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This master's programme will allow you to further your understanding of advanced biomechanical principles, whilst also develop the practical and professional skills required for a successful career as an applied practitioner or researcher. 

  • Students will gain a deep understanding on three-dimensional modelling, coordination, movement variability and more contemporary topics
  • Focus on the practical application of skills across sport, exercise and research sectors
  • Students have access to excellent sport facilities including three human performance laboratories
  • Wide range of careers within the testing and monitoring of athletes, sports teams, and more

Why study Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics?

Through gaining a deep understanding of concepts such as three-dimensional modelling, coordination and movement variability and contemporary topics, and the ability to use a range of equipment such as a 14-camera Vicon motion capture system, isokinetic dynamometers, electromyography and force platforms, you will gain extensive experience of a wide-range of investigations.

Traditionally, biomechanists have typically worked in clinical and exercise settings, focusing on movement analysis for injury prevention and rehabilitation or in a research context. However, due to recent technological advances, there has been exciting growth in the field, with a particular rise seen in the role of biomechanists when testing and monitoring athletes within elite sport. This programme will provide you with the opportunity to enhance your ability to work in all three sectors.

Why St Mary's?

St Mary’s is recognised as one of the top English Universities for sport (ranked 3rd by the Which? University Student Survey, 2019). We have excellent facilities comprising a state-of-the-art biomechanics laboratory, data analysis suite, fully equipped performance education centre, multiple rehabilitation clinics and extensive sports grounds.

Unlike programmes which specialise in one particular aspect of a Biomechanist’s role, this programme focuses on the practical application of skills and knowledge across sport, exercise and research sectors. Content is aligned to the competencies identified by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and therefore provides the perfect stepping-stone to a professional career.

Useful information

Course lead

Dr Alexandra Atack headshotDr Alexandra Atack
Course Lead - Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics MSc, PGDip, PGCert

Entry requirements

2:2 Previous degree

A 2:2 degree (or equivalent) in sport science, exercise science, strength and conditioning science, physical education, sport rehabilitation, physiotherapy or a related field.

 

Additional requirement information

Students will be considered with other appropriate qualifications or experience that is deemed equivalent. Applicants should normally be able to demonstrate a background in research methods or a related discipline.

International requirements

International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section (or equivalent).

We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.

Further information

For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.

Course content

Modules

  •  Core
  •  Core
  •  Core
  •  Core
  •  Core
  •  Core
  •  Core

Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.

Career opportunities

This degree builds on the strengths of our Sport and Exercise Science programme and reflects the demand for applied sport and exercise scientists in today’s marketplace. The course of study is suitable for sport and exercise practitioners, teachers, and recent graduates and provides the opportunity to study applied aspects of sport and exercise biomechanics.

As you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to multiple contexts throughout the programme, a wide-range of career options will be available to you in sport, exercise and academic settings on completion of the MSc. These include, but are not limited to, the testing and monitoring of athletes/sports teams, clinical or commercial human movement assessment, as well as research in Higher Education institutions or cutting-edge technology development for private companies. 

The Careers Service has more information on graduate careers and part-time work available during your course.

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How the degree is taught

Teaching methods

You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.

Teaching consists of a combination of lectures, seminars, practical laboratory and data processing sessions.

There is a one-week intensive Research Methods module that you are required to attend from Monday 19th September – Friday 23rd September (9am-5pm daily).

This will be before your other Semester 1 modules, which begin on the following week (commencing 26th September). All other modules are planned to run on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the semester.

Assessment methods

A wide variety of assessment modes are employed including critical essays, laboratory reports, practical examinations, vlogs and presentations. No formal written examinations are included, however, students will be required to complete an independent data analysis task as part of ‘Advanced Biomechanics Principles’ and oral examinations are employed within some modules.

Modules are taught two or three hours per week in addition to an intensive teaching week at the start of Semester one. The programme can be completed in a year if studied full-time. Part-time students can complete the degree in two years.

This degree can be studied as an MSc, PGDip or PGCert. You will need to accrue 180 credits to qualify for the MSc, 120 credits for the PGDip and 60 credits for the PGCert. All modules have a credit value of 20, except for the research project which has a credit value of 60.

Facilities

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Fees and funding

Tuition fees

September 2023

  • Home: £9,300
  • International: £16,350

The tuition fees listed are for the duration of the course. Students will be charged for the modules undertaken per academic year. Module prices are calculated as a percentage of credits against the total credits and cost of the degree. Please see clause 5.15.2 of the Tuition Fee Regulations for further information.

Tuition fees are subject to an inflationary increase each year, meaning if your course runs over more than one academic year you may pay an increased fee per module for each subsequent year of study. Tuition fee increases for returning students will be capped at the higher of 5% per annum or the rate of Consumer Price Index inflation in the United Kingdom.

Alumni discount

A 20% tuition fee discount is available for our alumni (undergraduate and PGCE) planning to study this Master's degree. Those studying for a PGDip of PGCert are not eligible for the discount.

Funding

Government-funded loans of over £11,000 are available to many Home postgraduate students.

Home and International students may also be eligible for external sources of funding. 

International Students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.

For more information, please look at our postgraduate funding page.

Additional costs

Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.

Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.

For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage. 

Teaching staff

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Further information

Related postgraduate programmes