Sport Science | MSc | University of Lincoln

Welcome to MSc Sport Science

With an emphasis on applied theory, practical work, and community engagement, this programme aims to provide students with a multidisciplinary understanding of sport science with an option to specialise in a particular area.

The MSc Sport Science is designed for graduates from sport-related degrees and professional practitioners wishing to keep their scientific knowledge and skills up to date.

Students will be encouraged to undertake applied work in the areas that best fit their interests and career plans. Academics with specialist knowledge offer mentorship and support throughout the research project.

Students can choose to focus their independent work within one of three named pathways - Biomechanics, Physiology, or Psychology - or study the MSc Sport Science without a designated pathway, in order to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of their studies.

The School maintains close links with local and national athletes, sports clubs, coaching networks, and elite athlete support programmes. These links can provide students with diverse, real-world opportunities for delivering applied support and for sharing their sport science knowledge with the community through workshops and consultancy activities.

"It was an unforgettable experience at Lincoln. The first thing I read as soon as I entered the University campus for the very first time was 'Wherever you are from, you are home!' and it always felt like a home in Lincoln.”

Vaibhav Shah, MSc Sport Science graduate

Facilities

The University of Lincoln’s Human Performance Centre offers excellent facilities to meet the academic needs of our students. Our experienced staff have academic and professional expertise in a range of areas including sport and exercise physiology, sports biomechanics, sports psychology, coach education, and sports nutrition.

You can find out more about our facilities online: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/sport/facilities/.

Career Opportunities

The breadth of the material and applied experiences covered in this programme can prepare graduates for a range of career opportunities, including sport science support, research or teaching in sport science, physical education or related areas.

Sport Industry Experiences

MSc Sport Science students have benefitted from activities such as internships at Lincoln City FC, visits to the Game Changer Performance sport science and rehabilitation facilities at St George’s Park, and guest lectures from practitioners working within elite sport.

How You Study

Timetabled learning activities may include lectures, workshops, and practical sessions, which are combined with extensive opportunities for independent learning. Specialist individual mentoring provides assistance in an area of a student's choice during applied sport science support and research projects.

In the first term, students will study modules (Biomechanical Assessment and Research, Sports Physiology, and Delivering Applied Sports Psychology) that explore the theory underpinning practice in the main disciplines of sport science. These are also designed to provide the practical skills and knowledge necessary for undertaking research or applied support work in these areas. A fourth module, Research Methods and Skills, covers quantitative and qualitative research methods, which is designed to support the development of a research project proposal.

There is an option to specialise further in term 2 with two modules that involve external engagement. In Applied Sport Science Support students are able to implement a sport science intervention with a local sports performer. In Investigation and Communication in Applied Sport Science students can design, develop, and deliver a public workshop on a sport science topic of their choice.

In the final term a Sport Science Research Project provides an opportunity for independent study that culminates in the submission of a journal manuscript. Students can choose their own research topic.

Named Pathway

Students who opt to focus their independent work in a single discipline can opt to add a named pathway to the title of their award. Alternatively, they may choose to receive the MSc Sport Science without a designated pathway in order to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of their studies.

Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least two to three hours in independent study or taking advantage of additional opportunities to practice laboratory and field testing skills. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Applied Sport Science Support 2023-24SES9011MLevel 72023-24This module is designed to develop key consultancy skills during the delivery of a supervised programme of scientific support. You will have the opportunity to work with a client to deliver a coordinated programme of support in an area of your choice: physiology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, psychology, or an integrated programme of support. An academic mentor will be available to support the learning. You are expected to engage one-to-one with an athlete for whom a support programme must be designed, implemented and evaluated.CoreBiomechanical Assessment and Research 2023-24SES9007MLevel 72023-24This module is designed to develop your ability in the use of advanced biomechanical assessment tools to collect valid and reliable data for independent applied practice or research. Particular emphasis will be placed on three-dimensional motion analysis and isokinetic dynamometry. Data collection and analysis will be considered in the context of the wider support process.CoreDelivering Applied Sport Psychology 2023-24SES9009MLevel 72023-24This module aims to develop a sophisticated understanding of the key issues and processes in the delivery of sport psychology support. The module will explore the key considerations that must be understood and resolved by sport psychology practitioners in order to be effective when working with athletes, teams, coaches and support staff.CoreInvestigation and Communication in Applied Sport Science 2023-24SES9010MLevel 72023-24This module aims to develop your ability to disseminate sport science knowledge to an applied audience of coaches, athletes and/or parents. You will have the chance to acquire skills relevant to all stages in the process of designing, marketing and delivering a workshop and its supporting resources. The workshops will be organised in collaboration with the School's external partners and may be delivered in-person or virtually, depending on circumstances.CoreResearch Methods and Skills 2023-24SES9006MLevel 72023-24This module aims to enhance knowledge of the research process and further develop the research skills required in essential preparation for the Research Project. The module will address epistemological issues, as well as ethical considerations, research design, and quantitative and qualitative methods of enquiry and analysis. The focus is on developing the skills to critically evaluate peer-reviewed literature, and integrate such knowledge in preparation for independent study. You will be able to focus on an issue or issues relevant to your personal interests and intended professional development. This will draw on critical analysis and understanding of research methodology and methods acquired from the discipline of sport science.CoreSport Physiology 2023-24SES9008MLevel 72023-24This module aims to provide an understanding of the limitations to human performance from a physiological perspective. Through appreciation of mechanisms that cause maximal and submaximal athletic performance, effective monitoring and intervention strategies can be implemented to enhance physiological performance and attenuate the onset of fatigue.CoreSport Science Research Project 2023-24SES9012MLevel 72023-24The aim of this module is to draw upon the range of research and professional skills developed through the MSc programme to plan, manage and implement a successful research study in an area of sport science. Through the application of scientific enquiry, the construction of innovative and creative methodologies, and the critical interpretation of data, the impact of such research should have publishable merit. The project should be presented as a journal research paper, which may be mono- or inter-disciplinary in nature.Core

How you are assessed

The broad range of assessment methods for this programme include an applied support portfolio, delivery of a workshop, applied practical assessments, written reports, a presentation, and a dissertation.

Assessment Feedback

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to you promptly, usually within 15 working days after the submission date.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

First or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject or equivalent professional experience, and a successful interview.

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.

Programme Fees

Programme-Specific Additional Costs

For each course you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required. Some courses provide opportunities for you to undertake field work or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for travel and accommodation will be covered by the University and so is included in your fee. Where these are optional, you will normally be required to pay your own transport, accommodation and general living costs.

With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.

Research Areas, Projects and Topics

The School is currently undertaking research in a number of areas at national and international levels. The research is organised under the remit of our five research groupings:

Biofeedback in Sport Group (BIO)
Health Advancement Research Team (HART)
Mental Toughness Research Group (MTOUGH)
Physiology of Exercise and Sport Performance (PESP)
Youth Sport Research Group (YSR)

For more information, please visit the School’s research pages.

Dr Sandy Willmott - Programme Leader

Dr Willmott's interests and experience cover both the use of technology for movement analysis in humans, and other animals, and the effective integration of athletes, coaches and sport scientists in improving performance. His research specialisms include the biomechanics of paddle sports, and of swinging motions such as those found in hockey and golf. A strong proponent of seeking diverse opportunities for development, he has undertaken collaborative research in Japan, the USA, and Mexico.

Academic Staff List

Postgraduate Events

Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.

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Key Information

MSc Sport Science