Graduate Prospects - April 2, 2008 - (Page 15)

www.prospects.ac.uk Issue 64 · 2 April 2008 · Fortnightly PROSPECTS GRADUATE 15 POSTGRAD BLOGGER ‘The only structure to PhD students’ time is the one big deadline inching closer’ GRAHAM FOSTER IGNORES HOLIDAYS FIELD OF DREAMS IS SPORTS SCIENCE ACADEMIC EXERCISE? DAMIEN CURRIE INVESTIGATES. SINCE INTEREST IN SPORT AND PARTICIPATION IN POSTGRADUATE STUDY ARE BOTH BIG IN THE UK, IT IS INEVITABLE THAT THEY SHOULD BE BROUGHT TOGETHER. SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCE AT MASTERS LEVEL DOES JUST THAT. Like sport itself, sports science is a serious business. ‘It enables students to pursue interests in a wide range of industries related not just to sport but to medicine, equipment design and even space travel,’ enthuses Dr Mike Lauder, Field Leader for Biomechanics at the University of Chichester. The study of sports science concerns three main areas – physiology, psychology and biomechanics. Some institutions, like Sheffield Hallam University and Loughborough University, offer MSc programmes in Sports Science as a whole subject, while others separate the disciplines. The University of Chichester has a specialist Biomechanics MSc, as well as MSc routes in Sport and Exercise Physiology, Sport and Exercise Psychology (BPS Accredited) and Psychology of Sport and Exercise. DISPELLING MYTHS Many courses tend to attract sports science graduates, though any scientific subject is the usual requirement. Some universities are willing to consider associated disciplines, such as physiotherapy/ sports therapy and professional coaching. As for any myths about sporting prowess being required, Dr Lauder says: ‘I don’t believe you have to be good at sport. If you have a keen interest in it and good academic study skills, then you can succeed.’ A keen interest in sport is exactly what led Matthew Brown to Chichester’s MSc in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics. During his first degree, Matthew says: ‘I did think about doing another degree course (in architecture) but decided sport was my passion.’ Matthew opted for the biomechanics strand because he had always enjoyed the scientific and mathematical basis of the subject, so much so that he is currently finishing off a PhD at Chichester. At the same time, he works at the English Institute of Sport (EIS), as a sports biomechanist. Mixing theory and practice is the ideal for sports scientists. Dr Lauder is confident Chichester’s programmes provide the balance. ‘Our postgraduate degrees aim to provide upto-date evidence-based knowledge in the area of performance enhancement, with the added bonus of providing students with the experience of using up-to-date equipment both in the laboratory and the field.’ FITTING THE PROFILE Practical experience is Equine and Animal Science at Writtle College, with its MSc in Human and Equine Sports Science. ‘We have three yards – a stud, a riding yard and a livery yard, along with various arenas and jumping facilities,’ explains Course Scheme Manager Catherine Hale. The average intake is five students per year who are taught partly at the University of Essex. The students tend either to have a sports science background and an interest in horses but not equine science knowledge, or an equine science background that they want to complement with human sports science. Former student Kate Wilkinson fitted the former profile. ‘After reading a sports degree at Loughborough University I wanted to combine my knowledge and passion for sport with my interest in equestrianism. I had heard very good reviews about the programme at Writtle College and the teaching schedule allowed me to continue to work full-time, with a little help from my employers.’ CAREER PROGRESSION Catherine says there also high on the agenda at the School of is a demand for postgraduate study in this discipline because it secures the jobs in a competitive field. ‘Past students have gone on to work as nutritionists, coaches and research/lab technicians and in veterinary training.’ Former students have also gone into teaching positions and Kate eventually found herself back at Writtle College after three years lecturing elsewhere. ‘A postgraduate qualification is important if you want to work in HE,’ she adds. Chichester graduate Matthew Brown feels his future may also lie in teaching or research but for now is focused on completing his PhD on kayaking. Reflecting on his experience of his Masters, Matthew is clear about what he found most encouraging. ‘The tutors’ passion for the subject was the key as it inspired the students and the practical side. It ensured that your practical skills at least matched, if not surpassed, your knowledge base.’ INFORMATION AND ADVICE www.prospects.ac.uk/findcourses POSTGRAD FUNDING FACTS www.prospects.ac.uk/links/fundstudy LATEST POSTGRAD COURSE OPPORTUNITIES www.prospects.ac.uk/links/latestcourses SEARCH THE POSTGRAD DATABASE SEND YOUR VIEWS, SUGGESTIONS AND COMMENTS editorial@prospects.ac.uk http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Graduate_jobs/p!edcaefX http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Feature_Articles/Feature_articles_2008/PhD_blog__10/p!eefXLdd http://www.prospects.ac.uk/findcourses http://www.prospects.ac.uk/links/fundstudy http://www.prospects.ac.uk/links/latestcourses

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Editorial: In H.R.'s Hands Editorial: Bloggers At Work Adidas Editorial: How Can I Show Motivation? Propeller Training BMRB Material Search and Selection MC2 Compass Management Consulting Ltd RMG Graduate Prospects KUJU Entertainment Ltd London Borough of Brent Council Perriam & Everett Recruitment Aspect Finance Illingworth Partnership Ltd Barkers Advertising Agency Perot Systems LSC Group Norwich Union Editorial: Field of Dreams University of Wolverhampton

Graduate Prospects - April 2, 2008

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