Physical Activity for Health (MSc)

This full-time MSc programme is designed to tackle the physical inactivity pandemic, enhancing knowledge and understanding of the global issues pertinent to physical activity for health.

Regular physical activity is important for all ages and population groups. It is proven to help prevent and treat non-communicable diseases and improve mental health, quality of life and well-being. However, current levels of physical inactivity mean this issue is a pandemic. Therefore, improving levels of physical activity is a global public health priority.

The MSc Physical Activity for Health is designed to provide academic training at a postgraduate level for recent graduates from a range of disciplines (including sport and exercise sciences, health sciences, psychology, epidemiology, and physiology), intercalated medical students and the existing national and international workforce in the area of physical activity and public health.

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Visit the University’s Degree Finder for detailed entry requirements, fees, international grade equivalency, language requirements and to apply.

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What you will study

A master's degree at the University of Edinburgh is 180 credits. The first 120 credits are made up of taught courses. The master's degree culminates in a supervised dissertation worth 60 credits.

The first 60 credits include three 20-credit compulsory courses. You must achieve an overall average of at least 40% to earn the 60 credits. The next 60 credits include three further compulsory courses and 30 credits' worth of option courses.

Former Programme Director and key member of the teaching team, Dr Graham Baker, outlines the programme's aims and content.

Assessment of Physical Activity and Body Composition (20 credits)
Physical Activity for Health (20 credits)
Physical Activity For Health Across the Lifespan (10 credits)
Psychology of Physical Activity (20 credits)
Research Process (10 credits)
Understanding Research Concepts (10 credits)

You will take 30 credits of option courses (subject to availability and suitability for the programme). Students tend to select courses from programmes within the Institute for Sport. Courses in physical education and health sciences related to Sport Management and Policy or human performance science and exercise rehabilitation and medicine are also popular. However, you may select courses from other programmes across the University related to psychology and public health.

Example option courses taken in previous years by our students include:

Please note that courses and course content may change each year.

* Denotes courses offered in other Schools. If you are studying on a part-time intermittent basis, courses offered in other Schools may have different fees.

Course descriptions (2025-26)

The masters degree culminates in a supervised dissertation worth 60 credits. To progress to the dissertation component, you will need to achieve an average mark of 50% or more overall and pass at least 80 credits with a mark of at least 50% in each of your taught courses.

The dissertation is a piece of independent research that allows you to identify and undertake a research study to address a research or professional practice issue in physical activity for health. This process involves planning and executing the study and interpreting and writing up the data. Studies may be based in the field, laboratory or desk. The assessment includes an oral presentation and a journal article submission write-up.

You will be supported through specialist research training clinics at the beginning of the process, and by a designated supervisor through individual and/or group tutorials. Where appropriate, you will have the chance to link with existing research projects in the area.

Potential dissertation topics include:

The use of physical activity trackers in measuring and motivating physical activity behaviour
The relationships between physical activity and mental health and psychological well-being
Understanding physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour in University students
How to communicate physical activity messages to different populations
Physical activity in relation to women’s health
Working from home and sedentary behaviour

This is not an exhaustive list. Where possible, we support students to pursue projects in areas of their personal interest.

Staff employ a range of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, seminars, discussions and independent and group work to provide a stimulating teaching environment. To ensure the quality of students’ experience, we aim to maintain a cohort size that allows for optimal engagement between staff and students. 

Courses are assessed by many different methods to allow students to develop key graduate attributes. We often assess students through formative work, such as in-class feedback on a journal paper critique. This provides students with ongoing feedback.

An overall assessment is submitted for credit. Other assessments include essays, written examinations, case study reports, oral presentations and health-related practical assessments.  All courses are supported by an online learning environment.

Please note, intercalated medical students (after at least three years of their Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB/MBBS) programmes) can only apply for entry to the one-year, full-time master's programme.

Intercalating medical students may be required to submit their dissertation at an earlier time than other students on the programme.

If you are already employed within the field, you can choose to take individual courses that contribute towards your CPD. Teaching times are carefully considered so you can fit studying around your work and personal commitments.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a Student Advisor in your first few weeks at Edinburgh. This should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.

Support for your studies

Physical Activity for Health Research Centre

This programme draws expertise from the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC). PAHRC is led by the internationally renowned Professor Marie Murphy, in the Institute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences (ISPEHS).

Members of the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre are currently researching:

active travel
physical activity communication and messaging
physical activity in young people
physical activity for people with medical conditions
physical activity prevalence
the promotion of walking
reducing sedentary time
the role of the environment in physical activity promotion

This research informs teaching, ensuring students engage with the most up-to-date issues. We encourage master's students to participate in our current research.

PAHRC's research

Members of our PAHRC team, many of whom teach on the Physical Activity for Health programme, share snippets from their latest research.

I chose to study at Moray House School of Education and Sport because of the breadth of expertise within the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre ... The opportunities [I had] to conduct research using real-world settings provided me with great experience.

Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC)

Facilities

Students have access to the Institute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences’ excellent facilities, which include a dance studio, games halls, strength and conditioning performance gym, and labs for studying biomechanics, physiology, psychology, and environmental and human performance.

Learn more about the facilities available at Moray House

The University is ranked among the best in the world for its sport and exercise facilities. Students can participate in any of the more than 60 sport societies on offer, including fencing, skydiving, horse riding, ice hockey, rugby and rock climbing.

Sport and Exercise at the University of Edinburgh

Researchers looking at a golfer on a computer screen

Careers

This degree is ideal for those interested in careers such as health promotion (local authorities), primary and community health care, physical activity development, physical activity and health consultancy, or the health and fitness industry.

Completing the MSc degree also allows you to pursue advanced research and a possible academic career. Many of our graduates have been successful in securing funded PhD positions.

The MSc is also useful for intercalated medical students who wish to gain new knowledge and skills to widen their career options. We expect these students to return to their medical studies once they complete the programme.

You’ll graduate with a thorough understanding of:

current research into the relationship between physical activity and health
what determines physical activity
how we measure physical activity
considerations for specific and diverse populations
physical activity policies around the world.

You’ll gain the skills to investigate the biggest issues in the field of physical activity and health. You will also understand how research evidence informs current recommendations, policy and practice worldwide, and the impact these policies have. You’ll also be able to identify and suggest solutions to problems that arise from being inactive.

Graduates will also develop a range of skills related to knowledge, understanding and research. These include:

an understanding of and the ability to critique methods for assessing physical activity and health
physical activity’s role in maintaining health
the causes, prevention and treatment of disease

During the Masters, I had the opportunity to carry out research for a physical activity organisation. This gave me the experience of working closely with stakeholders, as well as conducting research within a real-world setting. Since completing it, I have been accepted for a life-changing opportunity to complete a PhD in Canada.

Physical Activity for Health Careers Sessions

Every year, the University’s Careers Service hold two sessions for our programme: one for students considering further postgraduate study and another focussed on non-academic career opportunities.

For students who continue on to a PhD or research assistant role, we are also creating an academic alumni network for early career researchers to cultivate interaction and collaboration.

Our alumni also return for an annual event to talk with our current cohort about career paths and their experience on the programme.

The University of Edinburgh's Careers Service supports all current students (and graduates for up to 2 years) to develop their potential and achieve satisfying and rewarding futures.

Join in and make use of:

individual appointments
group sessions
wider campus-based activity
online services and resources

We also deliver a diverse programme of face-to-face and online events throughout the academic year.

Visit the Careers Service website

Our students

Our students come from a range of backgrounds and make up a vibrant community from across the world including the UK, Europe, Asia and Latin America. They range from young adults who have recently completed undergraduate degrees to professionals returning to study after years in the workforce.

Join us and you’ll be part of a vibrant community of staff and students from across the world, giving you access to the latest research expertise in the area and the opportunity for engaging discussion with staff and peers.

2018 Graduates

video

'I enjoyed doing the dissertation the most out of everything. It was such an amazing opportunity to do such an in-depth piece of work, with the amazing support of the staff.'

Where are you from?

Glasgow, Scotland

What do you like best about your programme?

What I liked best was the content that was covered in each of the modules. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the different areas of physical activity for health, both physical and mental health benefits. On top of this, the programme staff were incredibly approachable, supportive and helpful which made it a very enjoyable year. In addition, the opportunities to conduct research using real-world settings provided me with great experience.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about applying to your programme?

I would tell someone that it is definitely worth applying for. It’s been so much more than a Masters! I’ve had the opportunity to make new friends, be introduced to various people within the field of physical activity for health and I’ve had the opportunity to conduct research in an area that I am truly passionate about. It has been my best experience to date at University, the staff are world-leading experts in the field of Physical Activity for health, as well as being unbelievably supportive and helpful, and it’s opened up so many opportunities for me!

What made you choose Moray House School of Education and Sport?

I chose to study at Moray House School of Education and Sport because of the breadth of expertise within the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre. I spoke to programme staff before applying and this really helped put me at ease and to realise that this was the programme for me. I also wanted to study in a different city and Edinburgh is a lovely place with lots of culture.

How do you feel your experience has better prepared you for your future career?

Doing this course has opened up so many opportunities for me. During the Masters, I had the opportunity to carry out research for a physical activity organisation. This gave me the experience of working closely with stakeholders, as well as conducting research within a real-world setting. Since completing it, I have been accepted for a life-changing opportunity to complete a PhD in Canada, thanks to the programme and staff!

What would you tell someone who is thinking about applying to your programme?

Edinburgh is the most lovely city in the world, for people, for nature and for life. Choosing the MSc Physical Activity for Health programme would be the right choice.

What made you choose Moray House School of Education and Sport?

My undergraduate research area was about physical activity and health recommendations among preschool children. It aligned with Dr. Fawkner’s research topic. I searched her research topic before I knew of Moray House School of Education and Sport.

How do you feel your experience has better prepared you for your future career?

Now, I am in the Science and Technology Department of Chinese Winter Sport Management Centre. I have been serving Chinese elite winter sports athletes and developing sports performance measurements such as body composition, cardiopulmonary endurance and Wingate tests and data analysis. I applied research methods that I learned from Edinburgh to all the above work. And my next job is a Lecturer at an Art and Science College from this September, I will use skills I learned from the University of Edinburgh.

What specific skills did you develop?

I made EUBDS (Edinburgh University Ballroom Dance Club) friends, with impressive dance competition experiences in Manchester and Blackpool.

Fees and funding

Annual tuition fees are listed on the Postgraduate Study Programme Fees pages related to your desired exit level and duration of study.

MSc Physical Activity for Health - 1 Year (Full-time)

For those who are intercalated medical students, there is a possibility that it could affect your future funding entitlements for your medicine degree. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to consult with your funding body to confirm how you will finance your intercalated year and ensure there are no implications for funding the rest of your undergraduate medical degree after intercalating.

Scholarship opportunities are subject to change each year. Students are encouraged to seek out opportunities from the University and external funding bodies.

More information about available scholarships and funding can be found on our Scholarships and Studentships page.

Scholarships and studentships

Contact us

Programme-specific enquiries

For programme-specific enquiries, contact one the Programme Director.

Dr Chloë Williamson

Programme Director

Moray House School of Education and Sport

Contact details

Our teaching staff

Our academic staff bring together rich expertise from the University’s Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC) which is led by internationally renowned Professor Marie Murphy. Details of their specific research expertise and professional qualifications are available in their staff profiles.

Staff teaching on the programme include:

Dr Chloë Williamson, Programme Director

Professor Marie Murphy

Professor Emerita Nanette Mutrie MBE

Dr Ailsa Niven

Dr Tessa Strain