Useful reading

To help you best prepare for your MSc, your Programme Director has identified some pre-reading materials which will give you a head start on your programme.

On this programme, students will arrive with very different experiences from their Undergraduate backgrounds and professional practice. In the past, we have had students from History, Psychology, Sport Science and English Literature. As such, it may be useful for students to strengthen your knowledge and understanding in some areas by engaging in some background reading before the programme starts. 

With this in mind, we have created a useful reading list for the core, programme specific courses and also the two research-related courses which are shared across several programmes in the Institute of Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences. The following are some of the books and key journal articles which will be used during these courses, some of which you may find helpful to read in advance. 

Semester 1

Physical Activity for Health (Core course – SPRT11005)

The following suggested reading are the core texts for this course. Typically, a chapter from one or more of these books will accompany each taught session. Supplementary reading for each session (typically journal articles) will be indicated in the course learning materials on our online platform which will you will able to access in September.

  • Stensel, D., Hardman, A., and Gill, J. (2021). Physical activity and health: the evidence explained. 3rd edition. London, UK: Routledge.
  • Bouchard, C., Blair, S. N., & Haskell, W. L. (Eds.). (2012). Physical activity and health. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics

Psychology of Physical Activity (Core course – SPRT11002)

The following suggested reading is the key text for this course and typically, a chapter from this book will accompany each taught session.

  • Biddle, S. J. H., Mutrie, N., Gorely, T. & Faulkner, G. (2021). Psychology of physical activity: determinants, well-being and interventions (4th Edition), New York (NY): Routledge

Students may also find the following books helpful during selected parts of the course, and useful background reading in general.

  • Roberts, G. C., & Treasure, D. C. (Eds) (2012). Advances in motivation in sport and exercise. (3rd ed). Champaign, Il: Human Kinetics
  • Faulkner, G. & Taylor, A. (2005). Exercise, health and mental health: Emerging relationships. London, UK: Routledge
  • Andersen, M. B., & Hanrahan, S. J. (Eds) (2015).  Doing exercise psychology. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics

Supplementary reading for each session (typically journal articles) will be indicated in the course learning materials on our online platform which you will be able to access in September.

Additionally, if you are completely new to psychology, you may find it beneficial to have a look at an introductory psychology textbook.  The following may be useful:

  • Gleitman, H. (2011).  Psychology. New York: W.W. Norton and Company
  • Gross, R. D. (2005) Psychology: the science of mind and behaviour. London, UK: Hodder Arnold

Assessment of Physical Activity and Body Composition (Core course – EDUA11398)

There is no core textbook which accompanies this course. Session leaders will provide a reading list for their respective sessions which will include pre- and post-session reading. However, there are some general textbooks which students may find useful as background reading and a general introduction to the topic.

  • Welk, G. (2002). Physical activity assessments for health related research. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics
  • Morrow, J., Jackson, A., Disch, J., & Mood, D. (2005). Measurement and evaluation in human performance (3rd Edition), Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics
  • Kaminsky, L. (2009). ACSM's health-related physical fitness manual. 3rd edition.  Lippincott Williams and Wilkins

Understanding Research Concepts (Shared course – REDU11010)

  • Thomas, J.R., Nelson, J.K., & Silverman, S.J. (2015). Research methods in physical activity (7th ed). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics

 

Semester 2

Physical Activity Across the Lifespan (Core course – SPRT11004)

The following suggested reading are the core texts for this course. Supplementary reading for each session (typically journal articles) will be indicated in the course learning materials on our online platform which you will able to access in September.

  • Stensel, D., Hardman, A., and Gill, J. (2021). Physical activity and health: the evidence explained. 3rd edition. London, UK: Routledge.
  • Smith, A and Biddle, S. (2008) Youth Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour (Eds). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics

Research Process (Shared course – REDU11011)

  • Neil, R., Hanton, S., Fleming, S. and Wilson, K. et al (2013). The research process in sport, exercise and health. London, UK, Routledge
  • Thomas, J.R., Nelson, J.K., & Silverman, S.J. (2015). Research methods in physical activity (7th ed). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics

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