MSc Sport and Exercise Biomechanics Degree

Overview

Develop your knowledge of the sport and exercise sciences

The MSc Sport and Exercise Biomechanics provides you with an opportunity to study at a postgraduate level to fulfil the initial requirements for The Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) accreditation, to develop your knowledge of the sport and exercise sciences and to increase your skills in applying such knowledge in both sporting and exercise populations

Within the past decade there has been a marked growth in the career opportunities available for sport and exercise biomechanists (e.g. teaching in further and higher education, World Class Support programmes).

Coupled with this growth, there has also been an increased need for appropriately qualified and accredited individuals to fill such positions.

CASES has developed procedures for the accreditation of suitably-experienced individuals that stipulate the possession of a relevant form of postgraduate qualification.

Aaron

Msc Sport and Exercise Biomechanics

I initially chose Chichester because of the reported quality of the exercise-focused courses as stated by my then-lecturers and previous students of Chichester. I then met with Dr Neal Smith, Field Leader in Biomechanics, to learn more about what the course could offer and whether it suited my career aspirations which were heavily directed towards the healthcare industry. The way the course was taught was an outstanding strength.

The Course

Understand the biomechanics of leading sporting performance

This course provides you with the knowledge of advanced biomechanical principles, theories and practicalities, as you build towards you final research project.

This list is indicative and subject to change.

Developing as an Applied Practitioner in Biomechanics
Tissues, Modelling and Assistive Devices
Ergonomics in Sport & Exercise
Applied Research Skills
Advanced Research Skills for Sport

Developing as an Applied Practitioner in Biomechanics

This is an opportunity to develop your skills in delivering applied consultancy in the biomechanics of sport and exercise.

Tissues, Modelling and Assistive Devices

This module covers wide-ranging applications of biomechanics research findings on areas such as muscle, tendon, ligament tissues, one/two joint muscles, muscle and joint energetics, prosthetic design, orthotic design and function, vibration training, in-silico modelling, and neuromuscular modelling.

Ergonomics in Sport & Exercise

You will understand areas of ergonomics research and practice where your skills as a biomechanist can be applied.

Applied Research Skills

An introduction to quantitative and qualitative methodology for biomechanics using practical and real-world examples to illustrate how we make sense of data.

Advanced Research Skills for Sport

You will learn and apply innovative and cutting-edge methods of analysis evident in biomechanics literature.

Experience

Discover a wide range of excellent sporting facilities that support your learning

Bishop Otter campus

Click to watch our virtual tour of our historic Bishop Otter campus in the heart of Chichester.

Sport and Exercise Science laboratories tour

Watch our virtual tour of our various sport and exercise science facilities, including our labs, injury clinic and brain imaging unit.

Sports facilities

Professor Mike Lauder guides you through our world-class facilities on our historic Bishop Otter campus.

Sports laboratories

We have four specialist sports labs including a virtual reality reader, brain imaging unit and an observation suite.

Sports injury clinic

Students use our specialist injury clinics these spaces for practical sessions and run a practice.

Tudor Hale Centre for Sport

Our world-class Tudor Hale Centre for Sport acts as the focus for sports science, therapy and physiology.

Sports hall

Our specialist sports hall can be used for a wide range of indoor sports, including basketball, netball, badminton and volleyball.

Specialist outdoor sports pitches

Alongside our grass football and rugby pitches, we also have our International Hockey Federation compliant floodlit astro turf.

Close community

Our commitment to a friendly and close-knit student community contributes to a high degree of success for our graduates.

Expert staff

Learn from experienced biomechanics and sports science specialists here to support you throughout your degree.

FA Women’s High-Performance Football Centre

As one of only nine centres in the UK, we provide additional opportunities for women to develop as players and coaches.

Fitness suite

We offer a variety of cardio, resistance and weight equipment, with a dedicated strength and conditioning room.

Sports Dome

The Sports Dome is a large indoor facility which can be used for sports such as cricket, football, hockey and many more.

Learning Resource Centre

The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) contains the library, a café, IT/teaching rooms and the Support and Information Zone (SIZ).

Library

Our campus library holds more than 200,000 books and over 500,000 eBooks.

Subject specific librarians

If you have difficulty finding material for an essay, seminar or project, subject librarians will be happy to provide assistance.

Teaching and Assessment

Innovative teaching methods that focus on practice

Teaching

Our team of principal lecturers ensure innovation, enthusiasm and expertise combine to deliver the excellent standards that give our institution its high reputation.

When you come to Chichester, you will join a community of students and lecturers working in partnership to ensure that your learning experience reflects best practice and embraces the opportunities presented by new, interactive technologies.

Each module is delivered differently depending on its content and focus of study.

In most modules you can expect lead lectures to introduce core content, but the majority of your time will be spent working in small groups with tutor support in seminars, workshops or laboratory sessions.

Many sessions will require you to have completed some preparatory work and you will also be given structured follow-up work after a session to further progress your learning, often reading or an individual/group task. As you progress through your degree you will be expected to take more and more ownership over your learning and development, directing your study into areas of most interest to you.

Assessment

You will be assessed by a variety of methods, including essays, examinations, portfolios, practical assessments, lab reports and oral presentations.

Our course includes a mix of assessments so that you may develop a wide range of transferable skills. Modules are assessed at every stage of the course, offering cumulative assessment of your progress.

You can monitor your own progress, allowing you the opportunity to discuss and plan your development with your lecturers throughout the course. Where appropriate special arrangements can be made for students with an identified need.

To gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics, you need to complete three modules. Each module is assessed by a 4,000-word assignment.
To gain a Postgraduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics, you need to complete six modules. Each module is assessed by a 4,000-word assignment.
To gain an MSc in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics, you need to complete six modules, and a dissertation of 12,000 words or a supervised experience portfolio.

Careers

Acquire the skills and knowledge required to gain employment with the sports industry

We understand the importance of ensuring that you have the knowledge, skills and experience to compete successfully in today’s challenging jobs market.

Typical careers include:

High-level performance coaching
Personal training
Physiotherapy
Gait analysis expert
Sport coaching
PhD research.

Student View

“Lecturers are always available to help and answer questions and their open door policy provides a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.”

Andy

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science graduate

Returning to education as a mature student was a little daunting, but my experience of studying at Chichester has been brilliant. Life around campus is fun and friendly and my course has given me the chance to learn new skills, get involved in research and discover lots of different sports science disciplines. Lecturers are always available to help and answer questions and their open door policy provides a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Mark

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Physical Activity for Health) graduate and now a Senior Cardiac Physiologist

The Sports and Exercise Science degree not only provided me with a good underpinning knowledge of human anatomy and physiology in relation to both health and disease, it also enabled me to gain valuable experience and confidence with handling scientific data; and further promoted my interpersonal skills such as being organised, proactive and my managing time effectively.

Megan

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Physical Activity for Health) graduate and PGCE PE graduate, now working a teacher

My degree has helped me massively to share the knowledge I have gained in a simpler form to the younger generations inspiring them to participate and love sports and physical activity, and the benefits they reap from it. I’m thankful for my undergraduate degree as it has set me up tremendously to be able to share the complex knowledge I learnt in a simpler form for young people.

Dev

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Sport Performance) graduate and now Performance Analyst for the Lawn Tennis Association

My work placement on the degree was invaluable and helped me with my job. I’m responsible for the analysis for GB Wheelchair Tennis, be that during training or matches, singles or doubles. The course gave me exposure to the foundations and implementation of performance analysis. I liked that it combined statistics and sport. You get to help with athlete/coach development and watch sport every day.

Amy

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Sport Performance) graduate and Help for Heroes Performance Pathway Scientist

My degree gave me an insight into the multi-disciplinary approach needed to support high-performance sport and gave me a good breadth of understanding across a range of fields that directly influence sports performance. The degree has supported my role with the necessary skills required to effectively manage multiple high-profile projects at once, stay up to date with current share practices and research and develop strong working relationships across a broad range of individuals from different knowledge and experience backgrounds, to achieve a common end goal. It is so rewarding using what my degree taught me, either directly or indirectly, to help me positively impact so many people on their journey either in high-performance sport or within their recovery journey from being in military service.

Course Costs

Course Fees 2026/27

UK fee

£9,360

University of Chichester alumni who have completed a full undergraduate degree at the University will receive a 15% discount on their postgraduate fees.

International fee

£17,640

For further details about fees, please see our Tuition Fees page.

For further details about international scholarships, please see our Scholarships page.

To find out about any additional costs on this course, please see our Additional Costs page.

Entry Requirements

An honours degree at 2:1 or higher in a related discipline.
You will also be required to attend an interview.

If English is not your first language then English language proficiency required is IELTS 6.5 (with no element less than 5.5) – or equivalent qualification

International students who don’t meet the entry requirements

If you are an international student and do not yet meet the entry criteria for this course, you may be eligible for our International Premaster’s Programme. This is a one-semester programme that allows you to progress onto a master’s course at the University of Chichester.

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Full Time

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MSc Sport and Exercise Biomechanics

Understand the complexities of exercise science with a focus on biomechanics