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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
  
• Career opportunities in teaching and lecturing, as applied practitioners in sport science support programmes or further study at Doctoral level
  

Course overview

There has never been a more exciting time to undertake an MSc in Sports Physiology. Sport now 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. Sport and Exercise Science is also playing an increasingly important role in society by using physical activity to promote good health and reduce the risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease, cancer and obesity.

This master’s programme is ideal if you want to specialise in physiology-related studies on sport and exercise, either for a professional career in sports science support work with athletes and/or for academic and professional development. Training is provided in laboratory-based skills and in the interpretation of laboratory findings. Opportunities are available for an applied placement supervised by accredited sport and exercise scientists. You can utilize this experience as part of your own professional accreditation.

This programme will provide you with a focused and detailed knowledge of physiology applied to sport and exercise contexts. You will become expert in using applied physiology to enhance sport performance and enable people and communities to embrace and engage in positive sport and physical activity behaviours.

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, and continue to play a significant part in this success.

Why study this course at LJMU?

LJMU is recognised as a centre of excellence for Sport Development and Physical Education programmes. It initiated the first undergraduate honors degree in Sports Science in 1975. The MSc programme in Sports Physiology is built on a strong tradition of innovation and excellence and was the first MSc degree to be offered in the School and one of the first programmes of its kind in the UK.

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, and continue to play a significant part in this success.

Alongside its national and international standing in research, the School was the only Sport & Exercise Science Department in the UK to be named a Centre of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), reflecting the high quality of the School’s programmes. Funding (£4.5M) associated with this award from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) was used to create a work-related environment within the university. Specifically, the CETL building houses a fully equipped gymnasium in which the performance of athletes can be assessed. Teaching on the Applied Practice module is conducted within the gymnasium, and this work is closely aligned with the delivery of Strength & Conditioning support for the University’s Sport Scholarship athletes. Typically, a number of assistant positions are offered to MSc students to provide further work-based experience in the delivery of Strength & Conditioning sessions.

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. The School 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.

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 a cutting-edge and vibrant home for research activity within the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences. The success of RISES staff since its inception in 1997 is demonstrated by our high-profile international reputation for Research Training and Research Outputs.

Across broad but multi-disciplinary research areas the RAE in 2001 awarded the Institute the maximum achievable 5** rating. 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. Consistent with the previous assessment in 2001, 25 % of our research outputs were awarded the maximum 4* rating and the RAE Panel rating our 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 and we are joint 1st nationally for world leading (4*) research, and 85% of our research is deemed to be of an international standard.

Since its inception, the Research Institute has published over 750 academic papers (over 135 each year), and trained more than 60 MPhil and PhD graduates (at least 12 per year). Non-HEFCE QR funding is well over £5 million and is currently running at c. £1.2 million a year.

How will I be assessed?

Each module has specific learning objectives which are formally assessed. The modes of assessment are diverse and include, written essays, case reports, laboratory reports, computer assessments, written examinations, oral examinations and oral/poster presentations.

Other related courses

M.Sc. Clinical Exercise Physiology

Entry requirements

Candidates would normally be expected to have a good honours degree (first class or upper second class) in sport science, or a related discipline.

The MSc Sport and Exercise Physiology Programme typically enrolls 20 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 Manager. Applications for registration in September are accepted between the 1st April and 30th June of that year only.

In rare circumstances, accompanied by genuine and compelling reasons (e.g. International fellowship or visa deadlines), applications may be considered outside of this period. Within the application, the Personal Statement should be regarded as an opportunity to evidence (i) recent achievements, (ii) passion for Sport and Exercise Physiology research and practice, and (iii) career trajectory.

International students: IELTS English language minimum score of 6.5 or equivalent and a relevant academic qualification to degree level is the minimum requirement.

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