2024/25 entry
BSc (Hons) Science and Football
Why study Science and Football at Liverpool John Moores University?
- Teaching from industry professionals
- Key industry partners including professional clubs, the FA, UEFA, FIFA and Prozone
- World-leading research institute attracting high-level professionals to give talks
- Every student has the opportunity to do a sandwich year
- Stepping stone to careers in community football or with elite professional teams
- Endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Undergraduate Endorsement Scheme
- The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is ranked 6th for Sports Science (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto the programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more
About your course
The BSc (Hons) Science and Football at Liverpool John Moores University is delivered by world-leading experts and informed by extensive links with key industry partners, such as the Football Association, FIFA, various Premier League football clubs and the Professional Footballers' Association.
The last 15 years have seen a marked rise in demand for sports science graduates in the professional football industry. Sports scientists who can identify talent and develop and enhance players performance from a physical, physiological and psychological perspective are employed alongside coaches and managers to get the best out of our teams.
This bespoke degree programme has been designed for graduates who want to work either in community football to help address health-related problems and promote positive behaviour or as support to elite-level professional football teams. It attracts students from all over the world.
Your tutors will be representative of the vast array of industry professionals, semi-professionals and amateurs, from elite coaches and players to support staff in community clubs. In addition, our reputation as a world-leading research centre ensures we attract high-level professionals to come and talk to you about the reality of working in the industry.
We ensure that the programme is as current and relevant as possible by working closely with key industry partners and by engaging in extensive research to identify the skills and knowledge that football organisations look for in graduates.
In 2018 we celebrated 20 years of delivering the Science and Football programme at LJMU. As part of a series of events to mark the anniversary, Kasper Schmeichel visited LJMU to meet undergraduate and postgraduate students from the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences.
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"Completing the BSc in Science and Football helped me to understand the science and processes within a football and sporting environment, whilst also challenging me to gain the required skills and intellect needed to perform in an elite organisation."
Professional accreditation/links
This course is endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Undergraduate Endorsement Scheme.
Our partners include professional clubs, Prozone, the Football Association, The Professional Footballers Association, UEFA and FIFA. As part of its commitment to development of the football industry, the School recently launched the Football Exchange, which encourages students to get involved in industry-related activities.
Find out more about career opportunities in sport and exercise sciences.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above 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 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 funding pages.
A DBS check is not required for your application, however a DBS may be required for modules where there is a work based learning placement option. Work based learning placements that do not require a DBS check are available.
Employability
A number of our former graduates are now employed in the football industry in the UK, Europe and further afield in sports science support, player development and community programmes.
Our graduates work for a number of elite organisations including - among others - Manchester United Football Club, Liverpool Football Club, Everton Football Club and the Football Association.
Typical roles include performance analysis, sports psychology, fitness and conditioning, education and welfare, and nutritional advice.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU's in-house recruitment service, and we also offer fully funded Discovery Internships.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones and we offer a year-round programme of events, including themed careers and employability workshops, employer events and recruitment fairs. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU's Careers, Employability and Start-up Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
A life-changing experience
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 4
Core modules
Research Methods 1
20 credits
This module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of research methods, along with covering the basic application and interpretation of various data analysis techniques.
Exercise Physiology 1
20 credits
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the basic structure and function of key physiological systems, metabolic processes and discuss how these systems and processes respond to feeding and acute exercise.
Psychosocial Principles of Sport and Exercise
20 credits
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the psychosocial concepts that underpin the sport and exercise environment.
Human Movement
20 credits
This module will introduce you to the basic principles of human anatomy, functional movement, biomechanics, and motor skill acquisition, and to illustrate applications of these principles in sport, exercise, and health. The module also aims to introduce you to experimental methods in biomechanics and to develop skills in data handling.
Professional Practice in Science and Football 1
20 credits
This module aims to introduce and develop your knowledge and understanding of the governing and professional bodies in football, and the multifaceted roles in football science. In addition, you will identify and develop personal and professional skills required by football scientists.
Talent Identification and Development in Football
20 credits
This module introduces current issues in football. Topics cover early talent identification, developing players for the professional level and guidance of elite football players.
Level 5
Core modules
Research Methods 2
20 credits
This module will enhance your understanding of the research process and related methodological approaches, whilst also developing your knowledge, skills and to complete investigations involving data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Professional Practice in Science and Football 2
20 credits
This module aims to develop your skills, knowledge, abilities and ethical considerations as a professional practitioner in football science. You will be required to analyse and evaluate a client’s needs via a football specific case study and design an appropriate solutions-focused intervention. In addition, you will demonstrate and draw upon your professional knowledge and employability skills to engage in a mock internship interview.
Exercise Physiology 2
20 credits
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the cardiovascular and metabolic responses of acute and chronic exercise. This will enable you to discuss these in relation to human health and performance.
Sport and Performance Psychology
20 credits
This module will develop your ability to evaluate psychological principles associated with sport performance, motor control and learning, considering individual (e.g., personality) and environmental (e.g., culture) factors.
Biomechanics
20 credits
This module aims to give you the knowledge and technical ability to describe, measure and explain human movement using the application of biomechanical principles, with the aim of improving performance and reducing the risk of injury.
Football Tactics and Match Analysis
20 credits
This module aims to develop your theoretical and applied knowledge of performance analysis in football, and the role of performance feedback in the coaching process. The module develops knowledge and critical understanding of football tactics and the role of match analysis in the evaluation of football performance.
Optional Modules
Sandwich Year - Science and Football
120 credits
The aim is to provide you with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement your programme of study at LJMU. This will give you the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to your programme of study, as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment. This extended placement forms a key part of a sandwich degree. Split placements of a shorter duration may be possible. There is an expectation that a minimum of 1,200 hours will be spent in the workplace.
Study Year Abroad - Science and Football
120 credits
Within this module you will have a chance to spend an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement your programme at LJMU.
Study Semester Abroad - Science and Football
60 credits
This program allows students to replace one semester of their LJMU program with a semester of full-time study at an approved overseas partner institution
Level 6
Core modules
Applied Placement in Science and Football
20 credits
The module will provide you with the opportunity to develop and reflect on your theoretical knowledge and applied practice skills by engaging in a work-related learning project.
During the module, you will be provided with an opportunity to lead your own learning while drawing on links between theoretical principles and your application in a professional environment.
Specifically, you will critically explore how sport science is being used within the football industry to enhance player development and performance. This will develop your awareness of the craft skills and knowledge required to successfully provide sport science support within a football organisation. In doing so, you will have critically appraise the importance of reflection to applied practice.
Major Project
40 credits
This module will critically extend your understanding and deployment of research processes through the planning, production, analyses and report of a piece of independent research conducted in a responsible, safe and ethical manner.
Football Technology and Innovation
20 credits
This module aims to develop an understanding of how technology and innovation support football scientists in the (daily) football setting. Students will develop skills to operate technology in a (field) lab setting. Students will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the use of technology and innovation in football in the physiological, physical, biomechanical and/or tactical performance domain.
Physical Performance in Football
20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge, understanding and ability to critically evaluate key psychological concepts that influence development and performance in and through football related contexts, and to develop your critical understanding of the application of these principles in football settings.
Applied Psychology of Football
20 credits
This module aims to develop your conceptual and applied knowledge and understanding of psychology in football, with particular reference to the development and support of elite level players. It will encourage you to apply theoretical and applied processes relevant to the development and support of players in professional football.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching is via a combination of lectures, interactive seminars, one-to-one tutorials, online activities, laboratory-based practical work, online workshops and group work. Guided independent study using our Learning Resource Centres and the web accounts for 70-80% of each module. Web-based content is also available through through our virtual learning environment Canvas (including wikis and blogs for Level 6 modules).
Work-related learning
Every student will have the opportunity to do a sandwich year where you will put into practice the skills and knowledge gained during your studies. We have excellent industry links, including the Football Association, FIFA, various Premier League football clubs and the Professional Footballers' Association.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
From day one of the degree programme, you will be allocated a personal tutor and remain under their guidance throughout your time at LJMU. They will be available to discuss any academic or personal issues on a one-to-one basis as well as helping you to put together your educational and future career plans. You will also work with your personal tutor in small groups to develop study skills essential for the science and football programme.
The school is fully committed to promoting a learning environment that supports a culture of equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) and has a Disability Support Coordinator, an EDI Coordinator and a School EDI Working Group. Personal Tutors also play a vital role in promoting awareness of support services for students.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
We acknowledge that all students perform differently depending on how they are assessed, which is why we use a combination of assessment methods. These include: written assignments (essays and brief response questions), exams (seen and unseen), practical work, portfolios, presentations (group and individual), and reflective practice/diaries.
Your tutors will provide feedback on assessments within three weeks, allowing you to quickly identify your successes and the areas where you may need to put in more work. This is provided via Canvas, face-to-face and/or as written comments for coursework and one-to-one for exams. You are also welcome to arrange further meetings with staff to discuss your feedback.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Ian Beattie
Programme Leader
Ian is a member of LJMU’s Physical Activity Exchange and the Football Exchange within the Research Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES). He is also a member of the Green Spaces and the Children, Young People and Families interest groups within the Institute for Health Research. Ian is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and studied BA (Hons) Sport Development with Physical Education and MSc Sociology of Sport and Exercise. His research and scholarly activity interests include sport and health policy, sport development processes and their use in the context of health, workplace well-being, figurational sociology in sport and health, work-related learning, e-learning, technology and social media.
I enjoy seeing our students grow and develop during the course of their learning journey with us. Whatever path they are on, and whatever direction they choose, we are there for them every step of the way.
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
You will study in Liverpool city centre at our City Campus. Our sport and exercise sciences facilities are world-leading and feature state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for our current and future sport scientists. The Avril Robarts library is within easy walking distance and here you'll find all the information you need to support your studies.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications: BBC-ABB (112-128)
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/ Numeracy.
GCSE Equivalences accepted:
• Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A levels
BBC-ABB Minimum Number of A Levels: 2
Maximum AS UCAS Points: 20
Sport or science related discipline. Psychology, PE and Maths are accepted as a relevant science
BTECs
Extended Diploma: DMM-DDM
Access awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 points
International Baccalaureate
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
OCR Cambridge Technical
Extended Diploma: DMM-DDM
Irish awards
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
T levels
Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications.
You need to obtain the required UCAS points from a related subject area.
International requirements
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IELTS
6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/international-entry-requirements
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
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.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.