a student in a sports performance lab using testing equipment and mask a student in a sports performance lab using testing equipment and mask

Course Summary

In the field of applied sports science, it has become apparent that whilst specialist sports scientists are in demand, there is a growing need for people who have the knowledge and skills across several sub-disciplines; qualities that will enable them to enhance their overall contribution to performance development.

This course has been designed to reflect that demand and will expose you to aspects of contemporary sports physiology, strength and conditioning, and sports nutrition.

Excellent collaborative links with elite national and international athletes and teams will also give you the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience of delivering sports science.

As well as increasing your theoretical and empirical knowledge within Performance Science, this course comprises core modules that are designed to provide opportunities to enhance your abilities in a range of transferable skills, and also to develop the basic competencies that will aid your personal development should you wish to pursue accreditation in the future, for example with BASES or UKSCA.


What you’llStudy

Full-time students will take six taught modules, including: Research Methods; two sports modules designed to examine practitioner skills and allow you to gain field-based experience of working in an applied setting; and three course-specific modules in Sports Performance Science. You will also complete one triple-module Research Project. Part-time students will study the three Sports Performance Science modules in Year 1, then the core modules in Year 2.

Module content:

  • Applications to the Faculty Research Ethics Committee.
  • Formulating the research question.
  • Developing appropriate studies for hypotheses testing.
  • Key factors in research design, reliability, and validity. Population sampling techniques.
  • Current controversies in sports science research.
  • Data analysis techniques - quantitative approaches, including a review of the use and application of old and new statistical analysis, flaws and faults in statistics.
  • Introduction to data analysis software (SPSS for Windows) and descriptive and inferential statistics, using appropriate examples and data from Sports Science. 
  • Reporting findings.
  • Research ethics.

Module aims:

This module is designed to develop in students an understanding of research methods applicable to post-graduate study within the field of sports science. It is designed to facilitate students’ ability to evaluate research methods and critique current research within the sub-disciplines of sports science. These core skills have been identified as key skills of the sports scientist (BASES Research and Accreditation Guidelines). In particular, students will develop and broaden their knowledge of ethical issues in Sports Science research, quantitative research methods and analysis techniques through the examination of published research in order for them to prepare a research proposal and complete the Research Project.

Module content:

  • Sports science support within the sub-disciplines.
  • Sports science practitioner competencies (interpersonal skills, communication, empathy, listening skills, conflict management and resolution).
  • Ethics when working in the field (BASES guidelines).
  • Key issues for special populations (Children’s Act, Vulnerable Adults Policy, Creating safe environments).
  • Interview and case history techniques (interview skills, observation, and note taking).
  • Referral processes, guidelines and examples.
  • Reflection and the reflective process for practice.
  • Working with data for presentation.
  • The role of experimental research in guiding practice (scientist –practitioner model, practitioner-scholar model, action research).

Module aims:

In gaining specialist accreditation in one area of sports science practitioners are charged with developing an understanding and appreciation of generic practitioner skills and the work of professionals in other areas (BASES Accreditation Guidelines requirement). This module will introduce students to the key competencies and skills of the sports science practitioner including the ethical guidelines associated with sports science support and working with athletes from differing populations. To develop a broad understanding of the role of sports science support services students will review how each area of sports science delivers support and gain an understanding of how research guides practice in each area. Therefore the aims of the module are to develop in students:

  1. An understanding of the key competencies of the applied practitioner.
  2. Knowledge of, and an ability to critically appraise the position of the sports science practitioner within the sport structure.
  3. An ability to critically appraise practice in light of ethical guidelines.
  4. Core practitioner skills such as communication, basic interview techniques, team work and report writing.
  5. The ability to reflect on their practice using theoretical reflection frameworks.
  6. An appreciation of all areas of sports science support.
  7. The ability to critically review practice in light of BASES guidelines.
  8. The ability to critically review and reflect on different practices within areas.
  9. A competency with data handling and analysis.
  10. An understanding of how research guides practice within the sports sciences.

Module content:

In the first four weeks of the module students will further develop an understanding of the roles of the sports scientist (research and applied) and develop core competency skills and knowledge relating to code of conduct, ethical implications of applied sport science support work, and designing and implementing intervention strategies. In addition, students will also be provided with opportunities to develop skills related to applying and preparing for job interviews in applied sport science. While the approach to deliver the general material will be fairly broad, students will be able to focus the development of specific skills on their area of interest, i.e. psychology, physiology, movement analysis, nutrition, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, medicine).

Each student will work in their chosen area of sports science/medicine undertaking work for an assigned tutor and/or client. This may include links through the tutor with outside individuals and or organisations where appropriate. Where students are on placements external to the University, the Department, and the student, will ensure that the placement complies with the advice offered on the QAA’s ‘Code of Practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in higher education: Placement learning’


Module aims:

  • To prepare students for applied research in the field areas of sports science and medicine;
  • To further develop in students the skills and competencies necessary for preparing and completing job applications and interviews in sports science/medicine;
  • Develop the core practical skills necessary for working with athletes and coaches in field and laboratory settings;
  • To develop transferable work placement skills (team work, communication, report writing).

Module content:

Module content will vary according to the individual research investigation requirements and will evolve through student initiative and student-tutor negotiation.


Module aims:

This module is designed to develop students research skills building on the knowledge gained in the taught modules (SS7301 – 315). Students will be required to plan, conduct and report upon an independent piece of research and in doing so fulfil the post-graduate QAA Master's Degree Characteristics benchmark of demonstrating self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and acting autonomously. Through successful completion of the module students will gain experience in the research process by pursuing a topic of their choice utilising either laboratory or field based skills. The module will also provide a secure research grounding for those students who wish to go on to work for a higher degree by research
(MPhil / PhD.). The aims of the module are to develop in students:

  1. The ability to plan and instigate an appropriate data collection method;

  2. An ability to project manage the research process;

  3. An appreciation of the demands of research and the skills of the researcher;

  4. The ability to analyse data and synthesise findings;

  5. The ability to produce a Masters level scientific Research Report in a journal style format.

  6. The ability to explain orally their research and communicate the details to an applied scientific audience.

Module content:

  • Neuromuscular structure and function
  • Bioenergetics and metabolism
  • Cardio-pulmonary function
  • Endurance performance
  • Strength and power
  • Team sports

Module aims:

This module will aim to extend students’ knowledge of the physiological systems that underpin performance in different sports. Key concepts and contemporary issues will be addressed to facilitate an understanding of monitoring and improving sports performance.

Module content:

  • Athlete screening, injury and rehabilitation
  • Monitoring load and fatigue
  • Fitness testing
  • The athletic diet
  • Measurement issues and assessment techniques

Module aims:

This module will aim to develop in students an appreciation of the multi-disciplinary (i.e. physiology, strength and conditioning and nutrition) support required to manage and assess the performance athlete. Students will also gain an appreciation of key concepts relating to measurement validity and reliability, in accordance with the requirements for BASES accreditation.

Module content:

  • Pre-conditioning
  • Training strength and power
  • Training endurance
  • Nutrition for enhanced sports performance and recovery
  • Nutrition and training adaptation

Module aims:

This module will aim to provide students with a means to apply their understanding of 1) the physiological determinants of sports performance, and 2) laboratory and field-based practice, to enhance sports performance in different events. Key concepts relating to nutrition and the chronic physiological stress imposed by exercise will be explored.

MSc Sports Performance Science YouTube video

MSc Sports Performance Science at the University of Chester

Who you’ll Learn from

Dr Edd Thomson

Senior Lecturer
Dr Edd Thomson

How you'll Learn

Beyond the Classroom

On this course, you’ll spend time out on placement where you’ll apply what you have learnt to real scenarios in the workplace, giving you genuine experience and insight that will prepare you for your future career. 

Entry Requirements

2:2 honours degree

A typical background for an applicant will be someone who has a first degree (minimum requirement of a lower second class honours classification) in either Sport or Exercise Sciences, exercise nutrition, strength and conditioning or exercise physiology.

2:2 honours degree

A typical background for an applicant will be someone who has a first degree (minimum requirement of a lower second class honours classification) in either Sport or Exercise Sciences, exercise nutrition, strength and conditioning or exercise physiology.

English Language Requirements

For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50. 

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements

Where you'll Study Exton Park, Chester

Fees and Funding

£8,505 per year (2024/25)

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses in the academic year 2024/25 are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page.

£14,750 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £14,750. 

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.  

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills. 

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

Your future Career

Job prospects

A distinctive feature of the course is its applied nature; students contemplating a career in sports science will be provided an excellent opportunity to enhance their prospects for future employment as a practitioner. In addition, the research-informed teaching environment will prepare others for further study at a higher level. 

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs.