MSc SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCE

lady runs on treadmill in lab

Overview

The MSc in Sport & Exercise Science is delivered by staff internationally recognised for their involvement in sports practice and their contributions to research and teaching. The course is aligned to the personal accreditation requirements of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) and empowers students to develop a specialist area of knowledge within the sport and exercise sector.

Alongside five core modules, you will also choose to study one of the following 40-credit optional/specialist career choices: Environmental Sports Science; Applied Biomechanics; Coaching.

We will provide you with a vocationally relevant period of training, supported by industry links, which include British Cycling, the Altitude Centre and Lanserhof at the Arts Clubs to develop you to go on to succeed in areas such as elite sport, sport and exercise medicine or societal health and wellbeing.

Why Sport & Exercise Science at LSBU?

Subject specific pathways that enable students to study for a specialist postgraduate qualification
A professional development module that develops professional and reflective practice skills to enhance employability
An enriched learning environment driven by high-impact pedagogies and the needs of industry to enable you to develop and practice as competent and capable practitioners within the wider sports and exercise science community
The opportunity to develop competencies required by an exercise scientist, within the respective pathway, as outlined by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES)
Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
ModeFull-time Duration1 year Start dateSeptember Application code5847 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModePart-time Duration2 years Start dateSeptember Application code5848 Application method Direct to LSBU

Location

London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.

If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.

Register your interest

Entry Level Requirements

The normal entry requirement for students will be a minimum Lower Second Class degree in Sport and Exercise Science or related discipline. Students must have degree level knowledge of Research Methods.

Consideration will be given to non-standard academic entry and will be dependent upon relevant work experience and professional qualifications. Entry via this route will be by interview only.

Course status

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Postgraduate loan (PGL) for Masters study

If you are starting a Masters course, studying either full- or part-time, you may be entitled to apply for a postgraduate study loan. Find out more at our postgraduate fees and funding section.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on funding your studies on the scholarships and fee discounts page.

Fee status

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

International students

International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.

Home/EU applicants

Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
Mode Full-time Duration 1 year Start date September Application code 5847 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Part-time Duration 2 years Start date September Application code 5848 Application method Direct to LSBU

Postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system. Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.

See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).

Accommodation

Students should apply for accommodation at London South Bank University (LSBU) as soon as possible, once we have made an offer of a place on one of our academic courses. Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Finance

It's a good idea to think about how you'll pay university tuition and maintenance costs while you're still applying for a place to study. Remember – you don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as a postgraduate student.

Postgraduate Application Service

Book a session with one of our specialist Postgraduate Advisors. Over a one on one Advice Session they'll advise you on postgraduate degrees at LSBU that match your interests and experience.

Prepare to start

We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read How to apply tab for this course.

Enrolment and Induction

Enrolment takes place before you start your course. On completing the process, new students formally join the University. There will be an online data gathering exercise that you will complete yourself, then you will be invited to a welcome meeting. At LSBU, you will confirm your qualifications by showing relevant certificates, and also bring proof of identity.

In September, applicants who have accepted an unconditional offer to study at LSBU will be sent details of induction, which is when they are welcomed to the University and their School. Induction helps you get the best out of your university experience, and makes sure you have all the tools to succeed in your studies.

Read more about Enrolment and Induction on MyLSBU, our student portal.

The course has both core and specialist career choice modules. The core modules are central to Sport and Exercise Science. We use an array of assessment methods throughout the course, including case studies, laboratory reports, oral presentations and practical demonstrations.

All Modules are equally weighted (20 credits) other than the Research Project module (60 credits).

Core Modules

  • Strength & Conditioning 
    This module is designed to advance your understanding of strength and conditioning. It will review and develop the physiological basis and understanding of the development of strength, power and endurance. 
  • Human Performance Testing & Measurement
    This module is designed to advance your knowledge of the current technology and methodological approaches for the evaluation of human fitness and performance. 
  • Professional Development
    In this module you will undertake a continuous professional development (CPD), whereby you will tailor your learning/development to map to the professional standards required in your chosen career plan. 
  • Research Methods
    This module will build upon your existing knowledge of research methods at undergraduate level. You will advance your understanding of the research techniques that you are likely to adopt for your dissertation. 
  • Research Project
    Students will carry out a research project aligned to their specialist area of study. 

Environmental Sports Science choice

  • Exercise Psychophysiology
    This module is designed to advance your theoretical understanding of the function of muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular and central nervous systems and your responses to different environmental conditions.
  • Environmental Physiology: Strategic Interventions
    The development of knowledge and skills taught in this module will help prepare students to apply successfully for jobs in the field of sports science support / strength and conditioning / exercise and health related fitness/rehabilitation

Applied Biomechanics career choice

  • Tendon musculoskeletal Adaptation and Health
    This module will provide you with essential knowledge of the tolerance/intolerance of biological tissues to mechanical loading and exercise and will enable a better understanding of the prevention and management of tendon-musculoskeletal disorders in the clinical environment.
  • Gait Analysis
    This module has been designed to allow students to develop their skills in analysing human locomotion. It will primarily focus on 3-dimensional motion capture recording and analytical techniques, where students will first understand its role within the clinical domain before applying this knowledge in practical experimentation.

Coaching career choice

  • Psychology for Coaches
    This module aims at helping students understand the mental side of sport and how athletes act, think and feel when they practice and compete. It also provides students with the tools and skills to help athletes achieve their full potential for optimal performance. 
  • Scientific Principles of Coaching
    This module will challenge students to look at coaching and coaching ecology in an innovative and progressive manner. In doing so, you will be guided through contemporary scientific areas that underpin coaching and the application to coaching practice.

    Facilities

    Sport and Exercise Science Research Centre (SESRC)

    The Sport and Exercise Science Research Centre (SESRC) has access to sophisticated equipment which enhances research activities, and is where some of your classes will take place. You can take a virtual tour below.

    LSBU Active

    You'll have access to a range of sports facilities and equipment, including a fully equipped fitness suite with SMART Centre Technology, a Functional Training Zone, Free Weights Room and Sports Hall.

    LSBU Active has been recognised nationally for its high standards of excellence, receiving a customer satisfaction rate of 84.5%, from the UKCSI Business Benchmark Survey.

    Careers

    Employability Service

    At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

    • An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
    • Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

    Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

    After graduating with an MSc in Sport & Exercise Science you can expect to work in areas such as elite performance and sport, sport development and coaching, applied human movement research and clinical health, fitness and exercise.

    We empower students to shape their development and enhance their career prospects through tailored assessments, vocational placements, and tutored career development as well as by providing evidence-based teaching by internationally excellent research staff.

    This course is aligned to the personal accreditation requirements of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES). At present, BASES do not accredit Master’s programmes; however our course does have strong links with industry partners, and students have the opportunity to carry out placements and develop professional development with these partners.

    Teaching and Assessment

    All modules, except Research Project, will be delivered over 12 weeks and carry 200 notional hours of study and practical/professional experience. Class contact time is typically 12 hours per week plus individual tutorial and independent study.

    Teaching and learning

    The course involves a range of traditional and contemporary approaches that are based on accepted pedagogical research. Activities vary based on the module aims and learning outcomes. Theoretical modules will offer students the opportunity to develop and advance their understanding through a blend of keynote lectures, tutorials, group work, flipped learning, action- and problem-based learning activities. Modules which are laboratory based will predominantly use approaches that engage students through structured laboratory demonstrations, group work, role play and problem-based learning.

    Academic tutoring

    You will be allocated a named academic tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU. The role of your academic tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support. Your academic tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University.

    People profiles

    Contact information

    Course Enquiries - UK

    Tel: 0207 815 7500

    International team enquiry

    Tel: +44 (0) 20 7815 6189

    Get in touch

    Chat with a course student