Program Overview

MSc Sport Physiology and Performance | Part-time

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 range of career options, such as working as an Exercise Physiologist in sport science, athletic support or health assessment settings. You could also do a PhD or become a teacher or lecturer 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 master's is ideal if you want to specialise in physiology-related studies at doctoral level for academic and professional development. You may also 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. 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.

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.

• 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.
  • 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.
• 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.
  • 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)
  • 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.
• Physiology for Endurance Sports (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)
  • 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)
  • 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.
• Fundamental Sports Performance Physiology (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.

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

• 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.

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.
• 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 work as applied practitioners in sports science support programmes with a variety of professional sports clubs and national sport governing bodies.
• Other roles includes strategic sport science officers and consultants in professional sport settings.

Tuition fees and funding

• Home
  • Part-time per credit: £56.64
• Fees
  • 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.
• Financial Support
  • 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.
  • The University offers a range of financial support for students.
  • You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
• Additional Costs
  • In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
    • Accommodation
    • Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
    • Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire

Entry requirements

• You will need:
  • Home
    • 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
    • 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.
• Find your country
  • Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.

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.