MSc Sport Nutrition | Part-time

Program Overview

This LJMU postgraduate program teaches principles of sports nutrition, preparing students for practical work in assessing and advising athletes. Accredited by SENr, it offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and applied skills gained through an industry placement. Graduates are well-equipped for careers as Sports Nutritionists or in related fields, and are highly sought after by employers in the sports industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

LJMU's Sport Nutrition MSc is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful sports nutritionists.

• To develop students' practical skills in assessing and advising athletes on their nutritional needs.
• To prepare students for a career in sports nutrition, either in a professional setting or as a self-employed consultant.

Program Description:

The program offers a unique blend of theoretical science and applied skills, taught by world-leading academics engaged in nutritional consultancy with world-leading sports organizations. Students will learn from staff who provide nutrition support to a wide range of athletes, including those in Premiership Football, Super League Rugby League, European Rugby Union, professional golfers, professional jockeys, professional and amateur boxers, British Ski and Snowboard, Professional and Track Cycling, UK Anti Doping, and many more. The program is accredited by SENr, allowing graduates direct entry onto the SENr Graduate register. Students will also have the opportunity to take an ISAK body composition qualification and undertake an applied placement mentored by academic staff engaged in applied consultancy.

Outline:

Course Structure:

The program is delivered over two years on a part-time basis. It is made up of a number of core modules, a research project, and an applied placement.

Course Schedule:

• Semester 1:
• Research Methods (20 credits)
• Fundamental Sports Nutrition (20 credits)
• Practical Sports Nutrition (20 credits)
• Semester 2:
• Exercise Metabolism (20 credits)
• Supplements and Drugs in Sport (20 credits)
• Semester 3:
• Research Project (60 credits)
• Semester 4:
• Applied Placement (20 credits)

Individual Modules:

• Research Methods: This module provides mastery and expertise in quantitative research strategies, methods, and techniques, specifically focused on quantitative data.
Students will develop critical understanding of how quantitative data should be handled and analyzed using a variety of approaches.
• Research Project: This module develops and extends students' knowledge and practical experience of the research process and the use of advanced research skills.
Students will undertake a critical analysis of the methodology and results of research and complete a research project that demonstrates their ability to plan, design, and conduct independent research within a discipline of Sport and Exercise Science. Classical and contemporary literature will be studied and critically evaluated in engaging and thought-provoking lectures, seminars, and laboratory practicals.
• Practical Sports Nutrition: This module equips students with the practical skills essential to work as a Sports Nutritionist.
It covers key skills such as interview techniques, assessment of energy intake and expenditure, and the assessment of body fat (aligned to ISAK standards). It then looks at how these techniques are implemented in a variety of sporting contexts. It also examines the molecular mechanisms underpinning muscle adaptation to training, disuse, and metabolic disease.
• Supplements and Drugs in Sport: This module examines the most common supplements, their mechanisms of action, evidence for and against their use, and their safety.
The module aims to develop students' critical understanding of the use of performance-enhancing drugs and supplements in sport.
• Applied Placement: This module provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in working as a Sports Nutritionist.
Students will undertake a nine-week placement, mentored by academic staff engaged in applied consultancy.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Extended essays
• Practical assessments
• Oral presentations
• Case studies
• Applied placement reports
• Research presentations

Assessment Criteria:

The specific assessment criteria will vary depending on the module and the assessment method. However, in general, students will be assessed on their:

• Knowledge and understanding of the subject matter
• Ability to apply their knowledge to real-world situations
• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Communication skills
• Research skills

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Laboratory practicals
• Tutorials
• Applied placements

Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of world-leading academics who are experts in their field.

• Teaching takes place in small groups and draws upon the world-class facilities in the award-winning Tom Reilly Building.
• The program has strong links with the sporting industry, which are fully integrated into the work done with sporting professionals, teams, and related businesses.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Sports Nutritionist
• Performance Nutritionist
• Strength and Conditioning Practitioner
• Research Scientist
• Lecturer

Opportunities:

Graduates from the program have gone on to work as Sports Nutritionists in professional sports clubs and/or national Institutes of sport, including Manchester United FC, Warrington Wolves, The RFU, The EIS, and Team Sky. Some have gone on to further studies, such as a PhD in Sport Nutrition or Exercise Metabolism. Graduates also work as self-employed Sport Nutritionists for professional and amateur athletes.

Outcomes:

The program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to pursue a successful career in sports nutrition. Graduates are highly sought after by employers in the sports industry and are well-equipped to make a significant contribution to the field.

Other:

• The program is ideal for individuals looking to work as Sports Nutritionists with national governing bodies such as the English Institute of Sport (EIS).
• The degree is also ideally suited for Strength and Conditioning Practitioners who are looking to increase their knowledge and applied skills in nutrition, as well as those interested in using exercise nutrition to improve the health of the general public.
• The theoretical basis of the course will also be ideal if you wish to pursue further academic studies and move to a PhD in nutrition or exercise biochemistry.
• The translational skills taught on the course are applicable to working in the community and improving the health and fitness of the general population.
• The main focus of the program, however, is on working with elite performers and investigating how nutrition can maximize the health, body composition, and performance of athletes.