2024/25 entry
MSc Sport and Clinical Biomechanics
About this course
LJMU's MSc in Sport and Clinical Biomechanics features extensive training in lab-based skills plus in-depth analysis of contemporary issues.
- The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is ranked 6th for Sports Science (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- Choose this programme developed by world-leading researchers from our pioneering School of Sport and Exercise Science
- Study modules that complement the specific expertise of biomechanics staff and include: clinical gait analysis and virtual rehabilitation, muscle and tendon mechanics and biomechanical assessment and injury prevention
- Access state-of-the-art biomechanics laboratories in the award-winning Tom Reilly Building, including the Movement Function Research Laboratory
- Look forward to exciting career opportunities in clinical or sports biomechanics and/or academic and professional development
- Benefit from good links with local companies for work placements - including hospitals, elite sport organisations and sport equipment manufacturers
- Ideal for Physiotherapists who wish to deepen their biomechanical expertise
Biomechanics is the study of the mechanical functioning of the biological system. This course applies biomechanical knowledge in both a sporting and clinical context. You will study under the guidance of world-leaders in biomechanics, bringing your own knowledge into our state-of-the-art facilities. We welcome applications from those interested in the movement and mechanism of the human body and dedicated to the application and advancement of this field of study.
The curriculum is research-led with a number of core modules being directly informed by the current research activity of staff. Extensive training is provided in laboratory-based skills and in the interpretation of biomechanical findings and there is comprehensive coverage of contemporary issues in biomechanics. The programme opens up a world of scientific innovation, research and the application of clinical treatments that can achieve functional consequences for the human body in sports performance contexts.
You will be taught in world-leading laboratory facilities and will benefit from unique access to a wide-range of biomechanical equipment including: multiple force platforms, four 3D motion capture systems, wireless EMG, high speed video cameras, ultrasound, isokinetic dynamometry and the latest analysis methods and software (e.g. Visual 3D, SIMImotion).
Our dedicated Movement Function Research Laboratory is used to assess movement function, dysfunction and rehabilitation with a focus on movement re-training. You will receive applied training in the use of this state-of-the-art equipment and advanced techniques to facilitate independent usage.
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Find out more about studying MSc Sport and Clinical Biomechanics
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Find out more about studying MSc Sport and Clinical Biomechanics
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Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
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.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
Employability
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six 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.
The course is underpinned by a number of learning outcomes designed to align with the Department of Health Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF).
Many careers will be available to you on graduation. You may go on to work as a Biomechanist in research or a health-related applied setting. Practicing physiotherapists will be able to enhance service provision by applying their biomechanical knowledge and skills and others will be able to use their expertise as applied practitioners. You could pursue a career in education, choosing to teach or lecture in schools, colleges and universities or continue your studies with a Doctoral research programme.
Specific examples of careers for Graduates include: Lecturer, PhD Student, Gait Analyst, English Institute of Sport Biomechanist, UK Representative for Biomechanical Equipment, Research Assistant and Post-Doctoral Researcher. Some graduates have also moved into Medicine.
The student experience
Discover life as a postgraduate student at LJMU.
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Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
This course is currently undergoing its scheduled programme review, which may impact the advertised modules. Programme review is a standard part of the University’s approach to quality assurance and enhancement, enabling us to ensure that our courses remain up to date and maintain their high standard and relevancy.
Once the review is completed, this course website page will be updated to reflect any approved changes to the advertised course. These approved changes will also be communicated to those who apply for the course to ensure they wish to proceed with their application.
Your programme is made up of a number of core modules which are part of the course framework. Some programmes also have optional modules that can be selected to enhance your learning in certain areas and many feature a dissertation, extended report or research project to demonstrate your advanced learning.
Core modules
Clinical Movement Analysis
20 credits
This module enhances students' understanding of clinical movement analysis, emphasizing gait analysis interpretation in clinical contexts and exploring the latest research in virtual rehabilitation. It covers clinical use, advanced methodology, and decision-making. The module provides access to state-of-the-art equipment, including 3D movement capture, load data, and virtual reality (CAREN system). Expert academic staff and collaborations with the North West Movement Analysis Centre at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust offer clinical insights.
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.
This module is fundamental to the analysis of quantitative data. It is expected that students develop the data handling and analysis skills that they will directly use in their MSc project.
Research Project
60 credits
This module will develop and extend your knowledge and practical experience of the research process and the use of advanced research skills. This will involve 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.
Current Issues in Biomechanics
20 credits
This module provides an opportunity to study select current issues in biomechanics as applied to sport. It requires you to read the latest literature in the appropriate fields and evaluate past and current directions. The module aims to:
- develop and extend your opportunity to investigate issues of current importance in Sport and Clinical Biomechanics
- present you with a variety of cutting-edge research topics in biomechanics applied to sport, exercise and clinical applications
Technical Training in Biomechanics
20 credits
This module provides an opportunity to focus on the detailed use of biomechanical techniques. It aims to provide technical training in laboratory techniques appropriate to sport and clinical biomechanics. It enables you to develop laboratory skills so that you are able to collect and interpret biomechanical data to benchmark standards.
Muscle-Tendon Mechanics
20 credits
This module introduces the main biomechanical characteristics of human muscles and tendons and the implications for human movement, performance and biomechanical testing. The mechanical parameters and behaviour of these tissues of the human body in-vivo will also be examined in response to chronic loading and disuse to understand basic, musculoskeletal mechanisms and adaptations underpinning changes in whole-body function and performance.
Biomechanical Assessment in Sport and Exercise
20 credits
This module aims to provide a conceptual and practical knowledge base that develops and extends the understanding of biomechanical assessment. It also exposes you to a large variety of tools, each time gaining a better understanding of the theoretical framework that justifies the use of such tools.
Teaching
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
Teaching for the full-time programme is on Mondays and Tuesdays, with three core modules each semester. Teaching for the part-time route is on a choice of Monday or Tuesday, enabling you the flexibility to have focused sessions and the capacity to work around your study.
Teaching methods
The course is taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorial support, practical sessions and workshops which encourage critical, reflective engagement with a range of theoretical and applied topics.
You will also be exposed to a wide range of research questions in biomechanics and learn how to critically appraise and interpret the literature. The diversity of assessment methods, including written coursework, exams, reports of practical work and oral presentations, are innovative and well received by students.
Applied learning
The programme benefits from good links with local companies for work placements - including hospitals, elite sport organisations and sport equipment manufacturers.
Assessment
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Assessment methods on this course include: interactive problem solving exercises, oral presentations in front of a peer group, coursework and 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 before Biomechanics staff.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Prof Mark Lake
Programme Leader
Professor Lake completed his BSc (Hons) at Loughborough University, before studying for a MSc at Penn State University, followed by a Doctorate in Biophysics at the University of Guelph, Canada. He has worked with the US Olympic Training Centre in Colorado Springs. Professor Lake's research interests include Biomechanics of the Human Body, with a particular emphasis on reducing lower limb injury and enhancing performance during sports; sports shoe research, which involves testing for performance and protection; and re-visiting and improving the methods used in biomechanics research.
There is a sense of achievement when you see the students develop their skills in the laboratory and become competent, independent researchers. The high employability of graduating students is also particularly satisfying. Commercial companies, hospitals and academic institutions repeatedly approach me for more applications from our graduates.
School facilities
What you can expect from your School
This programme is based in the City Campus. You will have unique access to a wide-range of biomechanical equipment including: multiple force platforms, four 3D motion capture systems, wireless EMG, high speed video cameras, ultrasound, isokinetic dynamometry and the latest analysis methods and software (e.g. Visual 3D, SIMImotion). You will have access to our dedicated Movement Function Research Laboratory which was established to assess movement function, dysfunction, and rehabilitation with a focus on movement re-training.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- a minimum 2.1 honours degree in physiotherapy, physical sciences, sport or another relevant discipline which has a substantial biomechanics component at level 6
International requirements
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IELTS
- IELTS 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each component
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Other international requirements
- International students entering on a Tier 4 visa cannot study part-time
- International students who have applied to study a full-time taught Masters, MRes, MPhil or PhD at LJMU, you should check if you require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate. Please contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for further details
Further information
- Extra Requirements
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RPL
- RPL is accepted on this programme
Application and selection
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.
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.