MSc Sport Physiology and Performance

Program Overview

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LJMU's MSc Sport Physiology and Performance equips students with a comprehensive understanding of classical and molecular exercise physiology. Through extensive practical experience and academic development, graduates are prepared for careers as Exercise Physiologists and in related fields, including research, teaching, and sports performance analysis. The program emphasizes research at the forefront of the field, ensuring graduates are equipped to contribute to the rapidly evolving area of exercise science.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

LJMU's MSc Sport Physiology and Performance is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of both classical and molecular exercise physiology. The program emphasizes research at the forefront of the field, providing students with the knowledge and skills to contribute to this rapidly evolving area of exercise science.

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Objectives:

• To provide students with a detailed knowledge of physiology applied to sport and exercise contexts.
• To extend students' knowledge beyond 'classical' exercise physiology studies and into the new arena of molecular exercise physiology.
• To equip students with extensive practical experience and academic development in fundamental scientific techniques, including research methods, statistical analysis, and scientific communication.
• To prepare students for 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.

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Description:

The program is ideal for students who want to specialize in physiology-related studies at a doctoral level for academic and professional development or who aspire to a professional career in 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.

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Outline:

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Structure:

The program is offered as a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) course of study.

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Course Schedule:

• 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.

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Modules:

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Core Modules:

• Research Methods (20 credits): 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 (60 credits): This module develops and extends students' knowledge and practical experience of the research process and the use of advanced research skills.
It involves a critical analysis of the methodology and results of research and the assimilation of a research project that demonstrates the ability to plan, design, and conduct a piece of independent research within a discipline of Sport and Exercise Science.
• Physiological Assessment (20 credits): This module aims to provide extensive practical training in fundamental exercise physiology measurements, including aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, muscle strength, and cardiac function.
• Molecular Exercise Physiology (20 credits): This module aims to provide the knowledge and practical skills to contribute to this exciting area of research.
It will also provide training in traditional and contemporary protein analysis. Students will critically examine the validity and appraise the merits of monitoring exercise performance using new, wearable technologies.
• Integrative Physiology and Metabolic Regulation (20 credits): This module develops and enhances students' understanding of the adaptive responses to acute and chronic (training) exercise using human muscle and cardiovascular physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology as the underpinning disciplines.
• Contemporary Research in Exercise Physiology (20 credits): This module encompasses a series of keynote lectures highlighting prominent research themes within the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Laboratory practicals
• Student-centered learning techniques, such as problem-based learning
• Research projects
• Written assignments
• Presentations
• Examinations

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Assessment Criteria:

• The assessment criteria will vary depending on the specific module and 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
• Research skills
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking skills

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• The program's teaching is delivered primarily through laboratory practicals and student-centered learning techniques, such as problem-based learning.

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Faculty:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified academics who are experts in their field.
• Dr. David Low is the Programme Leader.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program 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.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Exercise Physiologist in either sport science/athletic support or health assessment contexts
• Research Scientist
• Lecturer/Teacher
• Sports Performance Analyst
• Sports Coach
• Consultant

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Opportunities:

• The program provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue a variety of career opportunities in the field of sport and exercise science.
• Graduates are well-prepared for roles in both academic and applied settings.

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Outcomes:

• Graduates of the program are highly employable and have a strong track record of success in their chosen careers.
• The program's focus on research and practical experience ensures that graduates are well-equipped to make a significant contribution to the field of sport and exercise science.

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Other:

• The MSc program is delivered in the City Campus, in the £28 million 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.
• The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is ranked 6th for Sports Science (QS World University Rankings 2024).
• LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of its postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation.

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Home fee

£10,195

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International full-time per year

£18,250