Sport Nutrition MSc

Robert Seaborne studied for his masters in Sport Nutrition at LJMU. He is currently undertaking a PhD in Molecular Physiology.

“I was lucky enough to study Sport Science at undergraduate level at LJMU and, in my third year, became interested in continuing my studies with what was then a new masters in Sport Nutrition. I love Liverpool, it is a great place to live and work and so it was an easy decision to carry on studying here.

Postgraduate study was what I expected in terms of it being a big jump up from undergraduate study. You are treated more as a researcher than a student and that was a surprise – albeit a good one.

There were a lot of highlights on my masters programme but I would say the main one was the variety. I could be working with cells and muscles in the lab one day and advising elite rugby players the next.

One of the big positives about LJMU is its warm environment. The University has adopted the feel of the city, it is like a family, you never feel out of place and that means you can maximise your potential. The support you get here is great too, the staff are always there for you whether that is face-to-face, at the end of a phone or using email or skype.

In terms of preparing you for work, the University is great. I was looking at jobs with football and rugby clubs in case I couldn’t do my PhD and I don’t think I could have been in a better position to apply. My masters 100% set me up for what I am doing now and, looking back, postgraduate study was one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

With an undergraduate degree in Key Stage 2/3 Education with Science, Stephen Smith worked in the education sector for a number of years before returning to LJMU to undertake his masters in sports nutrition. He is now studying for a PhD.

“John Moores was the only place I wanted to study. Liverpool is a great city with something for everyone whether you like a good night out, cultural activities or sports.

I didn’t know what to expect of postgraduate study although I did realise it would involve hard work and take up a lot of time. It has certainly all been worth it though as I am now doing what I love.

In my opinion the support on offer is one of the main benefits of studying at LJMU. You are always welcome to speak to your tutors or email them for assistance if you can’t see them face-to-face. The tutors are very well connected and this can be a real benefit. I am currently undertaking the country’s first PhD in Motocross (Applied Nutrition and Physiology) and this would not have happened without the connections I made at masters level.

Another benefit of LJMU is the practical experience on offer. Very few sports nutrition programmes have integrated internships which means students often have to take unpaid work following their qualification. At LJMU, however, work experience is part of the programme so, by the time you graduate, you have real life work experience on your CV.

As a university LJMU has everything you could want - so my advice would be to study here and enjoy every minute.”