Master's in Sports & Exercise Biomechanics
Advanced graduate training in biomechanical analysis, computational modeling, and applied research. Thesis-based program emphasizing independent research, advanced instrumentation, and publication-quality scholarship—preparing students for doctoral study or professional practice in sports science.
Program Overview
Advanced graduate education in biomechanics and movement science.
Advanced Graduate Training
The Master's in Sports & Exercise Biomechanics provides advanced training in biomechanical analysis, computational modeling, and applied research within sports and exercise contexts. This thesis-based program emphasizes independent research, mastery of advanced instrumentation, and the development of publication-quality scholarship.
Students work closely with faculty mentors to conduct original research addressing questions in sport performance, injury prevention, or rehabilitation. The program culminates in a Master's thesis and at least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal, preparing graduates for doctoral study or professional careers as biomechanics researchers and sports scientists.
- Advanced Biomechanics
- Computational Modeling
- Research Methodology
- Data Analysis
- Independent Research
- Advanced Instrumentation
- Statistical Analysis
- Scientific Writing
- Biomechanics Researcher
- Sports Scientist
- Performance Analyst
- PhD Candidate
Curriculum Structure
Two-year program combining advanced coursework with thesis research.
Year 1: Core Coursework & Research Initiation (30-36 Credits)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOM 601 | Advanced Biomechanics: Kinematics & Kinetics | 4 | In-depth analysis of 3D motion, force systems, and inverse dynamics in human movement. |
| BIOM 602 | Computational Modeling in Biomechanics | 4 | Musculoskeletal modeling, simulation software (OpenSim), and optimization techniques. |
| BIOM 603 | Advanced Motor Control & Coordination | 3 | Neural mechanisms, motor learning theories, and coordination dynamics. |
| BIOM 604 | Biomechanics of Sport Performance | 3 | Sport-specific biomechanical analysis for technique optimization and performance enhancement. |
| BIOM 605 | Injury Biomechanics & Prevention | 3 | Mechanisms of musculoskeletal injury, risk factors, and evidence-based prevention strategies. |
| BIOM 610 | Advanced Research Methods & Experimental Design | 4 | Research design, validity, reliability, and ethical considerations in biomechanics research. |
| STAT 601 | Multivariate Statistics & Data Analysis | 3 | Advanced statistical methods including ANOVA, regression, PCA, and machine learning basics. |
| BIOM 690 | Thesis Research I | 6 | Literature review, research proposal development, and pilot data collection. |
Year 2: Thesis Research & Electives (30-36 Credits)
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOM 606 | Advanced Topics in Biomechanics | 3 | Seminar-style course covering cutting-edge research and emerging methodologies. |
| BIOM 620 | Scientific Writing & Publication | 2 | Manuscript preparation, peer review process, and academic publishing strategies. |
| BIOM 621 | Grant Writing & Research Funding | 2 | Proposal development for research grants and fellowship applications. |
| ---- | Elective Courses (2-3) | 6-9 | Specialized topics based on research interests (e.g., wearable sensors, AI in biomechanics). |
| BIOM 691 | Thesis Research II | 12 | Data collection, analysis, manuscript preparation, and thesis writing. |
| BIOM 699 | Thesis Defense | 6 | Final thesis document and oral defense before faculty committee. |
Master's Thesis Requirements
Original research demonstrating advanced scholarship.
Thesis Research (30 Credits Total)
All students complete an original research thesis under faculty supervision. The thesis process includes:
- Year 1 (6 credits):
- Comprehensive literature review
- Research proposal development
- IRB approval and pilot testing
- Proposal defense before thesis committee
- Year 2 (24 credits):
- Primary data collection and analysis
- Manuscript preparation (minimum 1 first-author paper)
- Conference presentation (national/international)
- Thesis document (80-120 pages)
- Public thesis defense and committee examination
Publication Requirement: At least 1 first-author manuscript submitted to a peer-reviewed journal (e.g., Journal of Biomechanics, Gait & Posture, Sports Biomechanics) before thesis defense.
Example Thesis Topics: "3D kinematic analysis of pitching mechanics in baseball," "Effects of footwear on running biomechanics and injury risk," "Biomechanical determinants of jump performance in volleyball athletes."
Admission Requirements
Highly competitive admission for qualified applicants.
Academic Prerequisites
- Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field
- IIKBS Bachelor's preferred (external candidates considered)
- GPA ≥ 3.3 (on 4.0 scale)
- Prerequisites: Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Research Methods, Statistics
- Research Experience: Undergraduate research or thesis strongly preferred
Application Materials
- Application Form: Online submission
- Transcripts: All undergraduate work
- Research Proposal: 3-5 pages outlining proposed thesis topic
- Statement of Purpose: 2-3 pages on research interests and career goals
- Letters of Recommendation: 3 letters from professors/researchers
- CV/Resume: Including research experience and publications
- Writing Sample: Research paper or thesis chapter
Selection Process & Timeline
Fall Admission Only: Single intake annually
- Application Opens: November 1
- Application Deadline: January 15
- Initial Review: February 1-28
- Interviews: March 1-31 (in-person or virtual)
- Admission Decisions: April 15
- Enrollment Confirmation: May 15
- Program Begins: August 1
Admission is highly competitive. Applicants are evaluated on academic record, research experience, proposal quality, and fit with faculty research interests.
Career Pathways & Progression
Professional opportunities and pathway to doctoral education.
Professional Career Options
- Biomechanics Researcher: University or industry research labs
- Sports Scientist: Professional teams, Olympic training centers
- Performance Analyst: Sports academies and high-performance programs
- Clinical Biomechanist: Rehabilitation centers and sports medicine clinics
- Product Development: Sports equipment and wearable technology companies
- University Instructor: Teaching positions at colleges/universities
Doctoral Program Progression
The Master's degree is the required prerequisite for PhD program at IIKBS:
Next Step: PhD in Sports & Exercise Biomechanics (6 years)
→ 4 years intensive coursework & dissertation research
→ 2 years advanced internship & case study development
Total pathway from Diploma to PhD: 12-15 years
PhD Selectivity: Only 6 positions available annually (4-6% acceptance rate)
Apply Now
Begin your graduate education in sports and exercise biomechanics.
Ready to pursue your Master's degree in Sports & Exercise Biomechanics? Applications open November 1 for Fall admission.
Submit Application → Request Information →Questions? Contact Graduate Admissions:
graduate@iikbs.org | +91 [XXX] XXX-XXXX