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.
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.
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.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| PRINCIPLES OF MUSCULOSKELETAL BIOMECHANICS (MUBM001) | 30 |
| EXPERIMENTAL METHODS IN BIOMECHANICS (MUBM002) | 15 |
| BIOLOGICAL DATA SKILLS (LIFE707) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| APPLICATIONS OF BIOMECHANICS (MUBM003) | 30 |
| BIOMECHANICAL MODELLING AND ADVANCED TECHNIQUES (MUBM004) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ILCMS RESEARCH PROJECT (LCMS701) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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.
Assessments include:
These tasks are designed to simulate the types of activities graduates will face in their professional or academic careers.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Earn an additional undergraduate or master's degree by adding a year of intercalated study. Once you've completed your intercalation year - usually following your third year - you'll finish the rest of your programme.
Intercalation allows you take a break from your medical degree, usually after year 3 or 4, and study an additional qualification. Most intercalating students choose to study a master's degree. This gives you the opportunity to explore a subject of interest at an advanced level and acquire new skills and knowledge that will enhance and/or complement your medical degree.
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.
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Upon graduating from an MSc in Musculoskeletal Biomechanics students will be ready to continue onto careers including, but not limited to:
There are a vast range of professional careers that directly or indirectly use biomechanics. Examples include:
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £14,000
Full-time place, per year - £32,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
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 £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
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.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | 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 |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 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 |
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.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
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.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 5 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions