The intercalated degree started as a younger sibling to the MSc programme but rapidly established its own niche as the first UK intercalated BSc in ports and Excercise Medicine (SEM) and typically the most popular course at Queen Mary University of London. Graduates go on to include SEM in their clinical practice as a sub-speciality, for example in general practice or emergency medicine, or more directly via specialist training in SEM. SEM was finally recognised as a speciality in the run-up to the London 2012 games, with many SEM graduates from Queen Mary playing critical roles in games and legacy delivery.
The BSc builds on both the successful MSc programme and the existing intercalated BSc by allowing students access to existing modules at level 7, as well as deepening previous level 6 modules. We encourage applicants from Queen Mary after MBBS year three or four but also encourage and support applicants from other universities – with the interview and application process being handled equitably. We anticipate increasing student numbers in 2014-15 and subsequent years.
The BSc SEM syllabus addresses the fields of musculoskeletal injury, medical problems in sport and exercise as a health tool alongside detailed musculoskeletal anatomy teaching, biomechanics and injury rehabilitation. Further, strong emphasis is placed both on paper-based and quasi-experimental research with intercalating students typically undertaking both a systematic review and a full research project as part of their degree. These projects are supported by a Human Performance Laboratory and expertise in survey methods and clinical trials. Student publication rates are exceptionally high – with up to 90% of those who choose to pursue this objective achieving peer-reviewed publication.
The course team innovates continuously, whilst keeping sight of our vision for excellence in SEM education. We have now deepened the quality of the educational offering in SEM by raising the intercalated degree standard to BSc level. The co-location of the intercalated with the post-graduate MSc programme enables us to offer optional modules to BSc students.
Visit the programme page for further information on how to apply.
Dr Manuela Angioi, iBSc Sports and Excercise Medicine Course LeadEmail: m.angioi@qmul.ac.uk