Biomechanics draws from a range of specialities such as functional anatomy, exercise physiology and mechanical engineering. The programme will build on the diverse range of skills and subject backgrounds of our students to provide them all with an advanced education in the mechanics of structure, function and motion of the musculoskeletal system.
Introduction
At its core, any animal or human body that moves, or performs a static task, has biomechanics involved. This MSc Musculoskeletal (MSK) Biomechanics programme draws from a range of specialities such as functional anatomy, exercise physiology and mechanical engineering. The programme will build on the diverse range of skills and subject backgrounds of our students to provide them all with an advanced education in the mechanics of structure, function and motion of the musculoskeletal system.
You will study how applying the principles of biomechanics can be applied in a variety of situations such as the clinic, industry, sports and veterinary settings that will be of relevance to their future career ambitions. The programme culminates in a research project where you will be able to explore a specific area of interest to you with supervision from an expert in the field.
Who is this course for?
There are a vast range of professional careers that directly or indirectly use biomechanics. Examples include: physiotherapists who want to go into clinical research, physiotherapists targeting a career in the industry (e.g. help develop new physio equipment, sports equipment or prosthetics), prospective orthopaedic surgeons (human and veterinary), etc. This course is designed for students with a relevant first degree who are interested in areas such as musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports or clinical mechanics or animal biomechanics.
This programme is also open to intercalating clinical students.
What you'll learn
Foundational principles of mechanics that underpin musculoskeletal function in humans and other animals
Hands-on experience with all major musculoskeletal biomechanical techniques used in scientific research and clinical assessment. This includes advanced techniques and modelling approaches.
Analyse and present biomechanical data.
Design, plan, execute and communicate a biomechanical project.
Transferrable skills such as biological data analysis and presentation.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
MUBM001 Principles of Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
MUBM002 Experimental Methods in Biomechanics
LIFE707 Biological Data skills
Compulsory modules
BIOLOGICAL DATA SKILLS (LIFE707)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Data skills are essential for a career in modern biology. Biological studies increasingly involve the generation of large or complex sets of data, and the ability to analyse data is a core component of a successful biologist’s skill set. Digital fluency is also required more widely outside biological research and a grounding in data analysis is in demand by a broad range of employers. Here you will learn the ability to visualise data, critically test hypotheses, and to interpret and present results.
The learning and teaching materials are delivered as an online set of resources (available through Canvas) coupled with computer-based practical workshops. The module will also introduce students to the powerful open access statistical software package, R.
The module will be assessed by a written data analysis report and an open-book exam
For any students studying off-campus – due to a placement in industry or studying at an overseas University – on-line drop-in sessions will be provided instead of the practical workshops.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
MUBM004 Biomechanical Modelling and advanced techniques,
MUBM003 Applications of Biomechanics
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
ILCMS701 Research Project
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Teaching will be led by expert staff from our departments of Musculoskeletal and Aging Science, Physiotherapy and Engineering. Students will be taught by a mixture of seminars, extensive lab work and practical sessions, lectures, small group learning and online content. Students can expect to spend all of their third semester working on a research project that reflects their own area of interest.
How you're assessed
Assessments include:
Portfolios
Closed-book exam
Lab reports
Seminar reports
Peer assessment
Grant writing exercise (mimicking a real funding application process) or outreach/ educational projects following the student’s main career focus
Research project in the style of a research article (preparing students for academic and professional publication)
These tasks are designed to simulate the types of activities graduates will face in their professional or academic careers.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
In semesters 1 and 2, students will follow research connected modules on the main campus in central Liverpool. This will include diverse lectures, seminars and practical sessions. Students will also engage with a range of online materials in their own time. The third semester is entirely dedicated the Project.
There are a vast range of professional careers that directly or indirectly use biomechanics. Examples include:
Physiotherapists who want to go into clinical research
Physiotherapists targeting a career in the industry (e.g. help develop new physio equipment, sports equipment or prosthetics)
Prospective orthopaedic surgeons (human and veterinary)
Academic researchers
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£13,300
Part-time place, per year
£6,650
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£28,300
Part-time place, per year
£14,150
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a relevant programme and/or specialisation, which can include (but is not limited to): Anatomy, Physiotherapy, Biomedical or Mechanical Engineering, Medicine, Zoology, Sports Sciences, Veterinary or Biomedical Sciences. All students will also be invited to interview.
For those who do not meet this requirement but hold significant professional experience in a relevant area we will consider applications on an individual basis.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
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