Exercise Physiology

Entry year:: 2025/26
Start date:: September
Study mode:: Full-time
Course duration:: 1 year
Campus:: City

About this course

LJMU's Exercise Physiology MSc is geared towards both classical physiology and research at the forefront of molecular exercise physiology.

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 Exercise Physiology. Sport represents one of the worlds 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.

Michael talks about the benefits of studying MSc Exercise Physiology.

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

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 provides the opportunity for students to further develop and extend their knowledge and practical experience of the research process, and to learn and make use of advanced research skills.

After completing the module students should be able to:

Produce a piece of independent research in journal article format
Critically evaluate the concepts, methodologies and associated literature underpinning the research
Assimilate, integrate and critically discuss the research findings
Justify and critically discuss the research and research process

Physiological Assessment
20 credits

This module aims provide extensive theoretical and practical training in exercise physiology measurements, evaluation and reporting to prepare students to apply this knowledge in professional laboratory and field based settings.

Molecular Exercise Physiology
20 credits

This module aims to provide the knowledge and practical skills to contribute to this exciting area of research. It will also provide training in traditional and contemporary protein analysis.

Wearable Technology for Exercise Prescription
20 credits

This module aims to provide theoretical understanding and practical training in the construction and delivery of performance and health-related exercise programmes. In addition you will critically examine the validity and appraise the merits of monitoring exercise performance using new, wearable technologies.

Fundamental Sports Performance Physiology
20 credits

The purpose of this module is to provide students with an integrative insight into the physiological mechanisms (e.g. biochemical, hormonal, muscular, cardiovascular, and neural) that maximise athletic performance of athletes competing across a large range of sporting disciplines involving high-intensity, intermittent or endurance exercise; and how these mechanisms may vary between different populations and in different environments. Additionally, students will be introduced to a range of physiological assessments and laboratory techniques to further enhance their understanding of physiological principles, and which a performance physiologist may use to monitor athletes performance/recovery.

Contemporary Research in Exercise Physiology
20 credits

This module encompasses a series of keynote lectures highlighting prominent research themes within the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences. The module aims to develop scientific communication (written and oral) skills and the ability to critically appraise scientific literature.

Your Learning Experience

Teaching Assessment

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

What you can expect from your School

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

Prof Jatin Burniston

- Programme Leader

I am passionate about the Exercise Physiology programme and, in particular, I love teaching my module on molecular exercise physiology.

Professor Burniston has pioneered proteomic investigation of exercise-induced adaptations in cardiac and skeletal muscle. His recent publications place LJMU as one of the worlds leading institutions applying proteomic techniques in exercise physiology. Professor Burniston uses mass spectrometry as well as other -omics approaches to investigate muscle responses to exercise training. His long-term objective is a systems biology-level understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the health benefits of exercise.

Career paths

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.

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.

Fees and funding

Tuition Fees:

Home fee:: £10,195

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.

International full-time per year:: £18,250

International Scholarships and payment plans

Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.

Scholarships

LJMU provides a variety of scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations.

All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.

Deposit

All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.

For more information view our deposit page.

Tuition Fee Payment Plan

After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.

All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.

Early Bird Tuition Fee discount

We are excited to introduce a £500 Early Payment Discount to all self-funded international students. Eligible self-funded students who pay their fees by the required deadlines will get a discount which will be automatically deducted from the 1st year of tuition fees.

To see the required deadlines please visit the webpage

Entry requirements

You will need:

Qualification requirements

Undergraduate degree

a minimum 2:1 honours degree in sport science, or a related discipline

or (if you have been out of education for some time)

to provide details of relevant experience in lieu of formal qualifications, for example, work experience, voluntary work, research etc. Please describe in detail how this has helped you to improve your knowledge of exercise physiology

Further information

Extra Requirements
RPL
- RPL is accepted on this programme

International requirements

Show all sections

IELTS

IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in each component)

Other international requirements

International students applying to study a full-time taught Masters, MRes, MPhil or PhD at LJMU should check if they require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate. International students entering on a Tier 4 visa cannot study part time. Please contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for further details

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.

Postgraduate life at LJMU

See the amazing support you will get from the university, the academic expertise of the staff here, the first-class learning environment, fabulous libraries, excellent career guidance and their ongoing love affair with the city of Liverpool.

Accommodation

As a new student at LJMU, we guarantee accommodation right in the heart of the dynamic city centre, with easy access to the main University campuses.

You can view our approved accommodation to see the halls that we offer to new students.

Your campus

We’re very proud of our campuses. Not only because they provide a modern and inspiring learning space for all our students but also because they’re a place people really want to be.

Find out more about your campus

Living in Liverpool

Liverpool is one of Europe's most dynamic and cultured cities. Come find out why it's a great city to study in.

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.

Sports, societies and lifestyle

Getting involved in sports, clubs and societies at Liverpool John Moores University is a great way to challenge yourself, meet people who share your interests, and feel more connected to the University community.