Programme Specification and
Curriculum Map for
MSc Professional Practice in Exercise
Prescription with Special Populations
1. Proposed programme title
This should be consistent with the available award titles within the WBL Framework (see notes 3 and 4)
MSc Professional practice in Exercise Prescription with Special Populations
2.
Rationale for proposed specialised work/practice area descriptor
The specialised work/practice area descriptor must clearly identify the specific area of work/practice that the programme is designed to
recognise learning in. Confirm that the title has been considered with respect to subject/discipline in the Schools. (see notes 3,4 and 5)
The professional practice title for this programme fits in with the London Sports Institute and the
national occupational standards for clinical exercise with special populations as outlined by Skills
Active (NOS D513-522) http://www.skillsactive.com/component/k2/item/4312-53-assessment--level-4higher-education-institutions-heis
3. Overview of the programme context and learning requirements
A brief overview of the Programme, including a programme context statement. This should be informed by discussions with the
relevant employer or other organisations, the University School or Institute for Work Based Learning (IWBL)
With an ageing and increasingly unfit population, there is a growing need for professionally trained
sports scientists who can deliver exercise management and prescription to a wide range of clients and
patients suffering from diseases under the Special Populations banner( eg Obesity, Diabetes, Stroke)
at a high level in both the commercial and clinical setting. This professional practice programme has
been designed to produce post-graduates with a high academic and working understanding of
exercise as management or treatment across a commonly presented spectrum of Special Population
areas. This comes from a clear understanding of exercise prescription in a healthy population, a
grounding in exercise prescription ,an understanding of clinical science with emphasis on the
pathology of conditions and a grounding in real world exercise prescription for those with multiple
conditions.
This programme fits within the portfolio of programmes in Sport & Exercise Science offered by the
London Sport Institute (LSI). The LSI, part of the new School of Health & Education, focuses on
developing high quality and innovative programmes linked with employability. Market intelligence has
been undertaken and this programme seems to fill a gap in the post graduate sector. This programme
will enable those working in the fitness and health industry to further their knowledge and expertise of
this vital area in meeting the Governmental Health agenda for a healthier and fitter Britain.
4. Programme aims
This should Include a clear statement of each programme aim describing how the proposed programme will realise these aims as well as
any ethical considerations that may be specific to the organisation and/or programme
The programme aims to develop practitioners from a range of fitness and health backgrounds, as
expert exercise professionals, qualified to work with special populations. To this end the programme
includes a combination of subject specific and work based learning modules.
The Programme aims, through the two subject specific modules, to provide students with the
knowledge and skills:
 To recognise the health status of an individual to determine the appropriate evidence-based
interventions
 To facilitate the recovery of function and return to health using evidence-based therapeutic and
exercise interventions, working in partnership with other professionals as appropriate
The programme also aims through the work based learning modules in particular, to develop students
as reflective practitioners who are able to critically investigate relevant issues and undertake inquiries
to inform their practice.
Students will work within the professional codes of practice of Registered Exercise Professionals
(REPS) and endorsement of the programme by Skills Active is being pursued. Skills Active is currently
developing guidance for programmes at this level and scope.
Students will come from a range of health and fitness backgrounds (eg personal trainer, community
health professional , physiotherapist) and this will contribute to an inter- professional approach to the
learning.
5. Programme design and construction
An outline of which University Work Based Learning Framework components will be used to construct the programme. For example, this could includ
combinations of accredited in-company training, WBL project modules other WBL Framework modules (eg Review of Learning modules) and other
validated modules. This should identify the academic level and volume of credit for the programme and each component.
The programme is built around the work based learning framework for professional practice masters
programmes and is complied of 50% Sports and exercise science (SES) credits and 50% work based
learning credits.
MSc Professional Practice in Exercise
Prescription with Special Populations
Duration Module
SES4042
SES4041
SES4013
12 weeks
WBS 4630
Programme element
Credit
value
Clinical science for
working with special
populations
30
Exercise prescription
30
and management in
special populations
Professional Placement 30
30
Advanced Practitioner inquiry
12-24 weeks
WBS 4760 Negotiated Work Based 60
Project
180 credits
Credit
level
30
7
7
7
7
7
Level 7
6. Description of negotiated programme learning outcomes
These should be numbered and reflect the appropriate WBL Framework level descriptor(s) normally including at least one from each
category; Knowledge and Understanding, Cognitive Skills, Practical Skills, Personal and Enabling Skills. These Negotiated Programme
Learning Outcomes also need to be mapped against Programme Modules in Section 9.
Through the programme the student will be able to :
Knowledge and understanding
1. Demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of clinical science and apply this to the
understanding of the health status of individuals, to determine appropriate evidence-based
interventions
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the ethical principals and professional codes of practice
when working with clients for exercise prescription.
Cognitive Skills
3. Systematically analyse and synthesise a range of advanced theoretical approaches to exercise
prescription to inform and develop evidenced based practice with special populations.
4.
Critically evaluate methods of inquiry and problem solving and creatively apply these to
enhance their practice and that of others
Practical Skills
Engage with other professionals, systematically design, implement and manage evidencebased exercise interventions to facilitate the recovery to health .
6. Systematically design and carry out work based inquires to transform their own practice and
that of others
7. Systematically manage ideas and information and persuasively communicate ideas for
professional and academic audiences
5.
Personal and Enabling Skills
8. Critically reflect and analyse their own practice and actively engage in professional
development activities to action plan and project their continuing professional development
7.
Learning, teaching and assessment strategies
Describe the learning and teaching strategies to be employed to support the achievement of learning outcomes. For example, project work,
workshops, master-classes, on-line activities etc.
Describe the assessment strategies to be employed and indicate how they are appropriate in relation to the required learning outcomes. For
example, this could include portfolios, presentations, products such as reports approaches to on-line assessment etc.
Blended learning with teaching and assessment focused on important interrelations between knowledge, skill development and
professional practice.
Seminar, lectures , workshops and tutorials
Practical gym based sessions
Online reflective journal
Professional placements - usually own place of work
Online Discussion groups and community of practice
Expert seminars
Students will also be assessed using a range of methods to ensure the achievement of the knowledge and skills based learning
outcomes. Assessment will be through case studies; practical demonstrations with viva ; presentation to their peers ;, work based
projects , and written essays and proposals students will also reflect systemically on the development of their professional practice
and action plan their future development
8. Negotiated Work Based Learning Project details
Where programmes use WBL project modules with negotiated content, each project module’s content; aims, learning outcomes and specific
assessment requirements need to be specified to appropriately reflect those of the validated module. This will form the front sheet for any
work submitted for assessment in relation to negotiated WBL project modules.
Using the standard WBS 4630 and WBS 4760 . No WBL project modules with negotiated content
9. Programme learning outcomes map
This table should be used to show the key points (and highest level) at which each Negotiated Programme Learning Outcome (as detailed in
section 6 above) is assessed in relation to identified Programme Modules. NB: WBL Framework Programmes can also be constructed from
combinations of WBL Framework Modules (WBS) and Subject Specialist Modules (up to a maximum of 50%)
Negotiated Programme Learning Outcomes
Program
me
Modules
SES4042
SES4041
Progra
mme
LO1
Progra
mme
LO2
x
Progra
mme
LO3
Progra
mme
LO4
Progra
mme
LO5
x
x
x
Progra
mme
LO6
Progra
mme
LO7
Progra
mme
LO 8
x
x
x
x
x
SES4013
x
WBS4630
WBS4760
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
10.
Professional requirements (as appropriate)
A statement how the programme meets professional requirements. For example, professional body requirements, organisational
competences etc.
This programme is designed to meet the National occupational standards for clinical exercise with
special populations as outlined by Skills Active (NOS D513-522)
http://www.skillsactive.com/component/k2/item/4312-53-assessment--level-4-higher-education-institutions-heis
11. School/IWBL agreement
Confirmation from the relevant School(s) or IWBL of agreement to support the proposal (signed by Dean or Deputy Dean). NB: this will
normally confirm approval by the Schools/IWBL Academic Planning Committee.
Name:
Role
Signed:
Date:
Annex 1
Information for MISIS curriculum creation for new approved programme titles
1. School/IWBL
Health and Education
2. If negotiation is in collaboration with an employer or organisation, please specify
name
3. All proposed awards
MSc only
4. Proposed programme title as it should appear on certificates
MSc Professional Practice in Exercise Prescription with
Special Populations
5. Programme Leader
Anne Elliot
6. Campuses/site codes that the programme should be created for
The work based learning modules WBS 4630 and WBS 4760 - WHB
7. Modes of study i.e. part time/Full times and for which study periods can the
students apply to commence their studies for example: study periods 1,2,3
Part time
Can commence study period 1, 2, 3
8. Target student numbers and FTE
Headcount FTE
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
9.
Are there special fee rates? What are these?
Rhonda Cohen applying for a programme fee .
10. Specify all proposed modules, and the requirement of the length of module runs.
For example,
one study period etc...
SES modules are two study periods. WBL modules are 1 study period.
11. Is the programme eligible for employer engagement co-funding
no
12. Contact person details
Ruth Miller . Rhonda Cohen Head LSI , Anne Elliot programme leader LSI