Physical Activity, Health and Society MSc

Course details
Regular physical activity provides significant benefits to health, both mentally and physically, as well as improving fitness and wellbeing. However, currently in the UK around 34% of males and 42% of females are not active enough to maintain good health*.
The MSc explores the vital role of physical activity in society, from policy and public health to the spaces and places that enhance, shape and curtail movement. It is suitable for those with a background in traditional sport and exercise sciences, as well as those with a social sciences, anthropological, natural sciences, humanities or a broader disciplinary background.
The course is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of experts in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences in conjunction with the Department of Anthropology. The team delivers a cutting-edge curriculum built on our expertise in physical activity and sport inequalities and associated research methods.

Why Durham University?
The Department of Anthropology is one of the largest among UK universities and one of only a handful covering Social Anthropology, Evolutionary Anthropology and Anthropology of Health.
Our Department carries out game-changing research in the fields of social and evolutionary anthropology and the anthropology of health. We offer the opportunity to develop a real and robust understanding of humanity’s complex nature and the challenges faced by society through in-depth study supported by expert staff.
This broad subject range is reflected in the flexibility of the Masters learning structure that makes it possible to choose advanced specialist courses to suit career or research aspirations. A research-led approach to teaching means that course content is as relevant and contemporary as it is informed by the latest developments in the subject area.
In keeping with our vision to offer research-led teaching, the Department provides a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities to support postgraduate research projects and programmes.
We are the location for one of the country’s best collections for paleoanthropological and morphometric research in biological anthropology and have a material culture collection of over 2,000 objects from around the world.

Career Opportunities

Anthropology
Our anthropology postgraduates are well-placed to build on the research-led teaching the department offers. Many continue their academic careers by carrying out further research into the complex and diverse nature of humanity.
Durham courses develop a depth of practical skills and knowledge about understanding behaviour and society that are hugely applicable to the workplace environment and are highly sought after by employers in the UK and internationally.
Recent postgraduates have moved into roles with employers that include Save the Children, HM Prison Service, Civil Service, Durham University, VSO, Office for National Statistics, National Graduate Development Programme (the local authority graduate scheme) and non-governmental organisations such as Concern Universal and Kenwa.

Sports and Exercise Sciences
We have an outstanding track record of supporting our postgraduate students to progress into careers of their choice. Tailored support includes access to Durham’s award-winning Researcher Development Programme; specialised skills and methods training (e.g., data visualisation, project management) and opportunities for embedded research placements.
Our PhD students have graduated into a range of UK and internationally based roles, including academic, policy and governance, and industry-based positions. Our taught and research Masters programmes provide a springboard to PhD scholarships, or to employment within a range of industries including sport development, management and public health.