range of physical, mental and social health benefits. However, many people in the population do not engage in sufficient amounts of physical activity to maintain good health. This MSc will develop your ability to design public health initiatives to promote physical activity behaviour change at local population and global levels.
Regular physical activity and limiting sedentary behaviour is important for the effective management of long-term health conditions like Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mental ill-health. This MSc, therefore, includes a focus on the application of theory and specialist techniques from multiple disciplines (psychology, physiology and biomechanics) to engage clinical and special population groups in physical activity.
You will also gain specialist knowledge and skills in assessing physical activity, exercise and physical function, and benefit from hands-on learning in our modern physiology and biomechanics laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
An interdisciplinary approach is used within the course, which is delivered by experts from the Centre for Physical Activity in Health and Disease whose cutting-edge research in areas of physical activity, exercise, sedentary behaviour and health informs the curriculum.
The course is aimed at graduates from a range of disciplines (such as sport and exercise sciences, psychology, physiology, health sciences, biosciences and physiotherapy) as well as individuals currently working in healthcare, the fitness industry and public health.
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
The course is designed to give graduates the knowledge and skills to assess, prescribe and support physical activity across diverse individuals and groups in the population.
The MSc consists of 180 credits with four taught modules worth 120 credits and the final 60 credits involving undertaking a supervised research project (dissertation).
All modules on the MSc are compulsory to ensure you develop the specialist knowledge and skills needed to pursue a successful career in this field.
Compulsory
- Physical Activity Behaviour Change and Public Health
This module will develop your critical understanding of how governments and other agencies use research evidence to design and implement physical activity and public health campaigns.
You will also develop your knowledge and application of behaviour change theory to address issues of physical inactivity within local, national and international contexts across a range of populations.
- Physical Activity and Exercise for Clinical and Special Populations
This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to critically analyse and apply interdisciplinary knowledge and methods to understanding physical activity, exercise and limiting of sedentary behaviour in the prevention and management of health conditions across different clinical and special population groups.
These groups may include, older adults, childhood disability, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mental ill-health.
- Exercise Science: Theoretical Basis and Laboratory Skills
This module provides students with a critical understanding of the biological and mechanical determinants of human movement and exercise function. You will develop a range of practical laboratory skills and techniques to assess physical function during movement and exercise.
- Research Methods and Data Analysis
This module helps students to develop skills to undertake a piece of research, develop competence in a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods and software, and critically assess the appropriateness of research methods in relation to a research question. This prepares students to undertake their MSc dissertation appropriately.
- Dissertation
The dissertation enables students to undertake an extended, in-depth, self-chosen independent study or project. This will enable you to demonstrate that you have a secure grasp of critical theoretical principles and the ability to apply these principles. You will be able to demonstrate that you have the ability to use appropriate research resources and methods in the examination of a self-chosen topic related to one or more of the scientific disciplines covered within the course.
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel
Careers and your future
Physical activity and exercise are recognised nationally and internationally as a primary target for effective management of long-term health conditions, driving a growing demand for trained professionals in these fields. Graduates of this MSc will be equipped to pursue diverse roles across health and fitness industries, clinical healthcare, primary and community healthcare, private healthcare, exercise medicine services, consultancy, public health, and research.
Career opportunities include roles such as Health and Wellbeing Specialist, Exercise Physiologist, Public Health Practitioner, Physical Activity Facilitator, Clinical Biomechanist, and Research Assistant. Graduates can also seek roles in public health policy, health promotion, and specialized exercise instruction for specific populations.
Postgraduate progression options include registration as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) after 2–3 years of experience, or pursuing a PhD in a relevant area.
UK entry requirements
2025/6 entry
- A 2:2 (or above) UK Honours degree or equivalent internationally recognised qualification.
Acceptable subjects include: Sports Science, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biological Science, Health Sciences, Life Sciences, Medicine, Nursing, Psychology, Public Health, Physiology and Sports Studies.
EU and International entry requirements
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
English language requirements
· IELTS: 7.0 (min 6.0 in all areas)
· Pearson: 64 (min 59 in all subscores)
· BrunELT: 68% (min 58% in all areas)
· TOEFL: 98 (min 20 in all subscores)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2025/6 entry
UK
£13,280 full-time
£6,640 part-time
International
£24,795 full-time
£12,395 part-time
More information on any additional course-related costs.
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Scholarships and bursaries
Teaching and learning
This MSc programme is delivered by experts in physical activity, exercise for health, and behaviour change. Students will develop advanced skills in biomechanical and physiological techniques using state-of-the-art equipment and apply policy, psychology, and behaviour change theories.
The curriculum is research-informed, linking directly and drawing on cutting-edge research in our Centre for Physical Activity in Health and Disease and Centre for Health and Wellbeing Across the Lifecourse with a focus on addressing health-related issues in clinical and special populations. Our staff have national and international reputations for their research, publications and applied work. Many are accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) demonstrating that they meet the professional standards for practicing as a sport and exercise scientist.
The teaching approach incorporates lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical workshops, and independent learning, fostering theoretical understanding, practical skills, and real-life application. Students engage in project-based and team-based activities, gaining hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and problem-solving.
A research project forms a core component, enabling students to design and implement robust methodologies, preparing them for impactful careers in the field or further academic pursuits.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
The teaching approach incorporates lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical workshops, and independent learning, fostering theoretical understanding, practical skills, and real-life application. Students engage in project-based and team-based activities, gaining hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and problem-solving.
A research project forms a core component, enabling students to design and implement robust methodologies, preparing them for impactful careers in the field or further academic pursuits.
We constantly review our teaching methods in response to student feedback in view of developing and improving them.
Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.
Assessment and feedback
The assessment strategy is designed to ensure high academic standards while supporting student engagement and learning. A mix of formative and summative assessments is used throughout the year with different assessment types. The approach is inclusive, considering different backgrounds and learning styles, with easy-to-understand assessment briefs and a focus on real-world skills and practical application.
Tasks include case studies, practical exams, infographics, health campaigns, presentations, written tests, and a dissertation. These help students apply knowledge, solve problems, communicate effectively, and carry out independent research.
Students receive regular feedback to improve their work, with opportunities for peer and self-assessment. This strategy equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for careers in physical activity, health, and research.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.