LJMU rated sixth globally for Sport and Exercise Science

Liverpool John Moores University is one of the best universities in the world for Sport and Exercise Science.

That’s the view of professionals in sport and exercise who are surveyed annually for the QS World University Rankings.

LJMU, which launched the world’s first degree in sport science* in 1975, has risen to sixth in the global rankings.

Dr Rebecca Murphy, Director of Sport and Exercise Science at LJMU, said: “We are delighted to be among the world’s elite yet again. Liverpool is a capital of sport and LJMU is committed to supporting the city-region with skilled graduates, applied research and innovation and a determination to improve sport participation and health locally, nationally and internationally.

"The QS rankings are particularly meaningful as they are based on the views of employers and experts in the field and also on research quality and impact."

Research was rated 96.2% ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’ in the most recent national audit, the Research Excellence Framework 2021, which places LJMU 2nd in the UK for ‘research power’ – a factor combining research quality with but the amount of research it performs.

Professor Bill Baltzopoulos, Head of the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, said “LJMU is targeting 21st century global challenges, societal problems and major questions related to sport, exercise, physical activity and health and well-being. Our history, standing and strategic vision has meant that our innovations are founded on a desire to continue to lead and extend boundaries in our field” 

LJMU runs cutting-edge programmes in Sport and Exercise Science, Sport Coaching, Sport Nutrition, Sport Psychology and Science and Football.   

In the UK alone, the QS Rankings compare 1569 course areas across 103 universities. The school remains the only top-ten QS Ranked department in the whole of Liverpool. 

In 2025, the university will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sport and Exercise Science with a series of special events.

*Liverpool John Moores University, formerly Liverpool Polytechnic, was the first institution in the world to host a single honours programme in sport science. The degree was led by Olympic basketball player Vaughan Thomas with supported from Tom Reilly and Frank Sanderson.

See more information about teaching programmes OR research in the School of Sport and Exercise Science.

IMAGE: The LJMU Sport Scholarship scheme is one of the leading initiatives the UK and helps talented students fulfil both their sporting and their academic potential