MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics program, specifically designed to provide an advanced and integrated understanding of biomechanical principles as they apply to human movement in sport and exercise. This postgraduate degree is tailored for individuals seeking to develop specialist knowledge and practical skills in analyzing human motion, with applications ranging from optimizing athletic performance and injury prevention to clinical rehabilitation and ergonomic design. The program emphasizes the practical application of theoretical knowledge, utilizing state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment for motion capture, force plate analysis, electromyography (EMG), and other biomechanical assessment techniques. It aims to produce highly competent and adaptable sport and exercise biomechanists capable of working in various professional settings within the sport, exercise, health, and research industries.
Curriculum: The MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics curriculum at St Mary's University is structured to provide a comprehensive and practical education. Core modules typically include advanced biomechanical measurement techniques, gait analysis, motion analysis, musculoskeletal biomechanics, and the application of biomechanics in various sport and exercise contexts. Students delve into topics such as force analysis, kinematics, kinetics, and the use of specialist software for data processing and interpretation. The program also includes research methods and statistics to equip students with the necessary skills to design and conduct independent research. A significant component of the course is a Master's Dissertation, where students undertake an in-depth research project, allowing them to specialize in an area of particular interest and apply their acquired knowledge to a novel problem. Assessment methods often include practical reports, presentations, essays, and the dissertation, ensuring a balance between theoretical understanding and practical application.
Research Focus: The Sport and Exercise Science department at St Mary's University Twickenham boasts an active research environment, with faculty members engaged in diverse areas within sport and exercise biomechanics. Research strengths often lie in areas such as injury prevention and rehabilitation, optimizing sports performance through biomechanical analysis, the biomechanics of specific sports (e.g., running, cycling, throwing events), and the development of new biomechanical assessment technologies. The expertise of the academic staff, many of whom are practitioners or consultants in their fields, directly informs the curriculum, ensuring that teaching is at the forefront of current scientific understanding and industry best practices. Students are encouraged to engage with this research culture through their dissertation projects and by participating in departmental research seminars.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key strength of the MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics program, designed to enhance students' employability and provide real-world experience. St Mary's University has strong links with various professional sports organizations, clinical settings, and research institutions. Students often have opportunities to gain practical experience through placements, internships, or collaborations on applied projects with external partners. The university's high-performance sport facilities and connections with elite athletes and coaches provide unique opportunities for students to apply their biomechanical skills in a practical context. Guest lectures from industry professionals and networking events are also integrated into the program, allowing students to connect with potential employers and gain insights into career pathways within the sport, exercise, and health sectors.
Global Perspective: The MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics program at St Mary's University incorporates a global perspective by drawing on international research and practices in the field. While grounded in the UK context, the principles of sport and exercise biomechanics are universally applicable, and the program exposes students to a broad range of international studies and methodologies. The diverse background of students and faculty often enriches discussions with cross-cultural insights into athletic performance, injury patterns, and rehabilitation strategies. Graduates are equipped with skills that are transferable globally, preparing them for careers in international sports organizations, research institutions, or working with athletes from diverse backgrounds in various countries.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 17640
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 60.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
An MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics from St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills in the mechanical principles governing human movement in sport and exercise. This highly specialized postgraduate degree prepares individuals for diverse roles focused on enhancing athletic performance, preventing and rehabilitating injuries, and advancing research within the field. Graduates possess expertise in advanced measurement techniques, 3D motion capture, computer modeling, and data analysis, making them valuable assets across various sectors.
Sport Biomechanist (Elite Sport): Working with professional sports teams, national governing bodies, or individual athletes to analyze movement technique, optimize performance, identify injury risks, and inform training strategies.
Clinical Biomechanist: Collaborating with physiotherapists, orthopedists, or rehabilitation specialists in clinics or hospitals to analyze patient movement patterns, assist in diagnosis, design rehabilitation programs, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for conditions affecting mobility.
Performance Analyst (Biomechanics Focus): Analyzing quantitative data from training and competition, including biomechanical markers, to provide insights to coaches and athletes for performance improvement and strategic planning.
Research Scientist / Academic: Pursuing further doctoral studies (PhD) or working as a researcher in universities, research institutes, or sports science laboratories, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in sport and exercise biomechanics.
Sports Equipment Designer/Developer: Working with sports equipment manufacturers to apply biomechanical principles in the design and testing of athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment to improve performance, comfort, and injury prevention.
Laboratory Manager/Technician (Sport Science Lab): Managing and operating biomechanics laboratories within universities, research institutions, or elite sports organizations, ensuring the accurate collection and analysis of biomechanical data.
Strength and Conditioning Coach (Biomechanically Informed): Designing and implementing training programs that incorporate biomechanical principles to enhance athletic performance, reduce injury risk, and improve movement efficiency.
Ergonomist / Human Factors Engineer: Applying biomechanical knowledge in occupational settings to design safer and more efficient workplaces, tools, and systems, aiming to reduce work-related musculoskeletal injuries and improve overall human performance.
Gait Analysis Specialist: Specializing in the analysis of walking and running patterns for clinical assessment, athletic performance optimization, or footwear prescription.
Lecturer / Educator (Further/Higher Education): Teaching biomechanics or related sport and exercise science subjects at universities or colleges, sharing expertise and inspiring the next generation of sport scientists.
