Masters study

Our academics are members of one or more research groups in our department. These groups have international expertise in pacing and competitive performance in middle-distance and endurance sport, training physiology, gait mechanics, biomedical optics, disability and Paralympic sport, performance-enhancing drugs, leadership, social support, green exercise, paediatric exercise science, cardiovascular health and rehabilitation.

Members of the teaching team have also attended the Olympic Games, World Championships, European Championships and the Commonwealth Games in sports science and sports medicine support capacities, and other team members currently work at national and international level in various sports. 

We have an international reputation for outstanding quality research and postgraduate training.  By studying with us you will join a thriving community of taught Masters and postgraduate research students that provides an active and stimulating environment in which to learn and carry out research.

You will be taught and supervised by our world-class team of academic staff who have a wide variety of research interests. You will also be able to attend SRES research seminars where guest speakers from across the industry are invited to present.

With the ever evolving nature of health-based industries, we know how important it is to keep your professional practice up to date. We’ve created a system of flexible Continuing Professional Development opportunities to ensure musculoskeletal practitioners can acquire additional skills, qualifications and training in a structure and time-frame that suits them.

We offer modules that can be studied alone or as part of two pathways, both available at Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters level.

Professional backgrounds of students include but are not restricted to: physiotherapist, sonographer, rheumatologist, general practitioner, sports physician, nurse specialised in rheumatology.

It's important to us that you know what you're signing up for. We'd expect that you've read our course pages carefully, and have done plenty of research about both life at Essex and the careers associated with our courses.

Working in health can be highly rewarding, but like any sector it also comes with challenges. It's important that you have an awareness of these challenges, and are up to speed with current issues. 

You'll notice that many of our courses are underpinned by the NHS Constitution, as well as our own Essex values. The NHS Constitution is an important document which establishes the principles and values of the NHS in England.

This document very clearly explains that the patient is at the heart of everything the NHS does. We take this commitment seriously, and so are looking for people who have the potential to be future healthcare superstars.

If you are applying for a physiotherapy course, in your application you will need to briefly explain how you currently demonstrate these values.

For many people, the idea of being interviewed is quite daunting. There's no need to panic. We're on your side.

We aim to use the interview process to get to know you and to find out your plans for the future. Our interview panels are made up of current staff and students, service users, and local placement partners. Many of the panel will have been through a similar process at some point in their career, so they'll appreciate you'll probably be feeling nervous. Try to relax (as best as you can) and think of it more as a discussion with colleagues about why you'd like to join us.

As part of our interview process, many of our courses require you to undertake English and Maths tests so you can demonstrate that you have a basic level of literacy and numeracy. For courses with professional accreditation, the regulatory bodies will often set the standards for us.  You can find out if your course requires and English and Maths test by looking at our entry requirements on our course pages.

If you have a documented educational need, then you may be entitled to specific access arrangements for the literacy and numeracy tests. If you think that this applies to you, please contact our admissions team as soon as possible.

Literacy 

The literacy test will assess your reading and writing skills.  A variety of questions will cover the following areas:

Writing

• Spelling
• Grammar and syntax
• Presenting information in a logical sequence
• Vocabulary
• Punctuation
• Common prefixes
• Free writing 

Reading

• Proofreading
• Comprehension
• Fact or opinion?

Numeracy

The numeracy test will assess your ability to apply number, to use measurements and to handle data.  Calculators can be used.  You will be given a total of 45 minutes in which to complete both tests.  Question topics will include:

Number

• Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• Fractions, decimals and percentages -  calculations, conversions and equivalencies

Measurement

• Time, weight, distance, volume, money and conversion of units

Handling data

• Extracting information from tables, diagrams, charts or graphs.

Feeling anxious about your numeracy or literacy skills?  Don't worry, once you are here, we have lots of support in place from our Student Support Services.

There are numerous resources you can use;

Literacy and numeracy practice tests (useful for all disciplines):

• Learn my way English and Maths

Literacy

• Literacy - Interactive Resources (you will need to scroll down to access the Level 1 and 2 resources)
• BBC Skillswise – Literacy for Adults

Numeracy

• Numeracy – Interactive Resources (you will need to scroll down to access the Level 1 and 2 resources)
• National Numeracy Challenge: Strength in Numbers
• BBC Skillswise – Numeracy for Adults

Mobile apps

There are a number of apps that can help you to develop your literacy and numeracy skills. The following are all free to use. In-app purchases are possible, but are neither required nor endorsed by the University of Essex, and the University cannot answer any queries relating to their use.

• Elevate
• Learndirect