About this course
LJMU's Sport Physiology and Performance is geared towards both classical physiology and research at the forefront of molecular exercise physiology.
- The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is ranked 6th for Sports Science (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- Study on a programme developed by world-leading researchers in our pioneering School of Sport and Exercise Sciences
- Access state-of-the-art physiology and biochemistry laboratories in our award-winning Tom Reilly Building
- Benefit from a strong emphasis on active learning and practical training
- Look forward to a variety of career opportunities, including working as an Exercise Physiologist in either sport science/athletic support or health assessment contexts, further study at Doctoral level and teaching and lecturing in science
- Study full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years)
- There has never been a more exciting time to undertake an MSc in Sport Physiology and Performance. Sport represents one of the world's major businesses and scientists have an increasingly prominent role in working with athletes, coaches, governing bodies and industry to help optimise elite performance
This Masters programme is ideal if you want to go on to specialise in physiology-related studies at a doctoral level for academic and professional development or if you aspire to a professional career in exercise physiology.
During your studies you will be provided with detailed knowledge of physiology applied to sport and exercise contexts. The programme is also designed to extend your knowledge beyond 'classical' exercise physiology studies and into the new arena of molecular exercise physiology. The curriculum is informed by a world class research infrastructure with over 20 full-time academic staff and support staff contributing to the taught modules and research dissertation.
You will be provided with extensive practical experience and academic development in fundamental scientific technical including research methods, statistical analysis and scientific communication. As part of your course you will complete a record of competency in physiological assessment, deliver a conference presentation and gain first-hand experience of 'wet lab' techniques including western blotting and proteomics.
Sport Physiology research
Proteomics research
Find out more about studying MSc Sport Physiology and Performance
Go on a tour of the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Your programme is made up of a number of core modules and a Research Project as detailed below.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Research Methods
20 credits
20 credits
This module of study is available to provide mastery and expertise in quantitative research strategies, methods and techniques, specifically focussed on quantitative data so that students can undertake postgraduate research. The module aims to encourage critical understanding of how quantitative data should be handled and analysed using a variety of approaches. The module will provide the opportunity to develop critical analysis of statistical concepts and procedures, train them to use statistical analysis software and extend their knowledge of the experimental and research design process.
This module is fundamental to the analysis of quantitative data. It is expected that students develop the data handling and analysis skills that they will directly use in their MSc project.
Research Project
60 credits
60 credits
This module provides the opportunity for students to further develop and extend their knowledge and practical experience of the research process, and to learn and make use of advanced research skills.
After completing the module students should be able to:
- Produce a piece of independent research in journal article format
- Critically evaluate the concepts, methodologies and associated literature underpinning the research
- Assimilate, integrate and critically discuss the research findings
- Justify and critically discuss the research and research process
Physiological Assessment
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims provide extensive theoretical and practical training in exercise physiology measurements, evaluation and reporting to prepare students to apply this knowledge in professional laboratory and field based settings.
Fundamental Sports Performance Physiology
20 credits
20 credits
The purpose of this module is to provide students with an integrative insight into the physiological mechanisms (e.g. biochemical, hormonal, muscular, cardiovascular, and neural) that maximise athletic performance of athletes competing across a large range of sporting disciplines involving high-intensity, intermittent or endurance exercise; and how these mechanisms may vary between different populations and in different environments. Additionally, students will be introduced to a range of physiological assessments and laboratory techniques to further enhance their understanding of physiological principles, and which a performance physiologist may use to monitor athletes performance/recovery.
Physiology for Endurance Sports
20 credits
20 credits
This module will use a combination of formal lectures, class practicals and small group seminars to fully engage the students in their own learning. Concepts discussed in lectures will then be explored in the laboratory and this will be reflected in the assessment which will be in the form of a written laboratory report.
Physiology for Intermittent/Team Sports
20 credits
20 credits
This module will use a combination of formal lectures, class practicals and small group seminars to fully engage the students in their own learning. Concepts discussed in lectures will then be explored in the laboratory and this will be reflected in the assessment which will be in the form of a written laboratory report.
Professional Practice in Sport Physiology and Performance
20 credits
20 credits
This module will prepare students for employment in applied sports science and to develop real-world applications of their theoretical knowledge and technical skills learned in other modules from the programme. Guided by the BASES competencies, students will develop understanding of the working environment within sport science and the knowledge and behaviours required to be successful. The module will enable students to self-evaluate, plan their professional development and reflect on experiences from the real-world environment. In addition, students will identify and develop key technical and non-technical skills for working successfully in sport science within their own discipline and collaborating as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
Students will have approximately two hours per module per week of taught material and/or seminar work. This may be supplemented by reflective tutorials during the semester. Private study will cover both time spent studying (for example in the library), collecting data in the laboratory and completing directed tasks and coursework. Taught sessions will provide an orientation to the topic and opportunity for classroom discussion and debate. You will also be expected to read widely using primary sources of reference material.
Teaching methods
Our teaching is delivered primarily through laboratory practicals and student-centred learning techniques, such as problem-based learning.
Applied learning
The programme provides extensive practical experience in both physiology laboratory tests and wet laboratory bench skills. Academic development is also provided in fundamental scientific techniques including research methods, statistical analysis and scientific communication.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
The MSc programme is delivered in the City Campus, in the £28million Tom Reilly Building, which provides world-class sport and exercise science facilities including 800 m2 of exercise physiology laboratory space and 100 m2 of molecular/ biochemistry laboratory space.
I particularly enjoy being at the forefront of research and applied practice. This allows for a truly unique educational environment that is at the cutting edge of industry
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Jamie Pugh
Programme Leader
Dr Low has a PhD in Exercise Physiology from LJMU. Before joining LJMU as a Senior Lecturer, he conducted research in the U.S at the Thermoregulatory Laboratory of the Institute of Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, and the Centre of Sports Medicine and Human Performance at Brunel University. He also worked as the Clinical Research Lead at the Autonomic and Neurovascular Medicine Unit at St Mary’s Hospital, Imperial College London. David is a member of the Cardiovascular Health Sciences Research Group within LJMU’s Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES). His research investigates thermoregulatory physiology, especially cutaneous vascular function and structure in both healthy and diseased individuals, through collaborative work that trains and mentors colleagues and students and shares knowledge and technical expertise.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
Cutting-edge research in Exercise Physiology relies heavily on molecular techniques and it is imperative that future graduates are able to contribute to this high-impact area of exercise science. On graduation, you may go into teaching and lecturing in schools, colleges and universities. Many students choose to continue in education, research or applied sports science, with a significant number continuing their studies to Doctoral level.
Past graduates have taken positions as applied practitioners in sports science support programmes within a variety of professional sports clubs, national governing bodies of sport, or as strategic sport science officers and consultants in professional sport settings.
Professional accreditation/links
With membership of ASET, the UK’s leading authority on work based and placement learning, LJMU’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is committed to providing Work-based and Placement Learning (WBPL) experiences to our students that are quality assured and supported in accordance with best practice guidelines.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees:
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
Candidates would normally be expected to have a good honours degree (first class or upper second class) in sport science, or a related discipline with a substantial physiology component at level 6. The programme typically enrols 20 FT/PT students per year. Demand for places is high and applicants are selected on merit, in some instances interviews may be conducted at the discretion of the Programme Leader. Within the application, the Personal Statement should be regarded as an important opportunity to evidence (i) passion for exercise physiology, (ii) ability to make the most of opportunities and (iii) autonomy/ motivation to go beyond minimum requirements. In addition, applicants may be required to provide copies of their research dissertation or equivalent evidence of their scientific training or experience.
International requirements
Other international requirements
Overseas students whose first language is not English will require an IELTS score of 6.5 or above with a minimum of 5.5 in each component. Admission is made in line with the current equal opportunities regulations adopted by the University.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
Your student experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
Postgraduate life at LJMU
See the amazing support you will get from the university, the academic expertise of the staff here, the first-class learning environment, fabulous libraries, excellent career guidance and their ongoing love affair with the city of Liverpool.
Accommodation
As a new student at LJMU, we guarantee accommodation right in the heart of the dynamic city centre, with easy access to the main University campuses.
You can view our approved accommodation to see the halls that we offer to new students.
Your campus
We’re very proud of our campuses. Not only because they provide a modern and inspiring learning space for all our students but also because they’re a place people really want to be.
Living in Liverpool
Liverpool is one of Europe's most dynamic and cultured cities. Come find out why it's a great city to study in.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes.
Sports, societies and lifestyle
Getting involved in sports, clubs and societies at Liverpool John Moores University is a great way to challenge yourself, meet people who share your interests, and feel more connected to the University community.
Talk to our students
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News and views
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.