Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health Postgraduate

Why study at postgraduate level?

The Masters programme in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health is aimed at recent graduates and professionals from around the world interested in nutrition and/or physical activity policy and/or research.This course caters for a mixture of UK and international students, and both full and part-time students.The programme aims to provide high-level professional and academic development in the three inter-related fields of nutrition, physical activity and public health. Our students develop the necessary skills to explore the science and research underpinning the promotion and maintenance of health and wellbeing of populations, with a unique dual-emphasis in relation to policy on nutrition and physical activity. Studying both lifestyle factors together provides an opportunity to create impact and tackle public health problems with real life demand.We aim to ensure that graduates meet the expectations of employers in the field by being able to:• Contribute critical ability and specialist

knowledge of nutrition, physical activity and behaviour change. This includes integrating knowledge, organising and presenting information and arguments, critical appraisal and evidence synthesis, developing evidence based research questions and having analytical, evaluation and problem solving skills;

• Manage research projects, including multitasking, time management and knowledge of Clinical Governance and ethical frameworks;

• Develop and evaluate programmes and services, including delivering on key priorities, assessing need and lead strategic direction, and assessing social and economic implications;

• Communicate science, by showing competence in communicating to a range of audiences and writing clear and concise reports;

• Have relevant voluntary experience within the wider public health workforce. We offer the opportunity to obtain meaningful work experience, driven by ‘real world demand’, in collaboration with public health professionals and organisations. This helps students develop transferable employability skills in management, organisation, leadership and team working; and

• Display professional and collaborative behaviour.

Students taking the Masters in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some have little prior knowledge of the field, while others come to consolidate their undergraduate studies. Increasingly, students already working in a public health or policy environment are sponsored by their employer to complete the course, improving their skills and career prospects.

Why choose Bristol?

The Masters programme in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health (MSc NPAPH) in Bristol is a unique, academically rigorous, multi-disciplinary programme with a vibrant UK, EU and international student community.The programme is located within the Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences (ENHS), a research-intensive Centre within the School for Policy Studies, with an outstanding international reputation.It is taught by a team of internationally recognised experts in the biomedical, epidemiological, psychosocial and socioenvironmental aspects of physical activity and nutrition, as well as in the development and implementation of strategies for disease prevention and health promotion.

The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) rated ENHS as the leading UK centre of research excellence within the field. ENHS was rated 1st in the UK. In addition, 100% of its research impact was judged to be of the highest level.

Our teaching programme is designed for students who want to pursue professional careers in research, public health policy, public health consultancy and the implementation of programmes for promoting health within the public, private, or non-profit sectors. The programme also has a professional development focus and can enhance the practice and delivery of services of working professionals, such as dieticians, physiotherapists, nurses, kinesiologists, physical trainers or teachers, while some of our graduates continue their studies towards a PhD degree.Our students go on to become successful in a wide range of professions including but not limited to: Public health project officers; researchers; health promotion specialists; public health scientists; public health data analysts and evidence reviewers; public health and policy consultants; lifestyle managers; nutrition or physical activity education coordinators in research- or community-based programmes; community sports managers; health trainers; health improvement and wellness programme officers and practitioners; health services managers; public health science communicators (e.g. in government or journalism).

Bristol as a vibrant cityThe programme is set in Bristol, an academically, culturally and socially dynamic city that offers unique opportunities for students to explore innovative local projects in their dissertation.

Bristol voted as Number one place to livein the UK (Sunday Times 2017)

What will I study?

A rich variety of teaching methods are used across the different units. Lectures are combined with facilitated sessions, tutorials and group work. Our group teamwork scenarios mimic the workplace, where you will typically encounter different skill sets and agendas; and we will coach you in the communication and presentation skills needed to manage these effectively.The Masters programme consists of six mandatory units and a dissertation project. Mandatory taught unitsResearch Methods (20 credits)This unit considers basic principles, methods and techniques used by researchers in the field of public health nutrition and physical activity. It introduces fundamental concepts in research design, data collection, analysis and reporting and presenting of results from quantitative and qualitative perspectives, in order to develop students’ critical analysis skills. Essential scientific themes addressed include basic statistics, epidemiology research, concepts of validity and reliability, and research ethics. The skills acquired by this unit are increasingly required in public health, health promotion and academia.

Nutrition, Disease and Public Health (20 credits)This unit identifies and critically reviews key public health nutrition issues and explores the role of nutrition in the aetiology, prevention and management of chronic disease. The unit explores the range of methods for dietary assessment and reviews the links between nutrition and health for people of all ages and across a range of lifestyles and backgrounds. It highlights the differences in requirement for optimal nutrition between these different populations and explores how these needs can be met in practice to promote health and prevent major public health problems in society.

Physical Activity, Disease and Public Health (20 credits)This unit critically reviews the role of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in the prevention and management of chronic disease, as well as in the maintenance of physical function through the lifespan. The unit explores the range of methods for physical activity assessment and reviews key issues in identifying the optimal physical activity recommendation for public health, enabling students to understand the links between physical activity and health for people of all ages and across a range of lifestyles and backgrounds.

What will I study?

Determinants of Physical Activity and Eating Behaviour (20 credits)This unit reviews the determinants of physical activity and eating behaviour within existing theoretical models and frameworks of behaviour change. The unit highlights the interaction of determinants across different populations and how this affects behavioural outcomes. It also explores the practical implications of manipulating these determinants to achieve behaviour change. Essential themes addressed include the physical, social and environmental determinants, alongside the more established personal and psychological influences. Physical Activity and Nutrition Interventions:

Physical Activity and Nutrition Interventions: Conceptualisation and Design (20 credits)This unit examines the issues associated with designing nutrition and physical activity interventions for different target groups. The unit specifically demonstrates how the Medical Research Council guidelines for complex behavioural interventions can be used to design and evaluate effective nutrition and physical activity interventions for children, adults, and seniors. Essential themes addressed include the discussion and analysis of formative research, process evaluations, media campaigns, environmental interventions and randomised controlled interventions, as well as issues related to cost-effectiveness of interventions. The strengths and weaknesses of different intervention approaches for key participant groups are also highlighted.

Practical Research Methods (20 credits)This unit teaches students the knowledge and skills needed to develop relevant research questions for addressing a current public health problem related to nutrition and/or physical activity. Students acquire an understanding of the application and analysis of quantitative and qualitative methodology needed to create research proposals and to answer research questions. The unit specifically focuses on the evaluation and synthesis of key elements of research designs, aligning questions with appropriate methods. Students will gain experience using qualitative and quantitative data analysis software.

Dissertation (60 credits)Students are encouraged to identify a project they would like to undertake for their dissertation and develop their own research questions. Dedicated briefing sessions and tutorials with members of staff, as well as the submission of a dissertation proposal, provide students with opportunities to discuss and develop their ideas and plans.Projects may include qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods original studies, as well as secondary analyses of project datasets and systematic reviews.

The selection below shows a range of dissertation topics from the past few years:• A trial to introduce healthy dish choices

into commercial restaurants in Bristol.

• Evaluation of cook and eat sessions for people on low income.

• Associations between Restrained Eating and the Size and Frequency of Overall Intake, Meal, Snack and Drink Occasions in the UK Adult National Diet and Nutrition.

• Survey - a quantitative secondary analysis Informing the Royal Air Force Fitness.

• Strategy: A systematic review of workplace interventions to increase physical activity.

• Parental views of a childhood obesity intervention: a qualitative study.

• Contribution of active travel to physical activity in people with diabetes.

Assessment of unitsOur units are assessed in three different ways:- 4,000 word essay.- Group presentation component in conjunction with an essay.- Writing for a lay audience and creating an infographic.The dissertation (8 - 10,000 words) involves independent research into an area of nutrition, physical activity and public health.

Programme structureFull time studyFor full-time students, the programme is delivered over a year, across three blocks, with students attending units one or two days a week during the autumn and spring blocks. During the autumn block, students complete three mandatory units, while the remaining three mandatory units are completed in the spring block. Students spend the summer block completing their dissertation.

Part time studyPart-time students complete the course over two years. During their first year, part-time students attend two mandatory units in the autumn block and two mandatory units in the spring block. Depending on which units are chosen, it is expected that part-time students will attend one or two days per week. During their second year, part-time students will attend one mandatory unit in the autumn block and another mandatory unit in the spring block. It is recommended that part-time students start their dissertation at the end of their first year of studies, and complete it during their second year.

Career prospects

Diet and physical activity are two of the most important lifestyle factors linked to good health and the prevention of non-communicable diseases. There is a real-world demand for professionals who understand and can promote both behaviours together, in order to facilitate public health and affect policy change.Potential employers include:• Local or central government departments.• National Health Service.• Universities or research institutions.• National or international nongovernmental organisations.• The Food and Beverage Industry.Students also continue their studies with postgraduate research (PhD) either in the Centre or elsewhere.

Here are some of our graduates’ success stories:

Having worked within the food industry for 15 years, I wanted to...change the direction of my career. The course had particular appeal because I could complete it without having to give up my full-time job. Although it was sometimes tough... but the staff were incredibly understanding. I’ve recently accepted a position with the Heart Foundation in New Zealand working to develop supportive environments for healthy eating... which would never have been possible without the knowledge gained by completing this course.Kaye Burling, New Zealand

Currently, I’ve been working as a health educator within a local governmental health body focusing on obesity prevention through physical activity and nutrition standards.

It has been wonderful to put into practice what was covered in our programme at Bristol. - I have found that the modules covered within the MSc programme have prepared me both in theory and practice. As a Health Educator, I need to know how to properly evaluate research to develop and apply best practices in programmes and interventions. Whilst the module on policy, promotion and delivery opened my awareness to how to work with various partnerships, coalitions and workgroups as well as create and disseminate appropriate and effective promotions and policies. Phil Collins, USA

The totally different teaching style and humour of teachers deeply impressed me. I now work in Shanghai International Education and Communication Centre for Population and Family Planning. I give lectures in English to pregnant women, 0-3 year old babies and menopausal and post-menopausal women in the community. I feel so grateful that my studies gave me the chance to find this job.Cai Rong, China

It wasn’t easy going back into education as a ‘mature’ student. However, it was a turning point for me and gave me the confidence to seek out new challenges. To gain some work experience while I studied I volunteered as a Dietetic Assistant and in a Health Promotion position. Since completing my MSc I have been inundated with project work including with a child obesity programme, and as a School Meals Project Officer. I would advise anyone considering a career in Public Health to enrol onto this course; it is simply fantastic. The modules are so interesting and the staff are so helpful and supportive – thank you everyone at the University of Bristol!Emma Creighton, UK

Academic staff in the Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences are research experts in the field of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health and their research informs their teaching:

Dr Miranda ArmstrongResearch: Physical activity Epidemiology using large prospective studies. Miranda utilises her experience in establishing the associations between physical activity and a range of chronic diseases in adults at the population level, to coordinate the ‘Physical Activity, Disease and Public Health’ unit.

Dr Charlie FosterResearch: The role of physical activity and health. Charlie utilises his experience as a systematic reviewer and methods expert in the evaluation of the design and quality of both population and individual based interventions, for the Research Methods course. He teaches the applied use of physical activity epidemiology, behaviour change skills and policy development across three other modules.

Professor Russ JagoResearch: The design and evaluation of complex interventions to increase children’s physical activity and reduce sedentary time. Russ utilises his experience in complex intervention development to coordinate the ‘Physical Activity and Nutrition Interventions: Conceptualisation and Design’ unit.

Dr Laura JohnsonResearch: Nutritional epidemiology, establishing the role of overall dietary and eating patterns in the prevention and treatment of obesity, diabetes and coronary heart disease, as well as understanding the factors that influence food intake and appetite control. Laura uses her expertise to co-ordinate the ‘Practical Research Methods Unit’.

Dr Bai Li Research: Development, evaluation and implementation of nutrition and physical activity interventions in low and middle income countries. Bai will utilise her expertise in various research designs (e.g. systematic review, mixed methods and RCT) as well as experience in well-established and new intervention development approaches (e.g. MRC framework and System Dynamics) to coordinate the Dissertation Unit.

Dr Angeliki PapadakiResearch: The design and evaluation of nutrition interventions by integrating theoretical models of behaviour change. A focus of interest is the promotion of the Mediterranean diet and its effect on chronic disease. Angeliki uses her nutritional background and expertise to coordinate the ‘Nutrition, Disease and Public Health’ unit.

Dr Zoi ToumpakariResearch: Understanding the determinants of children’s eating behaviour, with a specific focus on features of the food environment and how these can be changed to improve the population’s diet. Zoi uses her expertise to co-ordinate the ‘Determinants of Physical Activity and Eating Behaviour’ unit.

Pastoral

The school has a well-developed system for pastoral care. Students have a personal tutor throughout their Masters programme who can help signpost to the most appropriate university services.

There is a wide range of specialist help offered by the University.

Support for your health and wellbeing

Bristol is one of the few Universities to run a full NHS GP practice. It provides all the usual GP services and is run by a team of doctors, nurses and administrative staff who have a wealth of experience in working with students and their dependants.

Wellbeing Access

This service launched in the academic year 19/20 to provide an easily accessible contact point to help students navigate the most appropriate support for their situation quickly and easily. Trained advisers are available to help triage student enquiries relating to any requests about wellbeing and mental health support.

This might include minor and / or major life events, through to concerns about managing existing mental illness. Wellbeing Access can also facilitate access to other support services within the university, including:

• Wellbeing Service and ResiLife University wellbeing advisers work with academic staff to offer professional help and guidance if a student is experiencing challenges or wants some extra support to address any personal and emotional difficulties and make the most of academic study.

In our residences, there is a range of pastoral support to promote wellbeing and foster a sense of community.

• Specialised emotional support The Student Counselling Service offers ways for students to maintain positive mental health, through self-help materials, workshops, and group and individual counselling. The Counselling Service also has an agreement for support provision through a local BAME charity which provides culturally appropriate counselling services.

• Disability support The Disability Services team can provide confidential advice and information about options for disability-related study support for students with a wide range of disabilities, including learning difficulties, health and mental health conditions, autism spectrum conditions, sensory impairments and mobility difficulties.

• International student support Our International Team will support you from the moment you accept an offer, right through to graduation, including welcome events and practical support on visas and immigration through to travel and living advice as you settle into life in Bristol.

How will I be supported?

Entry requirementsApplicants must hold/achieve a minimum of; An upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent). Other academic backgrounds and relevant professional experience will also be considered, please refer to our International Office website.

All applicants are required to have reached the required profile level of English language as specified by the University’s English Language Requirements Policy prior to registration on to this programme.

We welcome applications from those with non-standard qualifications who can demonstrate knowledge, experience and skills developed in the workplace, or elsewhere, relevant to the programme of study. Please use your personal statement to provide further details, and to also make it clear how this programme will support you in your goals.

Non-standard applications will require an up to date CV/resume and will be considered by the Admissions Tutor(s) on a case by case basis.

Fees and funding

For more information on tuition fees and funding your studies please visit bristol.ac.uk/fees-funding/postgraduate/

The information contained in this leaflet iscorrect at the time of printing (Oct 2020).For up to date information, prospectiveapplicants should check the website:bristol.ac.uk/sps/study/postgraduate/nutrition-physical-activity-public-health

How to apply

If you have any queries about the programme please contact the Senior Postgraduate Admissions Administrator:

Email: sps-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk

@ChooseBristolPG

School for Policy Studies

UniversityofBristol