Developing learning outcomes for an ideal MSc course in sports and exercise medicine

Abstract

Objective: To develop learning outcomes for an ideal MSc in sports and exercise medicine. Methods: Twenty nine learning outcomes were developed based on the learning outcomes, aims, and objectives of current sports medicine courses, occupational standards, and other related data. Using a Likert scale, the opinion of MSc/Dip course directors in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa as well as teachers, graduates, and students of the MSc/Dip course at the University of Nottingham were surveyed. An email questionnaire listing the 29 learning outcomes was sent to the subjects. A mixed reminder via email or mail was used. The results were treated as ordinal data, and reliability and internal consistency of the questionnaire was tested using Cronbach’s coefficient α. Results: Response rates were high (75% course directors, 79%, 54%, and 78% University of Nottingham teachers, graduates, and students respectively). The questionnaire was highly reliable (α>0.8).The total scores of all but one of the responders were above the midpoint (>87, possible range 29–145). Most course directors (>80%) agreed or strongly agreed with each of the learning outcomes, except two. Most of the other subjects also agreed or strongly agreed with the learning outcomes, with few exceptions. Conclusion: The results suggest that there is a consensus among subjects that the final listed learning outcomes should be included in an ideal MSc in sports and exercise medicine.