Program Overview

MSc Sport and Clinical Biomechanics

About this course

LJMU's MSc in Sport and Clinical Biomechanics features extensive training in lab-based skills plus in-depth analysis of contemporary issues.

• The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is ranked first in the North West and top 20 in the world for Sports Science (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• Study part-time (2 years) or full-time (1 year)
• Choose this programme developed by world-leading researchers from our pioneering School of Sport and Exercise Science
• Study modules that complement the specific expertise of biomechanics staff and include: clinical gait analysis and virtual rehabilitation, muscle and tendon mechanics and biomechanical assessment and injury prevention
• Access state-of-the-art biomechanics laboratories in the award-winning Tom Reilly Building, including the Movement Function Research Laboratory
• Look forward to exciting career opportunities in clinical or sports biomechanics and/or academic and professional development
• Benefit from good links with local companies for work placements - including hospitals, elite sport organisations and sport equipment manufacturers
• Ideal for Physiotherapists who wish to deepen their biomechanical expertise

Biomechanics is the study of the mechanical functioning of the biological system. This course applies biomechanical knowledge in both a sporting and clinical context. You will study under the guidance of world-leaders in biomechanics, bringing your own knowledge into our state-of-the-art facilities. We welcome applications from those interested in the movement and mechanism of the human body and dedicated to the application and advancement of this field of study.

The curriculum is research-led with a number of core modules being directly informed by the current research activity of staff. Extensive training is provided in laboratory-based skills and in the interpretation of biomechanical findings and there is comprehensive coverage of contemporary issues in biomechanics. The programme opens up a world of scientific innovation, research and the application of clinical treatments that can achieve functional consequences for the human body in sports performance contexts.

You will learn in world-leading lab facilities and get unique, hands-on experience with a wide range of biomechanical equipment. This includes multiple force platforms, four 3D motion capture systems, wireless EMG, high-speed video cameras, ultrasound, isokinetic dynamometry, and the latest analysis tools and software like Visual 3D and SIMImotion.

Our dedicated Movement Function Research Laboratory is used to assess movement function, dysfunction and rehabilitation with a focus on movement re-training. You will receive applied training in the use of this state-of-the-art equipment and advanced techniques to facilitate independent usage.

Course modules

Core modules

• Research Methods (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.
• Research Project (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.
• Measurement Techniques in Movement Analysis (20 credits)
  • This module provides an opportunity to focus on the detailed use of measurement techniques in movement analysis.
• Muscle Performance (20 credits)
  • This module will equip students with 1) the necessary measurement skills to evaluate muscle performance in Sports and Clinical settings, 2) knowledge on the role of biomechanical factors at muscle-tendon-joint level for the expression of muscle performance, 3) skills to evaluate these biomechanical factors and the adaptation they undergo in response to altered mechanical loading in Sports and clinical settings.
• Biomechanical Assessments in Sports (20 credits)
  • This module aims to provide the conceptual and practical knowledge in the context of biomechanical assessments.
• Clinical Movement Analysis (20 credits)
  • A highlight of the module is to observe a gait reporting sessions at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
• Professional Practice in Sport and Clinical Biomechanics (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.

Professional accreditation

LJMU is a member of ASET, the UK’s leading authority on work-based and placement learning (WBPL). This membership reflects our commitment to providing students with high-quality WBPL experiences that are well-supported and aligned with best practice guidelines.

Your Learning Experience

• Teaching for the full-time programme is on Mondays and Tuesdays, with three core modules each semester.
• Teaching for the part-time route is on a choice of Monday or Tuesday, enabling you the flexibility to have focused sessions and the capacity to work around your study.
• The course is taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorial support, practical sessions and workshops which encourage critical, reflective engagement with a range of theoretical and applied topics.
• You will also be exposed to a wide range of research questions in biomechanics and learn how to critically appraise and interpret the literature.
• The diversity of assessment methods, including written coursework, exams, reports of practical work and oral presentations, are innovative and well received by students.

Career paths

• Further your career prospects
• LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen 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.
• The course is underpinned by a number of learning outcomes designed to align with the Department of Health Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF).
• Many careers will be available to you on graduation. You may go on to work as a Biomechanist in research or a health-related applied setting.
• Practising physiotherapists will be able to enhance service provision by applying their biomechanical knowledge and skills and others will be able to use their expertise as applied practitioners.
• You could pursue a career in education, choosing to teach or lecture in schools, colleges and universities or continue your studies with a Doctoral research programme.

Tuition fees and funding

• Home: Part-time per credit: £70
• The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
• 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.

Entry requirements

• Home: a minimum 2.1 honours degree in physiotherapy, physical sciences, sport or another relevant discipline which has a substantial biomechanics component at level 6
• International: IELTS 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each component)
• RPL is accepted on this programme

How to apply

• 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.