Developer Info

At a glance

• Course developed by world-leading researchers in our pioneering School of Sport and Exercise Science
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories in our award-winning Tom Reilly Building
• All staff are members of the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science (RISES) which was awarded a maximum 4* rating in the 2008 research assessment exercise
• Enhanced job opportunites through a combination of invaluable practical experience and theory

Course overview

The importance of exercise in a clinical setting has grown rapidly in recent years and led to an explosion in job opportunities for highly skilled graduates.

This programme provides the required advancement in knowledge underpinned by an extensive and detailed enhancement of your practical skills. Over half the course is devoted to the development of practical, vocational-based skills. In addition to becoming qualified in intermediate life support and phlebotomy, you will become skilled in the delivery of integrated cardiopulmonary stress tests, 12-Lead ECG, echocardiography and so much more.

Combined with a clinical placement in one or more of our network of NHS and private hospitals across the UK, you will develop a unique set of practical skills and experience. To support the practical skill development the course focuses on advanced exercise physiology and exercise prescription, the pathophysiology of disease, and physical activity promotion and adherence.

LJMU is recognised as a centre of excellence for Sport Development and Physical Education programmes. It initiated the first undergraduate honors degree course in Sports Science in 1975 and more recently was designated the only HEFCE Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in PE, Dance, Sport and Exercise Sciences.  Today the programme team has established an extensive network of contacts with the regional sport development industry in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (2008) the School maintained its position as one of the leading research centres in the UK and is now ranked number 1 for world leading research in this field out of all the UK’s post-1992 universities. Research projects from MSc students have played a significant part in this success.

Why study this course at LJMU?

The advancement of diagnostic technologies together with the growing importance of exercise as a diagnostic tool and its role in prehabilitation/rehabilitation, disease management and health promotion has led to the development of clinical exercise physiology. The MSc in Clinical Exercise Physiology at LJMU is unique nationally and aims to provide the post-graduate student with the specialist theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to enable them to be competitive in acquiring posts in the field of clinical exercise physiology in both the NHS and private sector.The Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science (RISES) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for cardiovascular and pulmonary function in health and disease and is housed in a new £25 million facility with state-of-the-art laboratories ensuring the highest quality educational  experience. Expertise within RISES and external collaborative links with world leading academics, practitioners and institutions offers the student a quality of educational experience unique in the UK.

Furthermore, existing links with specialist secondary and tertiary referral centres in local NHS and private hospitals offers the specialist clinical experience required to develop highly skilled, competitive MSc graduates leading to employment.

Introduction to the School

With a Teaching Quality score of 24/24 and a top UK rating for world leading research, the figures speak for themselves - the authors of the Times Good University Guide agreed when they ranked us first in the country. This School is the only Sport and Exercise institute in the UK to receive maximum scores for both teaching and research.
 
The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences has a long-standing tradition in the field of Sport Science. It initiated the first undergraduate honours degree course in Sports Science in 1975, and has developed a world-wide reputation for Sport Science teaching and research. It has hosted several international conferences and regularly receives visitors from overseas. It is active in pursuing links with both EC and international institutions with similar teaching and research interests.
 
The School is situated in the brand new Tom Reilly Building which houses all our state-of-the-art laboratories. These provide an excellent venue for innovative teaching and research. The postgraduate experience is a challenging one, which emphasises critical reflection on both theory and practice.
 
The School's excellence in teaching is further enhanced by being the only Sport and Exercise Science Department in the UK to be awarded a 'Centre of Excellence in Leadership and Professional Learning'. This Higher Education Funding Council for England award was a £4.5m initiative designed specifically to enhance student employability.

Staff research interests

Please go to: http://ljmu.ac.uk/sps/RISES/index.htm

The Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES) was established in 1997 and continues to be the cutting-edge and vibrant home of research activity within the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences. The success of RISES staff since its inception in 1997 is obvious and a high profile international reputation has been gained for its Research Training and Research Outputs. 

Across broad but multi-disciplinary research areas the RAE in 2001 rated the Institute as 5**. In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008 RISES submitted 22 staff and maintained its position as a leading research centre in the UK with recognition of its world leading and world-class activities.

We are joint 1st nationally for world leading (4*) research (25%)
85% of our research is of an international standard.

The School has published over 750 academic papers, over 135 each year.

Non HEFCE QR funding is well over £5 million and is currently running at c. £1.2 million a year.

There have been over 60 MPhil and PhD graduates from the School, at least 12 per year.

Also of interest was the RAE panels rating of research environment as 50% 4* or world leading stating that RISES provides an exceptional focus for research training and staff development.  This performance recognition comes on the back of significant and recognized research activity.

How will I be assessed?

Students are assessed in a variety of ways including interactive problem solving exercises, oral presentations in front of a peer group, and coursework essays in some cases combined with oral defence. The Dissertation is a substantial piece of research submitted in a written thesis format followed by a viva voce.

Other related courses

M.Sc. Sports Physiology.

Entry requirements

Candidates will be required to have academic qualifications commensurate with entry to postgraduate study, and be able to demonstrate an aptitude for scientific study. Candidates would normally be expected to have a good honours degree (i.e., upper second or first) in sport science, science or a related discipline.

Overseas students whose first language is not English will further require an IELTS score of 6.5 or above.

Minimum TOEFL requirements:

Listening - 17
Reading - 18
Speaking - 20
Writing - 17

Will I be interviewed?

Fees information

Please contact the admissions team for details.

Financial support

Securing funding is one of the main hurdles you may have to face when considering Postgraduate study. However there is help available and you may be able to apply for funding from the sources below.

Loans

This will normally be from a bank. The most popular of these is a Professional and Career Development Loan (PCDL). These loans are from £300 to £10,000 in value and can be used to cover up to 80% of your course fees. Further Information from www.direct.gov.uk and look for PCDL

Charities and Trusts

Trusts and charities can offer assistance to some students. Eligibility for these trusts and charities vary enormously. Your local library will have a section of books and directories of grant making trusts.

Research Councils

Research councils may provide support for recognised postgraduate courses. Their websites offers useful information regarding the support and funding opportunities on offer. Competition for this type of funding can be very strong. For more information about Research Councils visit: www.rcuk.ac.uk

Statutory funding

You need to be aware that most PG courses do not attract statutory funding. The ones that do attract statutory support (grants and/or loans) that we offer at LJMU are:

• PGCE courses , for more information please vist www.directgov.co.uk and www.tda.gov.uk
• MA social work for which an NHS bursary is payable to some students. For more information please visit www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk
• PG dip in Architecture

Advice and support at LJMU

LJMU offers a Postgraduate bursary of £500 to students who go from an undergraduate course to study a taught PG course. For further information and eligibility see http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/feesandfunding/117585.htm

LJMU employs a team of staff that are experts in fees and funding who can offer advice based upon your personal circumstances. You can contact them on 0151 904 6056/6057, or email studentadvice@ljmu.ac.uk for guidance and support.

How to apply

Please apply via the online application form

LJMU's Admissions policy is in line with the University's Equal Opportunities Policy and applications are welcome from all candidates who fulfil the entry criteria. The university has a commitment to equality of opportunity and welcomes application from everyone regardless of age, disability, race or sex. The University is committed to widening participation and therefore will actively consider applicants who do not have a relevant degree but who are able to provide satisfactory evidence of their knowledge in the area. All applicants will be considered by the Recruitment and Selection Panel, if shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend for an interview.

International students

LJMU offers an extensive support system through its international office and study centre. An equivalence to the normal entry requirements is needed for entry. Students must also demonstrate a proficiency in communicating through English, for example with an IELTS tests or equivalent. Please note that because of UK visa restrictions, International students are only permitted to study on a full-time basis. Please contact LJMU’s International Team by visiting www.ljmu.ac.uk/international for more information and advice.

Further information

Please contact the Faculty of Science on:

tel: 0151 231 2888
fax: 0151 207 3224
email: ScienceAdmissions@ljmu.ac.uk