MSc in Exercise and Sports Physiotherapy | Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

This is a degree by coursework and dissertation offered by the Division of Physiotherapy in the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and the MRC/UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine of the Department of Human Biology. The objectives of this programme are to provide a thorough understanding of the effects of physical activity, exercise and sports on the human body and mind, and to emphasise how this knowledge can be applied to the evidence-based management of common problems of physically active people and sportspersons of all ages and abilities; to develop knowledge and competence in the evidence-based assessment, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries arising from physical activity, exercise and sports; to develop skills to promote physical health and wellness of inactive and active people; and to provide a thorough understanding of the role of the sports physiotherapist in the multidisciplinary sports team to contribute to the enhancement of exercise and sports performance.

Admission requirements

A candidate shall not be admitted to the programme unless he/she:

Is a graduate in physiotherapy of the University or of any other university recognised by the Senate for the purpose;
Is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a physiotherapist or as a physiotherapy student (in the case of physiotherapists registered with an equivalent registering body outside of South Africa);
Has demonstrated an interest in community programmes and sport, either as a participant, administrator or in his/her professional capacity.
Note:
Preference will be given to eligible applicants with at least two years of postgraduate clinical experience.
A postgraduate Sports Physiotherapy (SPT1) or Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (OMT1) certification is an advantage.

Duration of the degree

The MSc (Exercise and Sports Physiotherapy) must be completed in a minimum period of three years of part-time study, and a maximum period of five years.

Programme outline

The programme consists of taught courses and a dissertation. The two sections, Exercise Physiology and Exercise and Sports Physiotherapy, will be offered in alternate years. Research Methodology I and II are offered every year. The candidate is expected to attend three one-week modules in exercise physiology and research methods in the Exercise Physiology year of study; and four one-week modules in exercise and sports physiotherapy, integrated management of exercise and sports-related conditions and research methods in the Exercise and Sports Physiotherapy year of study. The candidate is also expected to attend examinations in October for the Exercise Physiology and Exercise and Sports Physiotherapy sections and Research Methodology I and II respectively. The courses are taught through lectures, tutorials, clinical case discussions, workshops, and self-study of prescribed readings and course materials. Candidates are expected to complete their dissertations in the third year of study.

Exercise physiology year curriculum

The Exercise Physiology Year consists of the following modules:

Exercise Physiology (HUB5010W): This module comprehensively covers exercise physiology, functional and applied anatomy, pathology, and biomechanics.
Research Methodology I (AHS5032H): This module is completed in the first coursework year and is designed for students to acquire skills of planning independent research. The module ensures that the student has the necessary tools and knowledge to progress with their chosen research project, and includes an introduction to research design, proposal development, critical review of literature, quantitative and qualitative methods, and basic statistics.
Research methodology II (AHS5051W): This module is completed in the second coursework year. The module includes proposal development and presentation, submission of the full proposal for Ethical approval, and the completion of a literature review. The module also includes the critical review of literature, data management and statistics.

Clinical year curriculum

The Clinical Year consists of the following modules:

Sports Physiotherapy (AHS5033W): This course includes the prevention, comprehensive assessment, management and rehabilitation of sports injuries and conditions. In addition, students will receive instruction on the principles of exercise testing and prescription. The development of clinical reasoning and a problem-solving approach is emphasised, with the promotion of evidence-based practice. Further, athletes of all ages and abilities are considered, and safe participation in sport is highlighted.
Management of Exercise- and Sports-Related Conditions (AHS5052W): This course covers the assessment and management of common medical conditions associated with physical activity, exercise and sports; sports traumatology, which includes on-field assessment of the injured athlete, management of airway and breathing, management of spinal injuries and disabilities, and resuscitation; pharmacology for exercise and sports physiotherapists; exercise and sports nutrition; and sports psychology.
Research methodology I (AHS5032H): This module is completed in the second coursework year. The module includes proposal development and presentation, submission of the full proposal for Ethical approval, and the completion of a literature review. The module also includes the critical review of literature, data management and statistics.
Research methodology II (AHS5051W): This module is completed in the second coursework year. The module includes proposal development and presentation, submission of the full proposal for Ethical approval, and the completion of a literature review. The module also includes the critical review of literature, data management and statistics.

Method of instruction

All the material will be covered through 1) self-study of lecture material, textbook readings, and resources on Vula (UCT's online learning environment), 2) the completion assignments and online discussion events on Vula, and 3) lectures, clinical sessions and practicals during

Thesis

The student will be expected to produce a research proposal and to obtain ethical approval for the study. This will be completed in the 2nd year of study. The thesis will be completed in the 3rd year of study. The data collection should take about 3 months and the analysis and write up of the thesis a further 6 months. The student will be expected to work independently under the guidance of the supervisor. In some cases there may be funding available to assist the student with the research project. The thesis may not be longer than 25 000 words and will be marked by two external examiners.

Application procedure

The submission of a letter of motivation
The submission of a curriculum vitae (CV) and academic transcript
The completion of a UCT Application form which may be found on the University of Cape Town Application webpage.
Return the completed form to: Ms Salega Tape; Postgraduate Office; Faculty of Health Sciences; Anzio Road; Observatory; 7725; Cape Town; South Africa.
The closing date usually about September each year, but this might vary from year to year. The Postgraduate Office must receive a completed application form before the closing date for the student to be considered for admission to study in the following year.
Please contact Ms Salega Tape (+27 21 406 6340) with any further enquiries regarding the application form.
The closing date for applications is 30th September each year. The Postgraduate Office must receive a completed application form before the closing date for the student to be considered for admission to study in 2019.

Submission of a letter of motivation

As part of the application process, the Division of Physiotherapy requires the submission of a letter of motivation to support your application for the MSc (Exercise and Sports Physiotherapy). This letter should briefly describe your reasons for applying for admission to the degree, and your current and previous involvement in sports physiotherapy, health and wellness, and rehabilitation. The letter of motivation will be reviewed by the selection committee, and should be a maximum of 300 words.

Submission of a CV and Academic Transcript

Applications should be supported by the submission of a CV, and a copy of an undergraduate academic transcript.
The letter of motivation, CV and academic transcript may be submitted to Dr Theresa Burgess before 30th September each year.

Fees

Fees for the Postgraduate degrees in Physiotherapy are obtainable from the Fees Office and vary from year to year. Students can anticipate an average 10% increase in fees each year.
Email: Fees office
Phone: +27 21 650 1704
Fax: +27 21 650 4768

Financial assistance

Financial assistance is available for postgraduate students at the University of Cape Town. Further enquiries may be directed to the Postgraduate Centre and Funding Office.

Enquiries

Please contact Dr Theresa Burgess (+27 21 406 6171) for any further information.