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At a glance

• Course developed by world-leading researchers from our pioneering School of Sport and Exercise Science
• Specific expertise includes clinical gait analysis and virtual rehabilitation (Dr Gabor Barton), posture and balance throughout life and across activities (Dr Jos Vanrenterghem), and biomechanics of injuries and footwear assessment (Dr Mark Lake)
• Leading to careers in health-related movement analysis and/or academic and professional development, particularly well suited to physiotherapists who wish to deepen their biomechanical expertise
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories in award-winning Tom Reilly Building, including Movement Function Research Laboratory
• All staff are members of the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science (RISES), awarded maximum 5* rating in the latest research assessment exercise

Course overview

Biomechanics is the study of the mechanical functioning of the biological system. It provides objective evidence by exploring underlying mechanisms of healthy and pathological processes, informing clinical decision making. Extensive training is provided in laboratory-based skills and in the interpretation of biomechanical findings, as well as comprehensive coverage of contemporary issues in biomechanics.

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. There is scope for work-based learning through specific modules and our research collaborations with movement analysis laboratories provide opportunities for you to engage in research projects devised with our clinical partners.

Modules include: Research Methods, Technical Training (Biomechanics), Biomechanical Principles, Clinical Gait Analysis, Balance and Posture, Advanced Technical Training, Performance Biomechanics, Self Directed Learning and Applied Placement.

Target awards of Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma are also offered for students who prefer to study incrementally and manage their professional and academic development alongside professional employment.

Our dedicated Movement Function Research Laboratory was established to assess movement function, dysfunction, and rehabilitation with a focus on movement re-training. LJMU’s multidisciplinary team has an exceptional mix of expertise covering biomechanics, gait analysis, musculoskeletal injuries, and motor control. The equipment includes a software driven moving platform together with a virtual reality video screen, and a complete clinical motion analysis system (www.vicon.com) with video, force platforms, analogue inputs, and EMG. The unique combination of equipment allows a precise control and assessment of dynamic stability. Additional facilities within the Tom Reilly Building enable bone scans (DEXA) and isokinetic strength assessments (Biodex).

Why study this course at LJMU?

This programme has been developed by some of the leading researchers in the world. LJMU's School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is a pioneer in this area of study. This is a unique programme which is particularly well suited to existing practitioners in the field as well as those seeking to specialise in the Biomechanics of Gait and Posture.  

Introduction to the School

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. It 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.
 
The School is situated in the brand new Tom Reilly Building which houses all our state-of-the-art laboratories. These provide an excellent venue for innovative teaching and research. The postgraduate experience is a challenging one, which emphasises critical reflection on both theory and practice.
 
The School's excellence in teaching is further enhanced by being the only Sport and Exercise Science Department in the UK to be awarded a 'Centre of Excellence in Leadership and Professional Learning'. This Higher Education Funding Council for England award was a £4.5m initiative designed specifically to enhance student employability.

Staff research interests

Please go to  http://ljmu.ac.uk/sps/RISES/100378.htm

The Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES) was established in 1997 and continues to be the cutting-edge and vibrant home of research activity within the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences. The success of RISES staff since its inception in 1997 is obvious and a high profile international reputation has been gained for its Research Training and Research Outputs.  Across broad but multi-disciplinary research areas the RAE in 2001 rated the Institute as 5**. 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.

• We are joint 1st nationally for world leading (4*) research (25%)
  85% of our research is of an international standard.
• The School has published over 750 academic papers, over 135 each year.
• Non HEFCE QR funding is well over £5 million and is currently running at c. £1.2 million a year.
• There have been over 60 MPhil and PhD graduates from the School, at least 12 per year.

Also of interest was the RAE panels rating of 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.

How will I be assessed?

Students are assessed in a variety of ways including interactive problem solving exercises, oral presentations in front of a peer group, and coursework 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.

What do past and present students say about the course?

“The MSc programme was everything I had imagined and more. The staff possessed expert knowledge which they were more than happy to share and the smaller class sizes compared to undergraduate teaching meant I received high level, individualised input. My major project focused on gait function in unilateral trans-femoral amputees and was completed in collaboration with a commercial company in Holland. I cannot recommend the course highly enough. It provided me with the tools, skill set and, perhaps more importantly, the confidence to embark on postgraduate research.”

Simon, graduated 2011

Entry requirements

We would normally expect a minimum of an upper second class (2.1) BSc (Hons) degree in physiotherapy, physical sciences, sport or other relevant discipline which has a substantial biomechanics component at level 6.

Degree classification: (2.1) BSc (Hons) degree

Other relevant discipline which has a substantial biomechanics component at level 3.

Industry experience: Please refer to Admission Hub

International qualification: Please refer to Admission Hub

Overseas students whose first language is not English will further require an IELTS score of 6.5 or above.

Minimum TOEFL requirements:
Listening - 17
Reading - 18
Speaking - 20
Writing - 17

Will I be interviewed?

Fees information

Please contact the admissions team for this information.

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