MSc Paediatric Exercise and Health

Entry requirements

Normally a minimum 2:2 degree with 55% and above or equivalent in a relevant discipline e.g. Health, Sport, Exercise, Biology, Medicine. 

Applicants who do not meet the exact published entry criteria should also submit a personal statement outlining why they wish to study this programme.

Successful applicants will also be asked to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. 

Course content

It is well known that the first two decades of life represent an important window of opportunity to not only improve the health and well-being of young people, but also their health status into adult life. The role that physical activity and fitness can play in improving markers of health and well-being in young people is an important area of study, especially given concerns of declining fitness and increasing obesity in today’s children and adolescents.

Based on the internationally-recognised research conducted in the Children’s Health and Exercise Research Centre (CHERC), our Master's programme in Paediatric Exercise and Health offers a thorough grounding in the unique physiological responses of children and adolescents during exercise and how these responses are influenced by age, sex and biological maturation. It provides an in-depth evaluation of the relationships between physical activity, fitness and health in young people.

You will gain experience of both theoretical and hands-on methods used to evaluate physical activity and fitness, plus advanced training in research methods and analytical procedures.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Fees

2025/26 entry

UK fees per year:

£14,900 full-time; £7,500 part-time

International fees per year:

£30,900 full-time; £15,500 part-time

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.

For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

^{*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.}

Teaching and research

The MSc Paediatric Exercise and Health presents an academic challenge whilst also providing you with the skills to apply theoretical concepts in real-world laboratory and field settings.

The programme enhances teaching and learning through research and applied practice derived from sport, health and exercise. You will have the opportunity to employ theoretical concepts in applied sport, health and exercise settings and acquire a range of transferable skills to develop as an autonomous and reflective individual.

Ranked 1st in the UK for research*, all of our teaching staff are active researchers and their work informs public policy on exercise and health. For example, we provide scientific support and consultancy services to national and international athletes and teams including Rugby Football Union, England and Wales Cricket Board, and the Football Association.

A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used throughout the programme. You will learn through lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratories, computer laboratories, field-based work, and self-directed research-based work.

Assessment

Different modules require different types of coursework. Some will require you to attend practical classes in order to collect data that has to be analysed as part of the coursework assessment and attendance at these sessions is compulsory. Other modules require you to submit coursework essays resulting from individual study.

_{*Research Excellence Framework 2021 based on 4* research submitted to UoA24 Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism}

Careers

Employer-valued skills this course develops

MSc graduates are well placed for career opportunities in a number of different employment sectors such as sport, exercise, leisure management and consultancy, health promotion, finance and marketing. In addition, the Masters degree provides an opportunity for further study.

Careers Services

Our careers teams at the Career Zone can help guide you through a wealth of information to match your skills and interests to a career that will suit you. Our staff work with regional, national and international employers to develop new work placement, project and graduate opportunities.

Recent graduates

Below are a few examples of initial jobs undertaken by graduates of University of Exeter Sport and Health Sciences Masters programmes. This information has been taken from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) Survey 2016/17. Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.

Recent graduates are now working as:

• Football Systems Operator
• Health Adviser
• Sports Science Testing Assistant
• Strength and Conditioning Intern

Read more

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