Advancing research and careers
CIMA graduates will be well placed to choose from a wide range of career options within clinical practice, academia, or the commercial/private sector. Upon completion, students will be equipped to embark on further research in musculoskeletal ageing in industry or academia.
MRes
This full-time, 12-month programme provides multidisciplinary research training on the musculoskeletal system as a whole in the context of ageing. The training has a strong focus on employability and topics range from basic science to clinical aspects, from in vitro to in vivo models, and from the latest advances in the assessment of the musculoskeletal system to lifestyle interventions.
PhD
This unique programme offers students multidisciplinary training in the processes and effects of ageing in the whole musculoskeletal system. Students will be based in one of our three sites (Liverpool, Sheffield or Newcastle), and will spend the first year of the studentship undertaking our MRes in Musculoskeletal Ageing. Students will undertake placements in the laboratories of one or more of the collaborating partners and have access to an industrial mentor.
CIMA MOOC
This free online course has been developed by CIMA, and is designed for patients, carers and people who lead active lives and would appreciate knowing how their lifestyle is likely to affect their long-term health. It may also inspire you to study or research musculoskeletal ageing. No previous biological experience is needed.
What can I expect?
Hear a first hand account of the experience of studying with CIMA.
Juliette Norman, CIMA PhD Student
“I am currently in my 4th year of my CIMA-funded PhD which followed on from the MRes in Musculoskeletal ageing. Prior to coming to Liverpool, I completed a MSc in Exercise and Health Sciences at the University of Exeter and a BSc in Biological sciences at the University of Sheffield.
My PhD is investigating the impact of short-term physical inactivity on musculoskeletal and metabolic health across the lifespan. Through implementing a 14-day step reduction intervention, I am comparing changes in muscle mass and function, skeletal mass and biochemistry, body composition, oxidative capacity and metabolic regulation in young and older adults. This project has provided me with the opportunity to gain a large set of multidisciplinary research, management and clinical skills. From setting up a project and NHS ethics applications, participant recruitment and management through to statistical analysis. Specific techniques included MRI acquisition and analysis, MR spectroscopy techniques, DEXA operation, cardiorespiratory assessments, physical functional assessments and clinical techniques such as oral glucose tolerance testing and subsequent ELISA analysis.
Alongside University, I run the Exercise for Health programme at a Liverpool City Council Lifestyle’s Centre. I see a clinically diverse group of patients referred to me through GP’s, hospitals and physiotherapy clinics. I receive a large number of referrals for age-related musculoskeletal conditions including osteoarthritis, osteopenia and general muscle loss and weakness. Completing the MRes in musculoskeletal ageing and undertaking this PhD has hugely improved my knowledge of ageing and musculoskeletal and metabolic health which has been extremely valuable for devising specific physical activity and nutrition plans with my older clients.
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