About this course
LJMU's Sport Physiology and Performance is geared towards both classical physiology and research at the forefront of molecular exercise physiology.
- The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is ranked 6th for Sports Science (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- Study on a programme developed by world-leading researchers in our pioneering School of Sport and Exercise Sciences
- Access state-of-the-art physiology and biochemistry laboratories in our award-winning Tom Reilly Building
- Benefit from a strong emphasis on active learning and practical training
- Look forward to 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
- Study full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years)
- There has never been a more exciting time to undertake an MSc in Sport Physiology and Performance. Sport 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
This Masters programme is ideal if you want to go on to specialise in physiology-related studies at a doctoral level for academic and professional development or if you aspire to a professional career in exercise physiology.
During your studies you will be provided with detailed knowledge of physiology applied to sport and exercise contexts. The programme is also designed to extend your knowledge beyond 'classical' exercise physiology studies and into the new arena of molecular 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.
You will be provided with extensive practical experience and academic development in fundamental scientific technical including research methods, statistical analysis and scientific communication. As part of your course you will complete a record of competency in physiological assessment, deliver a conference presentation and gain first-hand experience of 'wet lab' techniques including western blotting and proteomics.
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Your programme is made up of a number of core modules and a Research Project as detailed below.
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.
Core modules
Leadership & Leader Development
20 credits
20 credits
By applying theory to your practice, this module will aim to equip you with the knowledge and understanding of the complex dynamics of leadership to help you in your own development and that of leading teams effectively.
In combination with the programme you will explore your strengths and weaknesses as a leader, learn how to articulate effectively your own personal leadership style and those within your organisation and identify effective and ineffective leadership in the law enforcement context.
People: Planning & Engagement
10 credits
10 credits
Learners will critically investigate the developments in people management and practice in the context of a continuously evolving policing environment.
Learners will also explore the role of values in more depth, considering the key concepts of organisational behaviour, and organisational culture and how these can drive business effectiveness and performance. These fundamental underpinnings will form the foundation for future modules.
Learners will critique a wide range of literature, cases and example which explores the future world of work which will include the advancement in technology, sociodemographic changes, political and economic impact, and influences.
Behaviour & Culture in Organisations
20 credits
20 credits
In this module we will explore a range of perspectives on organising and organisations, and critically evaluate the relevance and usefulness of theory in helping us to think about the contexts in which we work and what this means culture, knowledge creation, learning, and inclusion.
Stakeholders & Relationships
20 credits
20 credits
The module commences with an exploration of the learner’s stakeholder ecosystem, including examination of the health and importance of relationships with stakeholders within and outside of their individual forces. Learners will then analyse strategies for establishing and managing stakeholder relationships, including the application of these to their individual policing context with a view to identifying opportunities for enhancement.
Given the importance of multi-agency partnerships in managing threat, vulnerability, and risk in policing, and recognising their benefits in terms of resource management, learners will consider the barriers to multi-agency working and their role as leaders in seeking resolution. Particularly in circumstances of organisation and/or occupational discord. Before progressing to explore issues of reputation and branding, with a focus upon public perceptions of policing and means by which trust and confidence in law enforcement may be strengthened. Recognising the importance of personal attitudes and beliefs toward collaboration, this module will also include reflective pauses providing learners with the opportunity to consider the implications of their own experiences, background, and psyche on engagement.
Finally, recognising the importance of research skills in evidence-based practice and in support of developing the academic skills necessary for completion of the assignment, the module will include a focus on research interviewing to include practical, theoretical and ethical aspects of the process.
Strategy & Decision Making
20 credits
20 credits
The module aims to provide an analysis of the theories, concepts and frameworks associated with transformational strategic management and decision-making. Learners will develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of the complexities of creating, evaluating, and maintaining ethical and sustainable delivery plans to achieve organisational strategic objectives within the context of policing. This will include evaluating the dynamic internal and external environment, managing resources, and delivering value. Learners will evaluate a range of decision-making tools and techniques in relation to the National Decision-Making Model and consider the evolution of decision-making practice.
The module will encourage learners to consider the wider societal impact of strategic change as well as the role of new technology and digitalisation in organisational transformation. The authentic nature of the assessment enables students to put their learning into effect a policing environment, to apply their understanding to their own organisational context and to develop practical management skills. Furthermore, learners will be able to be able to use broader stakeholder analysis (delivered in previous modules) in an applied context to create a basis on which a strategic plan can be created and implemented.
Finance & Resource Management
10 credits
10 credits
The module aims to provide learners with a detailed understanding of how financial management theories, concepts and techniques are used to support transformational organisational strategy and operations. It will provide learners with a grounding in the financial tools used for decision-making and data analysis and consider how these can be used to meet complex organisational challenges in law enforcement.
Learners will use critical analysis to consider the limitations of financial tools and will evaluate the role of values, ethics and sustainability in creating appropriate financial reporting structures. In the module, learners will critically reflect on their own experience as well as that of their peers to enhance their personal understanding of forward looking financial practice and budget management.
Learners wil explore the impact that the organisations financial position and strategy has on other operational areas such as people management and supply chain.
On completion of this module, students will have developed into more successful, financially literate senior leaders and will be able to apply their learning to their current policing role.
Innovation & Change Project
20 credits
20 credits
The aim of this module is to consolidate and integrate knowledge and skills acquired in the modules undertaken in years one and two of the programme. Learners will be expected to demonstrate how the learning they have undertaken has been applied within their public service workplace and, through the means of a scoping document, plan for implementation of strategic level policy within their law enforcement organisation.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
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. Taught sessions will provide an orientation to the topic and opportunity for classroom discussion and debate. You will also be expected to read widely using primary sources of reference material.
Teaching methods
Our teaching is delivered primarily through laboratory practicals and student-centred learning techniques, such as problem-based learning.
Applied learning
The programme 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.
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.
Where you will study
The MSc programme is delivered in the City Campus, in the £28million 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.
Course tutors
Dr Low has a PhD in Exercise Physiology from LJMU. Before joining LJMU as a Senior Lecturer, he conducted research in the U.S at the Thermoregulatory Laboratory of the Institute of Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, and the Centre of Sports Medicine and Human Performance at Brunel University. He also worked as the Clinical Research Lead at the Autonomic and Neurovascular Medicine Unit at St Mary’s Hospital, Imperial College London. David is a member of the Cardiovascular Health Sciences Research Group within LJMU’s Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES). His research investigates thermoregulatory physiology, especially cutaneous vascular function and structure in both healthy and diseased individuals, through collaborative work that trains and mentors colleagues and students and shares knowledge and technical expertise.
![]()
![]()
I particularly enjoy being at the forefront of research and applied practice. This allows for a truly unique educational environment that is at the cutting edge of industry
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen 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.
Cutting-edge research in Exercise Physiology relies heavily on molecular techniques and it is imperative that future graduates are able to contribute to this high-impact area of exercise science. On graduation, you may go into teaching and lecturing in schools, colleges and universities. Many students choose to continue in education, research or applied sports science, with a significant number continuing their studies to Doctoral level.
Past graduates have taken positions as applied practitioners in sports science support programmes within a variety of professional sports clubs, national governing bodies of sport, or as strategic sport science officers and consultants in professional sport settings.
Tuition fees and funding
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
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. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
- You will need GCSE Mathematics and English Language (grade A*-C / 9-4) or equivalent.
Further information
-
Extra Requirements
The course team has a strong commitment to widening participation and positively welcomes non-standard applicants. Candidates with management experience and an aptitude for study maybe accepted without previous experience of higher education, following discussion with the Programme Leader
How to apply
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.
Your university life
From accommodation and academic support to clubs and societies. Find out what LJMU has to offer.
Related Links
Talk to our students
Connect with a current LJMU student for advice and guidance on university life, courses and more.
See what our students are saying
At LJMU we want you to know you’re making the right choice by studying with us. You can see what our students are saying about their experience with us through their reviews on the following websites:
Related Links
News and views
Browse through the latest news and stories from the university
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.
