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Sport and exercise science PhD

We welcome students to the University of Brighton to study Sport and exercise science PhD based in specialist laboratories with expert supervision and a supportive research community.

We offer PhD study in both full and part-time modes and welcome students with significant professional experience, who are able to use and share the career skills they have developed, as well as those who have recently completed first degrees and wish to take advantage of their academic momentum.

Our specialist laboratories provide facilities where supervision by experienced experts will structure and develop your project in one of our specialist areas: Environmental Extremes, Exercise for Health and Well-being, Expertise and Cognitive Neuroscience, Fatigue and Exercise, Genomics. 

Our international level of research excellence influences policy and engages communities. We hope that through our research and innovation, communities are inspired and supported to engage in safe and effective exercise for better health, wellbeing and performance.

Much of our work has real-world application and staff are well-connected to a variety of sporting and health organisations such as the Great Britain Paralympic team (Dr Gary Brickley and Professor Nick Webborn), GB swimming and the English Institute of Sport (Dr Jeanne Dekerle), World Anti-Doping Association (WADA; Professor Yannis Pitsiladis and Professor Nick Webborn), International Olympic Committee (IOC; Professor Yannis Pitsiladis), the International Sports Medicine Federation (FIMS; Professor Yannis Pitsiladis), the fire service (Dr Alan Richardson), fall prevention and cardiac rehabilitation programmes (Dr Louisa Beale), and industrial partners such as Bodychillz Ltd and Crossbridge Scientific Ltd (Dr Neil Maxwell).

Many of our graduates continue in academia, becoming lecturers or post-doctoral researchers. Other jobs include physiologist at the English Institute of Sport (EIS) and clinical physiologists.

Apply to 'sport, service Management & tourism' in the portal

Key information

Our sport and exercise laboratories are all accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and include:

• A molecular genetics laboratory with biobanking;
• Two human physiology laboratories (immunology, endocrinology, haematology, biochemistry);
• A biomechanics laboratory with motion analysis equipment, various EMG systems and an immersive screen;
• Two exercise physiology laboratories where aerobic/anaerobic endurance, power and strength assessments as well as body composition, cardiac and pulmonary screening can be carried out;
• An environmental laboratory with purpose-built environment chamber where we can simulate different climates by controlling the temperature (-20 to +50°C) and relative humidity (20 to 95 per cent), and a 1.13m x 1.13m x 1.5m water immersion tank;
• A research-based laboratory with an hypoxic chamber measuring 35.84 m3 (3.2m x 4m x 2.8 m) can decrease the fractional concentration of inspired oxygen from 20.93% (normoxic) to 11% enabling the simulation of altitudes up to an equivalent of ~5000m.

As a Sport and Exercise Science PhD student at Brighton you will benefit from:

• a supervisory team comprising two or sometimes three members of academic staff. Depending on your research specialism you may also have an additional supervisor from another School, another research institution, or an external partner from government or industry.  
• desk space and access to a computer in a space specifically designed for research students. There are a range of facilities on the Eastbourne campus including various catering options.
• access to a range of electronic resources via the university’s Online Library, as well as to the physical book and journal collections housed within the Queenwood Library and other campus libraries.

Academic environment

It is today well accepted that exercise is beneficial to physical health, mental health, and well-being. The fitness industry is booming in the UK and exercise-based programmes such as cardiac rehabilitation or fall prevention programmes are spreading across the Nation. Olympic Games every four years inspire all generations to engage in sport, with more and more sport scientists involved with athlete’s or team’s preparation.

In this context, if you join our research team as a postgraduate research student, you will join us to address the challenge of happier, healthier and fitter living, using exercise as a critical vehicle. As a Sport and Exercise Science PhD student you will be based in the School of Sport and Health Sciences, the sports department of which operates from our Eastbourne campus. You are likely to be a member of one of our Research and Enterprise Groups:

Sport and Leisure Cultures Research and Enterprise Group

Sport and Exercise Science and Sports Medicine Research and Enterprise Group .

Our school has a dynamic and vibrant research community of around 20 part-time and full-time PhD students in Sport and Exercise Science. PhD students form an integral part of our school and take an active role in a range of intellectual and social activities.

Our postgraduate research students value what may be seen as a small-size PhD provision: each student receives personal attention and guidance throughout their doctoral study. The close mentorship process forms the foundations of a successful research degree, and subsequent career. Our PhD students rapidly become members of our academic team with various opportunities to contribute to the life of our department: consultancy projects, world-leading collaborative research, seminars, journal clubs, engagement within our community, teaching, etc.

Our community of PhD students also has a vibrant social life through which our postgraduate research students build life-long relationships. The Brighton Doctoral College offers a training programme for postgraduate researchers, covering research methods and transferable (including employability) skills. Academic and technical staff also provide more subject-specific training.

Our specialist sport and exercise science laboratories:

Environmental Extremes Laboratory (Lead: Dr Neil Maxwell)

Our internationally renowned research addresses the challenges of environmental extremes on human health and function. We develop and evaluate interventions using basic and applied scientific methodologies to influence health, occupational activity and human performance practice and policy. Individuals with and without disease (e.g. elderly, breast cancer survivors, type 2 diabetics) engaging with physical activity are informed from our research how to embark in safe and effective exercise in environmental extremes and reduce the risk of illness. Occupationally, we work with fire instructors and have conducted product testing to support industry. We investigate how to optimise sporting performance in environmental extremes.

Exercise for Health and Well-being Laboratory (Lead: Associate Professor Peter Watt)

The research within this lab encompasses a range of methods and applications, from cell and molecular approaches to whole body measures and application. At the cellular level we are particularly interested in stem cell responses to exercise and application to health and injury recovery. The group has also experience and opportunities for research into lifestyle modifications such as exercise and nutritional interventions in special populations (e.g. elderly; sedentary; physically disabled, heart conditions or overweight).

Aim of interventions may be either to reduce health risks in these populations or to optimise health and assist performance and recovery, with some work conducted with paralympians more specifically.

Some recent work has focussed on tendinopathies; cardiac damage and marathon running; mindfulness eating, eating disorders and exercise; acute and chronic effects of exercise on metabolism and health.

Expertise and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory (ExCeL) (Lead: Dr Nick Smeeton)

Researchers within ExCeL examine human performance and learning, motor behaviour and its sub-areas of skill acquisition and expert performance, cognitive and behavioural neuroscience, and psychophysiology. Current research projects investigate cognition in gait and locomotion; sensory processing in exercise, the development and improvement of expert performance; and practice, training and acquisition/learning. They conduct this work across a range of domains, including sport and exercise; education; and medical.

Fatigue and Exercise Laboratory (Lead: Dr Jeanne Dekerle)

We are specifically interested in the mechanisms of fatigue during exercise and want to understand better the physiological and behavioural limitations to exercise. Our findings give exercise scientists, clinicians or other practitioners evidence for the development of robust science-based interventions such as effective training programmes or ergogenic aids. These may be to enhance human exercise tolerance or more broadly to improve overall physical fitness.

Our group also seeks to explore the relationship between physical exercise, psychophysiological stress and well-being. We see physical exercise as a potent stressor to human homeostasis for long-lasting beneficial effects on human health. More specifically, we want to understand better how exercise can treat chronic physiological dysfunctions in some populations (chronic fatigue, mental health, musculoskeletal conditions).

Our work finds impact in the areas of health, sport and wellbeing.

Genomics laboratory (Lead: Professor Yannis Pitsiladis)

Our laboratory is set up to apply systems biology approaches to anti-doping research (with particular reference to the detection of recombinant human erythropoietin, blood doping and testosterone) and to the field of sport and exercise science and medicine in general. Other active projects include the Sub2 marathon project and the Athlome Project , with the aim to promote clean, high performance marathon running, and to characterise the genomic/transcriptomic/proteomic landscape of human performance in both health and disease. Our recent research is funded by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Some of our supervisors

Dr louisa beale.

I have supervised/am supervising PhDs in the following areas:-

• Exercise cardiology
• Detraining and muscle function
• Heat sensitivity in breast cancer survivors
• High intensity interval training
• Women’s decisions to exercise in pregnancy

Dr Jeanne Dekerle

I have supervised five PhD students to completion, and I am currently supervising another five PhD students. I have also been looking after the wider community of PhD students for four years (2017-21) when I was the ‘Postgraduate Research Coordinator’ for my school. I therefore understand very well PhD processes, the main milestones of a PhD journey, and the specific professional and personal development needs PhD students have. I offer strong support to my students and love working with them. Students joining the Fatigue and Exercise research lab benefit from peer support with regular meetings to discuss science, bespoke research projects, or recent publications in our field, in addition to the entitled PhD supervision support.

If you are interested in the following areas, do not hesitate to contact me:

• Exercise intensity domains, anaerobic capacity, and neuromuscular fatigue
• Perceptions (particularly fatigue and effort) and exercise tolerance / behaviour
• The interaction between physical training and both perceptual and neuromuscular fatigue
• Multiple sclerosis, long-covid, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)

Dr Anastasiya Khomutova

My research and supervisory interests cover Sport and Exercise Psychology, with particular focus on cultural sport psychology (immigrated athletes and coaches, culturally diverse sport teams, acculturation and adaptation in a new environment), as well as athletes' well-being (safeguarding, coach-athlete relationship). I currently lead an international research project on behalf of FEPSAC, which investigates career trajectories of sport psychology graduates in Europe.

Dr Neil Maxwell

Dr Neil Maxwell has a strong history of supporting PhD students in the Environmental Extremes Lab and he sees the research students as integral to the lab's vision and success moving forward. 

His priority is for new PhD students to align to the existing research themes, but he is open to new ideas and lines of research enquiry. For information from the Doctoral College on the PhD programme, details of our graduates and supervisors and the application process itself, please follow the link here.

Within the Environmental Extremes Lab, Neil helps to ensure the research students have the opportunity to:

• work within dynamic and supportive research teams, often that includes collaboration with external partners
• present and participate in seminars (NB. One of our more experienced PhD students leads the seminar programme)
• receive funding to cover the cost of presenting at one national and one international conference during their PhD registration
• contribute to the environmental extremes taught modules within the undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
• take part in meetings, activities and events that link to the public, communities and, or industry
• join research funding bid teams to develop skills on sourcing external grants
• be part of a vibrant research student community that is very supportive, works hard, but has fun as well!

Look at the career map that shows our PhD students' career destinations, many of whom Neil supervised.

Dr Alan Richardson

At present i am currently looking to help supervise students interested in the following projects:

• Remote monitoring of recovery from critical illness rehabilitation.
• Exercise and physical activity for prehabilitation
• Real time health and performance evaluation of athletes during mass participation endurance activities. 
• Evaluating the consequence of exposure loads for occupational and health based applications.

Dr Nicholas Smeeton

Nick supervises PhD students in the area of motor control, experimental psychology and cognitive and motor neuroscience. He is happy to be contacted to discuss potential projects on clinical exercise science, rehabilitation and sports and expert performance. There would be particular benefit to potential PhD students if their proposed programme of research fitted Dr Smeeton’s research interests.

For further supervisory staff including cross-disciplinary options, please visit research staff on our research website.

Making an application

You will apply to the University of Brighton through our online application portal. When you do, you will require a research proposal, references, a personal statement and a record of your education.

You will be asked whether you have discussed your research proposal and your suitability for doctoral study with a member of the University of Brighton staff. We recommend that all applications are made with the collaboration of at least one potential supervisor. Approaches to potential supervisors can be made directly through the details available online. If you are unsure, please do contact the Doctoral College for advice.

Please visit our How to apply for a PhD page for detailed information.

Sign in to our online application portal to begin.

Fees and funding

 Funding

Undertaking research study will require university fees as well as support for your research activities and plans for subsistence during full or part-time study.

Funding sources include self-funding, funding by an employer or industrial partners; there are competitive funding opportunities available in most disciplines through, for example, our own university studentships or national (UK) research councils. International students may have options from either their home-based research funding organisations or may be eligible for some UK funds.

Learn more about the funding opportunities available to you.

Tuition fees academic year 2024–25

Standard fees are listed below, but may vary depending on subject area. Some subject areas may charge bench fees/consumables; this will be decided as part of any offer made. Fees for UK and international/EU students on full-time and part-time courses are likely to incur a small inflation rise each year of a research programme.

Contact Brighton Doctoral College

To contact the Doctoral College at the University of Brighton we request an email in the first instance. Please visit our contact the Brighton Doctoral College page .

For supervisory contact, please see individual profile pages.

Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences PhDs

By undertaking a PhD at Loughborough, you will be joining the number 1 ranked university in the world for sport related subjects (QS World University Rankings 2017-2023).

The quality of research across the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences has seen Loughborough University ranked 1st in the UK for research power (GPA x volume) in Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Our internationally renowned academic staff have expertise in a wide variety of areas, ensuring our diverse research portfolio covers: biomechanics, cellular and molecular biology, coaching, economics, medicine, nutrition, pedagogy, physiology, psychology, sociology, sport management, and more.  

Our current PhD opportunities

Our current PhD opportunities are listed below, these projects already have a specified topic and allocated supervisor. Discover more about the project, funding and how to apply by clicking on the opportunity that sparks your interest.

PhD Closing the gap between what we know and what we do when intervening on inactivity and poor nutrition among adolescents living in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Campus: Loughborough

Department(s): Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences

Study mode: Full-time

Start date: October 2024

Funding status Funded

Application deadline: 21st July 2024

PhD Developing a behavioural intervention to implement a digital decarbonisation approach and the impact on physical and mental health

Study mode: Full-time Part-time

Start date: October 2024 or January 2025

Application deadline: 30 June 2024

PhD Empowering people in prison through sport

Application deadline: 28 July 2024

PhD Enhancing adherence to exercise rehabilitation programmes for musculoskeletal conditions

Start date: October 2024, January 2025, April 2025

Funding status Self-funded

PhD Establishing important physical and performance characteristics of elite junior tennis

Phd examining mental health and wellbeing service provision for rugby players experiencing catastrophic injury, phd motivational dynamics during endurance performance.

Application deadline: 7 July 2024

PhD Nature: A highly promising but underdeveloped health intervention

Application deadline: 19th July 2024

PhD Neuromuscular function and muscle morphology in relation to sarcopenia, resistance exercise and neuromuscular electrical stimulation

Application deadline: 31 July 2024

PhD Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) assessment and intervention

Application deadline: 21 July 2024

PhD Promoting Healthier Behaviours Among Black African and Caribbean Populations in the UK: A Positive Deviance Approach

Application deadline: 14 July 2024

PhD Skeletal muscle sex differences: an in vitro model of gender affirmation hormone therapy

Application deadline: 7th July 2024

PhD Fee waiver opportunity for UK students within the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences

Can't find what you're looking for? Register for email alerts and we'll notify you when opportunities become available in your chosen research area.

Why study a research degree with us

Excellent facilities.

Benefit from more than 50 dedicated research and teaching laboratories for the study of exercise physiology, DNA analysis, muscle function, disability sport, nutrition, sleep and recovery, and more.

Your personal development

Receive support from at least two academic supervisors with different, but related, research expertise, and work with a range of academic staff and students through research forums, seminars and involvement in research groups.

Access to the experts

Benefit from expertise at: the Leicester Biomedical Research Centre; the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine; the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport; and The Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour.

A vibrant community

Join our thriving PhD population of around 220 full-time and part-time UK and international research students, and be surrounded by elite athletes, sports organisations and national governing bodies on campus.

Meet our supervisors and researchers

Postgraduate research opportunities at the World No.1 University for Sport-related subjects

Meet Professor Stacy Clemes

Stacy Clemes, Professor of Active Living & Public Health in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences talks about her research, which centres around encouraging people to sit less and move more.

Doctoral research graduate

I hope the research I am involved in helps to improve health and wellbeing for the benefit of all by increasing understanding of the role of physical activity in facilitating healthy weight control and the prevention of chronic disease.

Loughborough University has helped me to become an independent researcher and enabled me to make my transition from sports biomechanics to public health research.

Further information

For further information about funding and writing your research proposal, please see our dedicated web pages below.

Your journey into research

Funding your research

Create your own research proposal

• Staff intranet
• Student intranet

What do you want to do?

Find out about the research we do in sport sciences.

• Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences PhD

Find a supervisor

Mode of study

3 years full-time

6 years part-time

International   £23,615

UK   £4,786

Entry requirements

Research profile.

Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences at Brunel hosts a vibrant community of researchers with expertise in both natural and social sciences. Natural science research focuses on integrative aspects of human physiology, biomechanics and psychology of sport and exercise.

A primary aim is to further our fundamental understanding of the regulation and adaptation of the cardiovascular, respiratory and neuromuscular systems to exercise and training, as well as the physiological, biomechanical and psychological limitations to human sports performance and exercise tolerance.

Social science research focuses on the role of sport, health and wellbeing in contemporary society and their relevance to policy and practice. Work spans a wide remit, from analysis of healthy lifestyles and community sport participation, to research into elite sport systems and performers.

Our research is highly regarded and offers talented researchers the opportunity to:

• Join an internationally recognised environment for research excellence – Brunel is ranked #5 in the UK for sport and exercise research in terms of research power (REF2014), and highest for sport, health and exercise research in London.
• Be part of an expert community that publishes world-leading research addressing priority challenges in sport, exercise, health and wellbeing.
• Benefit from our excellent relationships with sports performance and health organisations in the public, private and third sector, including policymakers, health professionals, professional athletes, and local delivery partners in health, sport development and education.
• Enjoy being part of a well-resourced, collegial research environment - all our research students are based in our dedicated postgraduate study rooms alongside academic staff offices and play a full part in the activities of the Division.

We have strong links with local NHS trusts, national and international governing bodies of sport, hospitals and professional sports clubs such the Premier League, FIFA, UEFA, English Institute of Sport, UK Sport, GB Shooting, Lawn Tennis Association, etc. 

We work extensively with organisations promoting health and wellbeing through sport, from community organisations to major national agencies including the Department for Digital Culture Media and Sport, Public Health England, Macmillan Cancer Support, Diabetes UK, Sport England, the Arts Council for England, Historic England and Sport Scotland.

Find out about the exciting research we do in this area.  Browse profiles of our experts , discover the research within the Centre for Health and Wellbeing Across the Life Course and the Centre for Physical Activity in Health and Disease and their inspirational research activities you too could be part of.

Learn more about research in this area.

You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour .

Our researchers create knowledge and advance understanding, and equip versatile doctoral researchers with the confidence to apply what they have learnt for the benefit of society. Find out more about working with the Supervisory Team .

You are welcome to approach your potential supervisor directly to discuss your research interests. Search for expert supervisors for your chosen field of research.

While we welcome applications from student with a clear direction for their research, we are providing you with some ideas for your chosen field of research:

• The impact of heat stress on human health, performance, and function across the lifecourse, supervised by Oliver Gibson

Research journey

This course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in January. Or this course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in October. Or this course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in April.

Find out about what progress might look like at each stage of study here:  Research degree progress structure.

Research support

Excellent research support and training

The Graduate School provides a range of personal, professional and career development opportunities. This includes workshops, online training, coaching and events, to enable you to enhance your professional profile, refine your skills, and plan your next career steps as part of the Researcher Development Programme . The researcher development programme (RDP) offers workshops and seminars in a range of areas including progression, research management, research dissemination, and careers and personal development. You will also be offered a number of online, self-study courses on BBL, including Research Integrity, Research Skills Toolkit, Research Methods in Literature Review and Principles of Research Methods.

Library services

Brunel's Library is open 24 hours a day, has 400,000 books and 250,000 ebooks, and an annual budget of almost £2m. Subject information Specialists train students in the latest technology, digital literacy, and digital dissemination of scholarly outputs. As well as the physical resources available in the Library, we also provide access to a wealth of electronic resources. These include databases, journals and e-books. Access to these resources has been bought by the Library through subscription and is limited to current staff and students.

Dedicated research support staff provide guidance and training on open access, research data management, copyright and other research integrity issues.

Find out more: Brunel Library

Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences offer training in cutting edge research techniques and methodologies. The natural science researchers use state-of-the-art cardiovascular, respiratory, biomechanics and motor behaviour laboratories and associated equipment to gain new knowledge and understanding of the body systems regulation and adaptation to exercise and training and the factors limiting human skill and physical performance.  The social science researchers offer expertise in a wide range of established and more innovative quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods and evaluation methodologies.  Our strong networks provide students with invaluable access to the sport and health sector, e.g. our PhD projects working with Public Health England, Macmillan Cancer Support, UK Sport and UNICEF. We also have at our disposal well-equipped research laboratories and study facilities that can accommodate 30-40 PhD students at any given time.

Careers and your future

You will receive tailored careers support during your PhD and for up to three years after you complete your research at Brunel. We encourage you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research, even (or perhaps especially) if you don't yet have a career path in mind. Our careers provision includes online information and advice, one-to-one consultations and a range of events and workshops. The Professional Development Centre runs a varied programme of careers events throughout the academic year. These include industry insight sessions, recruitment fairs, employer pop-ups and skills workshops.

In addition, where available, you may be able to undertake some paid work as we recognise that teaching and learning support duties represent an important professional and career development opportunity.

Find out more.

Following the completion of the course students may follow several career paths:

• Career path within academia starting as a University Lecturer/Assistant Professor
• Career progression within research institutes commencing as a post-doc researcher and progressing to senior researcher
• Career path within government agencies (e.g., Sport England, UK Sport, English Institute of Sport, Department of Health, etc)
• Career path within local and community sport organisations and charities

UK entry requirements

The general University entrance requirement for registration for a research degree is normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (1st or 2:1). 

An interview will be required as part of the admissions process and will be conducted by at least two academic staff members remotely via MS Teams, Zoom, or face to face.

Applicants will be required to submit a personal statement  and a research statement. Please contact your proposed supervisor, where possible, to receive feedback and guidance on your research statement before submitting it. Learn how to prepare a research statement  here .   

EU and International entry requirements

If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list . This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.

English language requirements

• IELTS: 7 (min 6 in all areas)
• Pearson: 64 (59 in all subscores)
• BrunELT : 68% (58% in all areas)
• TOEFL: 98 overall (min 20) 

You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our  English Language Requirements  page.

Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our  Brunel Language Centre .

Please check our Admissions  pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.

Fees and funding

2024/5 entry, international.

£23,615 full-time

£11,805 part-time

£4,786 full-time

£2,393 part-time

Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.

Some courses incur  additional course related costs . You can also check our  on-campus accommodation costs  for more information on living expenses.

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. Recently the UK Government made available the Doctoral Student Loans of up to £25,000 for UK and EU students and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

PhD studentships

• Fully funded Ph.D. Studentship in the Department of Health Sciences, Brunel University London to co-design and test an intervention to increase referral and uptake rates for pulmonary rehabilitation amongst people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• Funded PhD Studentship in Dance, Communities and Wellbeing

Scholarships and bursaries

• Brunel Graduate Discount
• Dean’s International PhD Scholarship for Doctoral Researchers in Health and Life Sciences Terms and Conditions 2024

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Sports and Exercise Sciences

• Entry year 2024
• Duration Full time 3 - 4 years, Part time 4 - 7 years

The PhD in Sports and Exercise Science is an excellent opportunity to pursue your research career in this domain, while increasing your knowledge, learning new skills and developing your own abilities as a researcher.

With a wide range of topics to be explored, you will gain in-depth knowledge in an area of your interest, contributing to our understanding of the relevant issues. You will be guided by our experienced staff, providing you direction and support so you can grow into an accomplished, independent researcher.

Your department

• Lancaster Medical School Faculty of Health and Medicine
• Telephone +44 (0)1524 592032

Entry requirements

Academic requirements.

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in a relevant subject.

We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

Additional Requirements

As part of your application you will also need to provide a viable research proposal. Guidance for writing a research proposal can be found on our writing a research proposal webpage.

English Language Requirements

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 5.5 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications .

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes .

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email [email protected]

Fees and funding

The tuition fee for students with home fee status is set in line with the standard fee stipend provided by the UK Research Councils. The fee stipend for 2024/25 has not been set. For reference, the fee stipend for 2023/24 was full-time £4,712.

The international fee for new entrants in 2024/25 is full-time £26,490.

Depending on the nature of the research project, an additional programme cost may be charged. This additional fee will contribute towards the costs incurred on specific research projects. These costs could include purchasing specialist consumables, equipment access charges, fieldwork expenses and payments for transcription/translation services. Normally any additional charge will not exceed a maximum of £9,720 but this could be increased in exceptional circumstances.

Applicants will be notified of any specific additional programme cost when the offer of a place is made.

General fees and funding information

There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.

Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.

College fees

Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee  which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee.

For students starting in 2023 and 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.

Computer equipment and internet access

To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated  IT support helpdesk  is available in the event of any problems.

The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.

For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.

For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.

The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your  fee status .

If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are not fixed for the duration of your studies. Read more about  fees in subsequent years .

Scholarships and bursaries

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities .

We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries .

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• Medical Sciences MSc by Research
• Medicine PhD
• Medicine M.D.
• Social and Behavioural Sciences in Medicine PhD
• Statistics and Epidemiology PhD

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• PHD Sport and Physical Activity
• Sport and physical activity

Sport and Physical Activity

Study for a research degree in our Sport and Physical Activity Research Centre which undertakes world-class, multidisciplinary applied research and innovation with real-world impact.

Everything you need to know...

What is the fee.

Home: £4,786 per year International/EU: £17,205 per year

How long will I study?

Where will i study.

Collegiate Campus

When do I start?

October 2024 February 2025 May 2025

Course summary

• Develop specialist research knowledge and skills  
• Complete an independent research programme
• Acquire a range of high-level transferable skills
• Supervision by active researchers
• Benefit from joining a vibrant Postgraduate research community

You’ll receive research methods training and develop specialist research skills equipping you to undertake an independent programme of research. You’ll receive supervision from a team of active researchers working within our Sport & Physical Activity Research Centre.

The impact of our research is recognised as world leading or internationally excellent in the recent Research Excellence Framework 2021.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

As a postgraduate research student, you’ll follow an independent programme of study under the supervision of a team of leading academics with extensive experience of undertaking high quality research and academic scholarship. Supervision principally takes place through regular meetings, either face to face or using remote communication, between postgraduate research students and their supervisory teams. Our policies and support structures ensure that supervision is of the highest quality.

You’ll have access to a wide range of training opportunities to help you work towards your research degree. These include:

• A programme of university wide doctoral training sessions.
• A programme of workshops and research support sessions delivered by the Health Research Institute postgraduate research team.
• Specialist research training and skills development relevant to your research project.
• A range of research seminar series provided within the HRI and across the university.
• Peer discussions and support as part of a post graduate research community.
• Multiple opportunities to present your work at local, national and international conferences.
• Financial support to attend academic conferences, networking opportunities and training events.

Course leaders and tutors

Joseph Stone

I teach on a range of degree programmes in Sport and Exercise Science, teaching on modules in Performance Analysis, Motor Skills and Biomechanics

Applied learning

You’ll be part of an active research community in the Sport and Physical Activity Research Centre (SPARC) , the Health Research Institute and the wider university. Your research will be closely aligned with one of the research groups within SPARC. These are:

• Sport Industry Research Group
• Sports Engineering Research Group
• Physical Activity, Wellness & Public Health
• Sport & Human Performance

Our research is delivered with national and international partners and collaborators and is one of the largest sport and physical activity research clusters in the UK. We are proud to work with organisations such as Sport England, UK Sport, Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), International Tennis Federation, Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), Adidas, Team GB Olympic and Paralympic athletes and teams, English Institute of Sport, The London Marathon, Parkrun and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club.

We also work extensively with the health sector and charities delivering interventions and evaluations to a range of diverse populations and contexts. These organisations include the National Health Service (NHS), Department of Health, Sheffield Health and Social Care, Public Health England, Yorkshire Cancer Research, Macmillan Cancer Research, The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, and British Heart Foundation as well as industry partners such as Westfield Health.

There are multiple opportunities for you to be involved in a wide range of academic activities including teaching and knowledge exchange over the course of your programme, enabling you to further expand and enhance your knowledge and skills acquisition.

Future careers

Research degrees are a vital qualification for most academic careers. The research training and the high-level transferable skills you’ll acquire are highly desirable across all sectors and will be a valuable asset whatever your career.

You study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

Collegiate campus

Collegiate Campus can be found just off Ecclesall Road, a bustling student district.

Collegiate Campus map | Campus facilities  

Collegiate Crescent Sheffield S10 2BP

Collegiate library

Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

Equipment and facilities

You’ll have access to excellent facilities and learning resources as well as a dedicated postdoctoral office space which promotes vibrant discussion and collaboration.

You’ll also have access to our state-of-the-art specialist equipment which supports a wide range of research activities. The equipment is located on the Collegiate Crescent campus and within the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre  which is part of the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.

Find out more about our research facilities here

Entry requirements

All students, additional information for eu/international students.

All applicants should hold a strong undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant masters qualification (or expectation of the same).

All applicants must submit a completed postgraduate application form including a 1500 word research proposal.

You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their current research to inform the development of your research proposal and to ensure it aligns with our research themes. Before submitting your proposal, please contact the member(s) of staff listed against the relevant research theme.

Applicants are required to give a short 10–15 minute presentation followed by an interview. Interview panel members will include the head of research degrees for the relevant research area or centre, a local postgraduate research tutor and a prospective director of studies.

Where English is not your first language, you must show evidence of English language ability to the following minimum level of proficiency: an overall IELTS score of 7.0 or above, with at least 6.5 in each component or an accepted equivalent. Please note that your test score must be current, i.e. within the last two years.

If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.

For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.

Fees and funding

Home students, international students.

Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students starting full-time study in 2024/25 is £4,786 per year. An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities. Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute, and will be confirmed in your offer letter.

If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions  under student fees regulations.

Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting full-time study in 2024/25 is £17,205 per year. An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities. Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute, and will be confirmed in your offer letter.

Doctoral student loans

Up to £25,700 available to help you while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Additional course costs

This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations .

How do I apply?

You apply for this course via our online application form.

• Apply for February 2025
• Apply for May 2025
• Apply for October 2024

You can also use the application form above to apply for future years of entry.

Not ready to apply just yet?

Why not come to our next open day? Open days are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campuses and get all the information you need. Alternatively, feel free to ask us a question.

Why choose us?

We are Gold rated in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for the outstanding quality of our teaching and student outcomes

Join more than 1,500 students at our nationally-renowned Academy of Sport and Physical Activity

Learn in cutting-edge sports facilities, including our £6m sports park and a satellite campus at the English Institute of Sport

Where next?

Find out more about Sheffield Hallam's postgraduate opportunities and community.

Come to an open day

You can chat to teaching and admissions staff, view our facilities and learn more about your funding options.

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Information for international students

Information for international students including entry requirements by country and funding.

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• Schools & departments

Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences PhD

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences

Upcoming Introduction to Postgraduate Study session

Join us on the 26th June to learn more about studying at the University of Edinburgh.

Find out more and register

Research profile

Why edinburgh.

The University of Edinburgh is ranked first in Scotland for research power in Education and Sport (Times Higher Education, REF 2021) and we offer the largest concentration of researchers in education in a Scottish university, meaning you will be supported by and collaborate with leaders in the field.

Our research activities cover a wide range of aspects relating to sport, physical education and health sciences.

Moray House School of Education and Sport staff provide supervision on a wide range of topics within the fields of:

• physical education
• sport management
• sports science
• social and cultural significance of sport
• health sciences

Many opportunities also exist for interdisciplinary research.

Research Thematic Hubs

With over 250 research staff and students, we have a vibrant and expanding research community with a broad portfolio of academic disciplines gathered within seven broad research themes with permeable boundaries. These thematic hubs are:

• Advanced Quantitative Research in Education
• Children and Young People
• Digital Education
• Language, Interculturality and Literacies
• Social Justice and Inclusion
• Sport-Related Research
• Teacher Education, Curriculum and Pedagogy

Research community

As a postgraduate research student you will join a vibrant Graduate School community with over 150 research students. There are also several opportunities for optional training and development throughout your studies.

Research students are encouraged to attend and actively engage with the activities of School research thematic hubs, which include seminars, meetings and workshops. In addition, several academic and social events for research students take place throughout the year.

We organise an annual series of around 25 training, talks and seminar events, as well as the student-led ‘Interweaving’ conference for research students and staff.

Programme structure

The PhD is a substantial piece of independent research which makes a contribution to the state of existing knowledge in the field.

The PhD programme is designed to take three years full-time or six years part-time. The programme is examined by submission of a thesis of up to 100,000 words and by oral examination.

Application

You are encouraged to contact a potential supervisor to discuss your research project before making a formal application.

You may start your studies with us either on 1 October or 10 January of a year.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Training and support

Students following the PhD degree are normally supported in their research by two supervisors.

The first of these will be a member of staff who has expertise in the general area of your proposed research topic and the second will be another expert in the field who may come from within the School, University or a field of practice.

Most students who are accepted begin a period of research leading to a PhD; however, the first year of this degree is probationary and progression to year two is dependent on satisfactory progress.

We offer a number of courses in research methodologies, which you are encouraged to take during your first year.

You will work closely with your supervisors, who are recognised experts in the field. All PhD students pursue an individually tailored programme of research training agreed with their supervisors.

Our PhD programmes provide core training in the research skills necessary to flourish at doctoral level and beyond.

PhD by Distance option

The PhD by Distance is available to suitably qualified applicants in the same areas as our on-campus programmes.

The programme allows students who are unable to commit to basing themselves in Edinburgh full time to study for a PhD from their home country or city, however, this is not intended to be a fully online distance learning programme.

For further information on the PhD by Distance option (including criteria for eligibility, required application form and how to apply) please visit the School website:

• Moray House School of Education and Sport PhD by Distance

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a related subject is normally required.

Normally also a postgraduate degree with a 60% overall grade point average and 60% in the dissertation, or its international equivalent.

You must also submit a research proposal that fits well with our staff expertise.

We may also consider your application if you have other qualifications or substantial experience; please contact us to check before you apply.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 62 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Tuition fees, scholarships and funding, featured funding.

Moray House School of Education and Sport funding for postgraduate research students

Research scholarships for international students

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Postgraduate Admissions
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 4086
• Contact: Admissions Office
• Deputy Director of Postgraduate Research, Dr Darío Luis Banegas
• Contact: [email protected]
• Moray House School of Education and Sport
• Old Moray House
• Holyrood Campus
• Programme: Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences
• School: Education and Sport (Moray House)
• College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd sport, physical education and health sciences - 6 years (part-time), application deadlines.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

• How to apply

You must submit one reference with your application.

You must also submit a detailed research proposal using the following template:

Research Proposal template

Guidelines on writing your research proposal

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

• Interesting for you
• My settings

Sport and Exercise Science in United Kingdom

53  Sport and Exercise Science PhDs in United Kingdom

Study in United Kingdom

Universities in the UK are some of the most highly regarded in the world, and for good reasons. Some of the world's most highly regarded research takes place in British universities, which are regularly featured in international rankings. While studying in the UK, you will be able to develop in a highly multicultural environment with high chances of pursuing lucrative careers after graduation. The teaching in the UK is designed to encourage new idea generation, encouraging individual research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.

Is United Kingdom the right place for you?

Take the test and find out which country is your best fit.

Explore your Sport and Exercise Science degree

Sport and Exercise Sciences apply scientific principles to physical activity and performance. Specialisations include sport psychology, exercise physiology, sports nutrition, biomechanics, and sports coaching. In the program, you'll study human physiology, biomechanics, training programs, psychology, and nutrition. Careers include sports scientist, exercise physiologist, fitness centre manager, strength and conditioning coach, and sports nutritionist. The degree equips you for roles in fitness training, coaching, and health promotion. A Master's degree can lead to advanced research or specialised coaching positions. If you're passionate about sports and the science of human performance, a Sport and Exercise Sciences degree is a valuable choice.

Is Sport and Exercise Science the best for you?

Take the test and find out if Sport and Exercise Science is the right path for you.

Go to your profile page to get personalised recommendations!

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2024/25 entry

MPhil, PhD Postgraduate research opportunities in Sport and Exercise Science

Tuition fees.

Fee information can be found on the Doctoral Academy web pages

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Entry requirements

About this course.

Excellent research opportunities await at the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, enabling you to work at the forefront of developments with leading experts.

• Study full or part-time over two to seven years
• Choose from a wide range of subject areas (see Details tab for more information)
• Complete your research degree (MPhil/PhD) in a Faculty known for its internationally-acclaimed research and state-of-the-art facilities
• Explore scholarship opportunities 
• Benefit from expert supervision and researcher training
• Enjoy excellent facilities and great employment connections

You will be allocated up to four supervisors, including a Lead Supervisor who will work with you throughout your studies and provide you with appropriate levels of support and guidance.

Throughout your studies, you will also have the support of LJMU’s  Doctoral Academy  which offers expert advice and guidance to those enrolled on MPhil and PhD programmes.

Fees and funding

How to fund your postgraduate research.

Securing funding can be one of the main hurdles you face when considering postgraduate research. However, help is available. LJMU has a team of fees and funding experts who can offer advice based on your personal circumstances. You can contact them on 0151 231 3153/3154 or via [email protected]

Employability

Further your career prospects.

LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.

Studying for a postgraduate research degree enhances your employability in a number of ways.

As well as enabling you to focus on your specific areas of interest and expand your subject knowledge ready for employment in your chosen sector, a postgraduate research qualification enables you to take charge of your career path by demonstrating your contribution to an area of knowledge. It enhances your self-confidence and showcases your ability to work independently and ‘go it alone’.

According to a report by the  Higher Education Statistics Agency  (HESA), more than a quarter of graduates felt that their employment prospects were increased by their PG qualification. And when it comes to earnings, those with a postgrad qualification have been shown to earn an average of 24% more than those who leave education with an undergraduate degree.

Some postgraduate research students are already in full-time employment when they begin their studies, whilst others are recent graduates looking to extend their research capabilities and subject expertise.

A good proportion of our students return to their existing roles with enhanced career prospects, others move on to further study or take up teaching roles in educational establishments.

The student experience

Discover life as a postgraduate student at ljmu..

News and views

Browse through the latest stories and updates from the university and beyond.

Sport and Exercise science awarded Royal Charter

Student welfare tracked by health app

Liverpool in Shanghai: celebrating 25 years as sister cities

Homeless World Cup: Sport for health research

Course modules, discover the building blocks of your programme, school of sport and exercise sciences, explore the possibilities.

The world-leading School of Sport and Exercise Sciences fuses research and applied practice. Our specially selected team of academics not only design and deliver courses, they also support engagement in original research and applied practice. 

Our Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), founded in 1997, maximises the potential of our research students and continues to be a cutting-edge and vibrant home for research activity within the School. The success of RISES staff is demonstrated by our high-profile international reputation for Research Training and Research Outputs. The School is ranked first in the UK for research quality in the research excellence framework (REF) 2014*. This research helps ensure that our learning is at the vanguard of developments in the field and that you have an opportunity to study alongside leading experts.

The School is also ranked 12th best department in the world out of 450 institutions, according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) for the sports sciences subject area 2020, highlighting the school’s global research influence.

*Research Quality Index data provided by Research Professional and available via Research Fortnight

We offer opportunities to complete MPhil and PhD research across a wide range of sport science disciplines, working alongside nationally and internationally respected academics based in our acclaimed research groups. Supervision is available in:

• Sport and Exercise Sciences, including Biomechanics
• Brain and Behaviour
• Cardiovascular Science
• Chronobiology
• Muscle Metabolism and Nutrition
• Physical Activity Exercise and Health
• Psychology and Development
• The Science of Football

An insight into teaching on your course

To complement your research, specific training needs will be identified on an individual basis. You can study topics such as:

• Advanced Presentation Skills 
• Applying for Ethical Approval 
• How to be an Effective Researcher
• Poster Presentation/Design
• Postgraduate Employability Skills
• Project Management
• Writing Skills including Creative Planning for Writing your Thesis
• Surviving the Viva
• Speed Reading

How learning is monitored on your programme

To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.

Final examination for both the MPhil and the PhD is by thesis and oral examination. 

The MPhil differs from the PhD in terms of the depth of study required and the extent of your personal contribution to knowledge. It requires competence in conducting an independent enquiry as well as in the use of appropriate research methods and techniques. Examiners will expect you to display satisfactory background knowledge of the subject. 

To gain a PhD you are expected to show mastery of a special field and to have made an original personal contribution to the understanding of a problem, the advancement of knowledge, or the generation of new ideas. Examiners will expect you to be at the forefront of understanding in your chosen topic.

School facilities

What you can expect from your school, you will need:.

• (for an MPhil): a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject
• (for a PhD): a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject, preferably also a Masters degree in a relevant subject
• The applications of those with alternative qualifications will be considered on merit
• Appropriate research and previous experience will be taken into account
• IELTS 6.5 minimum 5.5 in each component)
• 58-64 (minimum 51 in each component for UKVI purposes)
• RPL is accepted on this programme

We also welcome applications from those with non-standard qualifications who can demonstrate knowledge, experience, and skills developed in the workplace or other setting relevant to the programme of research.

If you do not hold the standard academic entry requirements, please use your personal statement to provide further details. Non-standard applications will be considered by the Admissions Tutor(s) on a case-by-case basis.

If you have any specific queries, please contact  [email protected]

Application and selection

Securing your place at ljmu.

All research degree registrations are subject to approval by the Faculty and University’s Research Degrees Committee. The applications process is as follows:

• Complete and submit your application using this  online form
• You will receive an acknowledgement
• Your application will be considered by the Admissions Tutor
• We will take up your academic references
• You may need to provide further information or attend an interview
• You will be informed if your application has been successful and will find out about any conditions of acceptance

The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.

Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.

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Sport and Exercise Science and Sports Therapy

The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences provides an excellent environment for undertaking your PhD. We have an active group of both full-time and part-time postgraduate research students in the School and staff with expertise in a number of areas in sports science and therapy, including exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, injury, rehabilitation and psychology.

Key information

• Duration 3 to 4 years full-time
• Start date Preferably in September or January
• Location Canterbury

The breadth of staff research interests enables us to supervise research degrees in a number of areas, in the sport and exercise sciences and in sports therapy. These areas include: exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, injury, rehabilitation, psychology. More specifically, we can offer research in the areas of: mental fatigue; perceived effort and exercise capacity; training and sports performance; cycling efficiency, mega sporting events and their legacy; rehabilitation; physical activity in various populations; threat and challenge in sports psychology; sports nutrition; exercise immunology, pre-habilitation and rehabilitation from injury or surgery; and manual therapy in sport and lower back pain.

Funded PhD studentships

The School’s latest PhD opportunities are announced throughout the year and can be found on the FindAPhD website or through the University of Kent scholarship finder .

Self-funded applicants

If you have private or other funding you are welcome to apply for a PhD at any time, provided that your research interests are in line with the interests and capabilities of one of our research groups . In order to apply, you need to complete the following steps:

• Identify an academic member of staff who you would like to act as a potential supervisor
• Contact the potential supervisor directly by email to discuss the possibility of undertaking a PhD under their supervision. Please outline your interest in the research, supply a CV including details of all relevant experience and details of how you will fund your study.
• Make an online application to study (click 'Apply now').

About the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences

The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences is one of the most exciting and innovative sports schools in the UK.

Based on our Canterbury campus, we have well-equipped, state-of the-art sports science laboratories, a sports therapy clinic, sports rehabilitation gymnasium and respiratory clinic. Our laboratories include the latest equipment, such as:

• anti-gravity treadmill, originally developed to help NASA astronauts to exercise in space
• cycling and rowing ergometers to measure anaerobic capacity
• isokinetic dynamometer to measure muscle and joint function
• brain and muscle stimulators
• 3D motion video analysis
• imaging and treatment ultrasound
• gait analysis and force pedals
• blood testing and gas analysis equipment
• rehabilitation gymnasium
• environmental chamber, which can recreate the atmosphere in the Brazilian jungle or at the top of Everest.

You'll also have access to some top-class leisure and study facilities. For example, the Sports Centre/Pavilion provides:  

• an air-conditioned fitness suite across two floors 
• dance and fitness studios with numerous classes 
• indoor courts for badminton, basketball, netball, volleyball and squash 
• training facilities for martial arts, boxing and combat sports 
• outdoor pitches for rugby, football and American football.

Everything you need to know.

Entry requirements, study support.

An MSc, or a first or upper-second class honours degree in a relevant subject.

All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications. 

Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country  and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.

English language entry requirements

This course requires a Good level of English language, equivalent to B2 on CEFR.  

Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage . 

Examples:  

IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component 

PTE Academic 63 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test 

A degree from a UK university 

A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country 

Need help with English?

Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways . 

Postgraduate research is a fantastic opportunity and significant investment in your future, enabling you to expand your knowledge, skills and career options – all while making a meaningful impact and contribution to an area you are passionate about.

At Kent, we also recognise the significant financial investment that comes with postgraduate study, and we offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate researchers, to help keep your mind on your studies, and off your finances.

Scholarships can be broad, or specific to your situation, background or even country – so please do use our scholarships finder to discover the options available to you.

We also have research partnership funding with research councils and government schemes in specific areas of interest that can help you take your research to the next level with additional financial support.

Find out more on our fees and funding page and discover what option is right for you.

Postgraduate resources

As a research student at Kent, you are provided with training in research-specific and broader ‘transferable skills’, including academic writing, career management and presentation skills. Doctoral students also have the opportunity to train for an advanced teaching qualification (ATAP). During term time, the research groups hold weekly meetings to discuss ongoing work, and there are also weekly seminars featuring external speakers. If you do not have any postgraduate experience of statistical analysis, you can take our MSc module in Research Methods.

The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences has recently invested heavily in its equipment and other resources, and has world-class sports therapy and sport science facilities. Campus facilities include a 12-couch teaching clinic and state-of-the-art sports science laboratories. There is a wide range of equipment, including motorised and non-motorised treadmills, cycle ergometers, an isokinetic dynamometer, and blood and gas analysis equipment. In addition, the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences has a cutting-edge sports therapy clinic, rehabilitation gymnasium, sports science laboratories, performance analysis suite and a respiratory clinic.

There is also a hypoxic environmental chamber, and analytical chemistry, respiratory testing and psychobiology laboratories. These specialist rooms have been set up with over £700,000 of new equipment, including an anti-gravity treadmill, a 3D video analysis system, 2D force pedals, ultra-sound imaging, near-infrared spectroscopy and a gait analysis system.

The School operates a commercial sports injury and rehabilitation clinic, respiratory clinic and sports performance services to support elite athletes, regional squads and local residents. As a postgraduate student, you have the opportunity to develop your professional skills as you work with clients in the clinic and laboratory under staff supervision.

Dynamic publishing culture

Staff publish regularly and widely in leading scientific journals. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise ; American Journal of Sports Medicine ; Journal of Applied Physiology ; and British Journal of Sports Medicine .

Researcher Development Programme

Kent's Graduate School co-ordinates the Researcher Development Programme for research students, which includes workshops focused on research, specialist and transferable skills. The programme is mapped to the national Researcher Development Framework and covers a diverse range of topics, including subject-specific research skills, research management, personal effectiveness, communication skills, networking and teamworking, and career management skills.

As a School we engage with local, national and international partners to produce high-quality research that is academically rigorous and has a positive impact in the wider community. By combining laboratory research with practical work in our clinics, academic staff and students are able to test a variety of hypotheses from basic mechanistic science to applied work with patient populations as well as elite athletes.

The breadth of our research makes the School an attractive and dynamic place to study. Areas of expertise include:

• exercise physiology
• biomechanics
• rehabilitation
• performance analysis

The reputation and expertise of our academic staff has attracted substantial research funding over the last 10 years from bodies such as the World Anti-Doping Agency and the Ministry of Defence, as well as from charitable foundations such as the Leverhulme Trust.

Our staff have used their research to benefit elite athletes including Olympic swimmers and cyclists, and the England football team; soldiers in the British army; and specific clinical populations. They have sought to challenge perceptions of disability through a ground-breaking project run in collaboration with the Brazilian Paralympic Committee.

Staff research interests

Kent’s world-class academics provide research students with excellent supervision. The academic staff in this school and their research interests are shown below. You are strongly encouraged to contact the school to discuss your proposed research and potential supervision prior to making an application. Please note, it is possible for students to be supervised by a member of academic staff from any of Kent’s schools, providing their expertise matches your research interests. Use our ‘ find a supervisor ’ search to search by staff member or keyword.

Full details of staff research interests can be found on the School's website .

Our programmes have been developed and designed to provide students with the required knowledge and skills to work autonomously in the field of sport science and sports therapy. The programmes provide opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate both specialist academic and transferable skills such as good communication, problem solving, critical analysis and the ability to work independently to a high standard. The programmes also aim to give you the opportunity to build long-term careers within your chosen field.

The 2024/25 annual tuition fees for this course are:

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide .

For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact [email protected] .

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from  UKCISA  before applying.

General information

For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* 

Additional costs

Find out more about  general additional costs  that you may pay when studying at Kent. 

Additional research fees

Please note that, due to the technical requirements of certain laboratory-based research projects, some projects incur additional research costs to support consumable requirements.

Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:

• University and external funds
• Scholarships specific to the academic school delivering this programme.

We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.

Unlock your potential with scholarships up to £5000 

Ready to apply?

Learn more about the  application process  or begin your application by clicking on a link below.

You will be able to choose your preferred year of entry once you have started your application. You can also save and return to your application at any time.

Need help deciding?

Our friendly team is on hand to help you with any queries you have.

Find the right supervisor for your and your research project.

Experience our stunning campuses.

Everything you need to know about applying to Kent from abroad.

Apply for entry to Sport and Exercise Science and Sports Therapy

• Full-time at Canterbury
• Part-time at Canterbury

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Supporting your success

We are here to support your postgraduate journey.

Kent ranked top 50 in The Complete University Guide 2024 .

Support for funding so you can focus on your studies.

Research excellence.

Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.

It’s easy to study on or off campus at Kent – discover what is right for you.

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Course type

Qualification, university name, phd degrees in sports and recreation.

42 degrees at 31 universities in the UK.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

Related subjects:

• PhD Sports and Recreation
• PhD Physical Education
• PhD Sports Studies
• PhD Sports and Movement Science

• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

Sport and Exercise Sciences PhD

Bangor university.

Research Areas Sport and Exercise Sciences, with research interests in Sport psychology/human performance Stress and performance Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)

Anglia Ruskin University

Pursue original research in physiology, psychology, biomechanics or coaching/pedagogy, in highly equipped surroundings with an Read more...

• 2 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 2.5 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 3 years Part time degree: £2,392 per year (UK)
• 3.5 years Part time degree: £2,392 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD Sport and Exercise

University of chester.

The University of Chester welcomes students to undertake research towards MPhil and PhD in Sport and Exercise Sciences. This is an Read more...

• 4 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

PhD Postgraduate research opportunities in Sport and Exercise Science

Liverpool john moores university.

Excellent research opportunities await at the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, enabling you to work at the forefront of Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

MPhil PhD School of Health Sport and Bioscience

University of east london.

Studying for a PhD with UEL’s School of Health, Sport and Bioscience (HSB) will push you to the limit - and you’ll be supported all the Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £5,740 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,870 per year (UK)

PhD Health and Exercise Sciences

University of essex.

Within our multidisciplinary School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, we offer research supervision in all areas of staff Read more...

PhD Sport, Health and Exercise Science

University of hull.

About our programmes Research in Sport, Health and Exercise Science aims to enhance understanding of practices and processes that support Read more...

• 5 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

PhD/ MPhil/ MRes Physical Activity for Health

University of strathclyde.

Our research is focused on the development and testing of interventions that encourage people to participate in more physical activity and Read more...

Sport and Exercise Science & Sports Therapy - PhD

University of kent.

The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences provides an excellent environment for undertaking your PhD. We have an active group of both Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences PhD

Brunel university london.

Research profile Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences at Brunel hosts a vibrant community of researchers with expertise in both natural and Read more...

• 6 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD (Sport)

University of south wales.

A PhD is a doctoral degree based on a significant and original individual research project which culminates in an in-depth thesis (or Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,716 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,358 per year (UK)

Sport and Exercise Science PhD

Canterbury christ church university.

Recently completed or current PhD student theses Interventions to improve Running Economy (RE) in trained runners; Intervention to reduce Read more...

• 5 years Part time degree: £2,872 per year (UK)

PhD Postgraduate research in Sports and Recreation

University of wolverhampton.

We offer supervision for PhD research in a range of areas relating to Sport. The Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing (FEHW) Read more...

• 8 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 8 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD Sport and Exercise Science

Aberystwyth university.

The Department of Sport and Exercise Science at Aberystwyth University performs research in the sport and exercise sciences, and provides Read more...

Sport & Exercise Science PhDs and MPhils

University of portsmouth.

If you're ready to take your knowledge and expertise in Sport and Exercise Science into a postgraduate research degree, Portsmouth is the Read more...

Sport and exercise science PhD

University of brighton.

We welcome students to the University of Brighton to study Sport and exercise science PhD based in specialist laboratories with expert Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,796 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £2,398 per year (UK)

Sport and Exercise Science MPhil/PhD

University of worcester.

We welcome applications to undertake research towards MPhil and PhD degrees in Sport and Exercise Science. Our Research School has Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,950 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,475 per year (UK)

Sports Science, PhD

Swansea university.

Sport and Exercise Science research at Swansea University takes place in the Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Read more...

• 6 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD Sport and Physical Activity

Sheffield hallam university.

Course summary Become trained in research methods and complete a high level research project Study for a higher degree by research in Read more...

PhD Health and Physical Activity

1-20 of 42 courses

Course type:

• Distance learning PhD
• Full time PhD
• Part time PhD

Qualification:

Universities:.

• University of Suffolk
• Ulster University
• The University of Edinburgh
• University of Lincoln
• University of Sunderland
• Loughborough University London
• Loughborough University
• Buckinghamshire New University
• Lancaster University
• Abertay University
• University of Exeter
• Leeds Beckett University

Related Subjects:

We have 63 sports science PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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sports science PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Sports science: fully funded scootfit and swansea phd scholarship: scooting for the stars: utilising scooting as a novel tool for balance enhancement in children with hypermobility, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Sports Science: Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Development, Evaluation and Application of Immersive Learning Environments for Performance Sport

Funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Talent identification of international youth female soccer players and the influence of growth and maturation

Talent identification of international youth male soccer players and the influence of growth and maturation, a spatiotemporal investigation of soccer match officials’ movement and positioning in the context of decision making, a mixed-method approach to understanding predictive talent scouts’ judgements in professional football, can new and novel use of sports tape leverage further benefits to athlete welfare, real time mri of joint and muscle mobility in elite football players, brentford football club and cardiff metropolitan university fully-funded phd studentship - monitoring psychological load, recovery and wellbeing in academy football players, generative models for clinically relevant motion capture, fee funded mres: force-time characteristics of sports school student-athletes, brentford football club and cardiff metropolitan university fully-funded phd studentship -evaluating training load and physical development in academy football players, bridging the gap: investigating the professional landscape of applied performance analysts in sports performance analysis, self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Dielectric measurements at microwave frequencies for archaeology, environmental sensing and healthcare

Sport coaching, positive youth development and vulnerable young people.

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Carnegie School of Sport Fully Funded PhD Studentships

The Carnegie School of Sport is looking to recruit four highly motivated individuals to prestigious PhD Studentships

• Full-time Fully Funded Postgraduate Research Studentship
• Start date: October 2022
• The PHD Studentships will be based in Leeds

The PhD studentship will have a bursary of £15,609 per annum (pro-rata into 12 monthly payments) plus UK Fees paid initially for a period of three years.

This is a unique opportunity for four enthusiastic and high-achieving individuals looking to undertake a PhD in a vibrant research environment.

The Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University is purposefully driven by a focus on working together to make a positive difference. Our strength is the breadth and depth of our research, which is underpinned by the disciplinary experience of our staff and students. Pursuing an inclusive and ambitious research agenda, we cross the broad spectrum of the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Our research culture is founded upon a genuine commitment and capacity to work with others on real-world applied problems, to achieve impact beyond academia. From our leading work on talent development, coaching practice, and anti-doping, to our studies on gender equality, ageing and obesity, we're looking to apply our knowledge to address some of the key issues facing our communities today.

We recognise that impact starts and ends with the societal change we seek to address, rather than the research problem or project we have created. Our research and knowledge exchange contribution are enabled by our six University-Designated Centres and Institute. We are therefore pleased to invite applications for our funded PhD Studentships from candidates wishing to carry out research under one of the research themes of our Centres or Institute:

Further details on our Centres and Institute can be found in the Project Overview Section, along with contact details of the Centre/Institute Directors for further information. We strongly advise potential applicants to discuss their project ideas with the Centre/Institute Director or with staff associated with the Centre/Institute.

Encouraging applications from under-represented groups

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive PGR community that will bring different perspectives to our work. Therefore, we welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly Black, Asian and people with other ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, LGBTQ+ and people with a disability. In addition, we will be encouraging proposals across our Centres/Institute that seek to address under-representation within research. All appointments will be based on merit.

Funding will consist of UK full tuition fees for three years and the award of a living stipend at UK Research Council rates (£15,609 per annum pro-rata into 12 monthly payments). Funding will be subject to satisfactory progress. A laptop will be provided and the opportunity to apply for funding to support the research project.

Centre Directors: Prof. Ben Jones ( [email protected] ) and Prof. Kevin Till ( [email protected] )

The Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) centre applies innovative scientific and analytical techniques to answer real-world practical problems within Rugby. The CARR centre aims are to 1) Enhance policy, science and coaching for application within and across all levels of rugby, specifically addressing current challenges; and 2) Develop innovative opportunities for individuals (students & staff) through our key relationships / partners to produce international quality and impactful research that enhances applied practice within and across all levels of rugby. We work closely with rugby union and rugby league professional clubs, international and national governing bodies, as well as sports technology companies, to bring together researchers and practitioners with expertise in technology, sport science, coaching, strength and conditioning and player development.

Our work centres on five research themes, which are:

• Training Load and match demands
• Talent Identification and Development
• Injury and illness
• Enhancing nutrition and psychology
• Physical Development

Centre Director: Prof. Jim McKenna ( [email protected] )

The Centre for Active Lifestyles aims to respond to the societal need to better understand and deliver Physical Activity to improve Public Health and reduce longstanding social inequalities. The Centre draws on a range of scientific areas – from Psychology to Physiology - to deliver insights and effective campaigns and interventions. We offer a distinctive, innovative, and effective approach to designing, delivering, and evaluating tailor-made programmes. Our highly translational approach blends the best of science with the cutting-edge of best practice to support individuals, groups, and/or whole communities to become more physically active.

 The Centre addresses two main themes:

• Identifying and improving community and/or service-based PA provision and
• Establishing physiological and biochemical responses and adaptations to exercise and PA

Centre Director: Prof. John O’Hara ( [email protected] )

The Centre for Human Performance research spans basic science conducted in our laboratories through to translational science on the track, on the pitch and in the mountains. Although we are interested in optimising human performance, we believe this should never compromise athlete wellbeing and welfare, and the integrity of sport. Therefore, our research also offers a critical understanding of the psychosocial, moral and cultural dimensions of sport.

Our research themes include:

• Optimising endurance performance
• Performance in extreme environment
• Musculoskeletal and orthopaedic sports medicine
• Protecting sporting integrity and welfare (PROSPER)
• Applied Practice in Football

Here in the Centre for Social Justice in Sport and Society, we work to create a fairer and equitable society through harnessing the power of sport. We achieve this through our four connected but distinct research themes covering:

• Children, Young People, and Families research
• Disability Sport and Adapted Physical Activity research
• Identities and (In)Equalities research
• Management and Governance research

We work alongside our partners to offer contextualised insights and solutions towards making sport and physical activity fairer. The Centre examines all types of sporting, leisure, physical education, and physical activities. We work to challenge inequalities across the performance domains (from participation to high-performance) and in all roles (from participant to leader). We invite your interest in applying for a PhD studentship with us and would be delighted to offer our support to you in shaping the application. We look forward to hearing from you.

Centre for Sports Coaching

Centre Director: Prof. Julian North ( [email protected] )

The Centre for Sport Coaching provides a focal point for the research and development of sport coaching in the UK and internationally.

The Centre is a partner of the International Council for Coaching Excellence, who are housed within the Carnegies School of Sport.  We work extensively with organisations such as UEFA, the Football Association, UK Sport, Sport Scotland, and Nike, amongst many others.

The Centre has links with over 40 staff affiliates, and over 80 post-graduate students, and there is extensive engagement in collaborative project working, discussion groups, and dissemination events.

Although we are happy to consider applications from highly motivated and interested students across a broad range of sport coaching issues, we have a particular interest in:

• Effective and ethical sport coaching practice to improve participant and performer development experiences and outcomes
• Coach learning, development, and education
• Coaching policy and systems

With our colleagues in the Centre of Social Justice in Sport and Society we are also very happy to explore issues of inclusion and exclusion in the coaching workforce, and wider issues of social justice in coaching. We look forward to hearing from you.

Institute Director: Prof. Carlton Cooke ( [email protected] )

The Obesity Institute is unique in applying a multidisciplinary approach to the study of obesity. It brings together strengths in nutrition, dietetics, physical activity, psychology, epidemiology, computing, arts and design and public health from across the university with our patient and public involvement members, working in coproduction with policy and practice partners to address real world priorities. Our research is also firmly embedded within our undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, professional training and education, and consultancy. Through this integration, we have the expertise to enhance the implementation, effectiveness and scalability of real-world action.

We develop novel, bespoke approaches to research that lead innovations in the field of obesity. Our team have a wealth of expertise, experience and have a track record of delivering high-impact research and consultation that draws on our academic and applied competencies. In doing so, our research and consultancy has led to many real-world impacts that have improved the understanding, prevention and treatment of obesity. Our themes include

• Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement
• System Approaches
• Tackling Disparities and Patient & Public Involvement
• Weight Management and Wellbeing

As part of your application, please provide a CV, cover letter and research proposal. The proposal should align to the above theme and include a brief literature review related to this project, with an outline of the studies that you would propose to the answer the aims of the PhD (maximum 5 pages single spaced).

We can only consider complete applications. The research degree application is complete once you have uploaded all of the following:

• Your application form (include the project reference CSS plus the Centre/Institute name
• Your research proposal, statement of purpose and CV on the Research proposal template
• Copies of your bachelors and master certificates, including transcripts
• Copy of your IELTS (or equivalent) certificate (if applicable) further information can be found on our Graduate School FAQs
• Copy of your passport

Email the documentation above) to [email protected]  

The deadline for applications is midnight on 12th June 2022

Candidates must be available for interview on 1st, 2nd, 3rd August 2022

Who to contact

• To discuss your application and project proposal please contact the Centre or Institute Director listed in the Project Overview Section
• For questions on the application process; [email protected]
• If you are applying from outside the UK it is important that you are aware of the entry and additional fee requirements by contacting [email protected] for further information

One of the largest providers of sport in UK higher education, we’re home to world-leading experts and decades of successful graduates.

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PhD Sport and Exercise Science

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Entry requirements

Fees and funding.

• What's next?

Within our multidisciplinary School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, we offer research supervision in all areas of staff expertise in sports and exercise sciences and related areas.

As a research student at Essex, you'll work at the heart of our well-connected research community. Our School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences offers an environment with an excellent reputation for research and teaching.

Our facilities include a wide range of ergometers and treadmills, stand alone and portable gas analysers, force plates, isokinetic dynamometers, a Vicon motion capture system, electronic timing gates, full blood gas analysers, (including pulse and co-oximeters), and a variety of EMG systems. It is also possible to study non-invasive measurements of brain function within our school and via collaborations with the cognitive neuroscience laboratory in our Department of Psychology. Methods include EEG, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

You can start this degree in October, January or April, either full-time or part-time. We also offer an MPhil and MSD in this area.

• Our state-of-the-art Sport Arena houses the latest technology and facilities which you will have access to.
• We're 27th in the UK for Sports Science in the Guardian University Guide 2024.
• We are 23rd in UK for research power in sport and exercise sciences (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021).

Our expert staff

Our School has a proven track record of excellence in teaching, research and applied sports science. We are 23rd in UK for research power in sport and exercise sciences (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021). Our research is not just about academic excellence. It has wide ranging societal impact in areas as diverse as sports performance, cardiac health and childhood wellbeing.

Within our School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, you will be allocated a supervisor whose role it is to guide you through the different stages of your research degree. In some cases, you may have joint supervision by two members of our staff.

The support provided by your supervisor is a key feature of your research student experience and you will have regular one-to-one meetings to discuss progress on your research. Initially, your supervisor will help you develop your research topic and plan.

Twice a year, you will have a supervisory board meeting, which provides a more formal opportunity to discuss your progress and agree your plans for the next six months.

Specialist facilities

The School is housed within the Essex Sport Arena. This state-of-the-art, £12 million development brings together education, rehabilitation, exercise and research, with facilities including a sports hall the size of three basketball courts, two dedicated labs for sports therapy training, a sports therapy clinic, and dedicated physiotherapy labs. Key to the success of all research and teaching within a university is sufficient resources. Our School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences is well equipped, centrally resourced by technical staff who provide a service to all our staff and students.

Our successful Human Performance Unit (HPU) provides educational and coaching services, health-related exercise programmes and athlete testing, as well as unique opportunities for you to further your studies and research in these areas.

We have a study room for our postgraduate research students. This has been designed in collaboration with our postgraduates, and allows our PhD students to have office space. This provides a focal point for our postgraduates, facilitating good communication and a strong sense of community.

Your future

Our graduates go on to a range of careers both in research and development, and in sales. Other careers include work in industry or teaching in schools and colleges.

Sport scholarships

Our Performance Sport Scholarship programme has been created for talented athletes playing at regional, national or international level, and offers a range of benefits. We want students competing in our focus sports (basketball, volleyball, tennis and football), as well as other team sports and individual athletes, to contribute to our performance sport programme. Our scholarships can include fee discounts of up to 100%, offered to athletes who demonstrate sporting excellence. Athletes who are awarded the scholarship may also receive a host of other benefits, including free kit, access to state-of-the-art facilities, performance coaching, the option to live in our Athlete Village (accommodation fees may vary) and a support package valued up to £1,500. These benefits are designed to help athletes focus on their training, and development, and to enable them to reach their full potential alongside their studies.

UK entry requirements

International & eu entry requirements.

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.

Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Graduate Admissions team at [email protected]  to request the entry requirements for this country.

English language requirements

Course structure.

A research degree doesn't have a taught structure, giving you the chance to investigate your chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding. In communicating that understanding, through a thesis or other means, you have a rare opportunity to generate knowledge. A research degree allows you to develop new high-level skills, enhance your professional development and build new networks. It can open doors to many careers.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code . For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY

This module is for PhD students who are completing the research portions of their theses.

View Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Science - Research on our Module Directory

The aim of undertaking your PhD is to train as an independent researcher who can critically assess other research work, and have a comprehensive knowledge of at least one area.

Our PhD programme is usually three to four years duration and all our students are initially registered as MPhil/PhD students, then transferred to the PhD in the first half of their second year of study if they have made satisfactory progress. In your second and third years, you work towards your PhD.

Dissertation

You must attend two formal supervisory board meetings each year where you submit literature reviews and research reports to the Board members prior to the meeting. At these meetings, such documents are discussed with you and your progress is assessed.

Your PhD thesis is generally completed within three to four years and has a maximum length of 80,000 words. Great importance is given to the completion of PhDs within a four-year period from the time of initial registration.

Home/UK fee

£4,786 per year

International fee

£21,500 per year

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Masters fees and funding information

Research (e.g. PhD) fees and funding information

What's next

We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year. Our Colchester Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex, and give you the chance to:

• tour our campus and accommodation
• find out answers to your questions about our courses, graduate employability, student support and more
• talk to our Fees and Funding team about scholarship opportunities
• meet our students and staff

If the dates of our organised events aren’t suitable for you, feel free to get in touch by emailing [email protected] and we’ll arrange an individual campus tour for you.

2024 Open Days (Colchester Campus)

• Saturday 21 September 2024 - September Open Day
• Saturday 26 October 2024 - October Open Day

You can apply for this postgraduate course online . Before you apply, please check our information about necessary documents that we'll ask you to provide as part of your application.

We encourage you to make a preliminary enquiry directly to a potential supervisor or the Graduate Administrator within your chosen Department or School. We encourage the consideration of a brief research proposal prior to the submission of a full application.

We aim to respond to applications within four weeks. If we are able to offer you a place, you will be contacted via email.

For information on our deadline to apply for this course, please see our ‘ how to apply ' information.

Visit Colchester Campus

Set within 200 acres of  award-winning  parkland - Wivenhoe Park  and located two miles from the  historic city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.

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If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360 degree virtual tour allows you to explore the Colchester Campus from the comfort of your home. Check out our accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.

At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications . The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

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PhD by Distance Learning

The University of Birmingham's College of Life and Environmental Sciences now offers PhD by Distance Learning.

This means that wherever you are in the world, you may now be able register with the University of Birmingham for your Doctoral qualification but undertake the majority of your studies in your home location.

Why study by distance learning? 

The main advantage of studying by distance learning is the flexibility. Financial and practical implications of moving closer to the campus make distance learning a more feasible option and could allow you to combine study with other commitments, including work and family.  Similarly, your research could be related to your area of residence and therefore moving would be detrimental to your capacity to carry out the research.

Is the distance learning route for you? 

The distance learning route to PhD study is not for everyone.  You have to have a very clear idea of your project and be able to motivate yourself.  Undertaking PhD study off campus can sometimes be quite isolating, so the ability to proactively seek out connections from within relevant research communities is important.  This route is well-suited to those who have a research project associated with their work or particular interests and where resources are available locally, over via the internet, to support your research e.g. appropriate archives and data collections.

How will I be supported? 

You will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students.  The only difference is that supervisory sessions will take place via audio and visual communication services such as Skype or Facetime, rather than in person.

What is the cost?

We charge an annual tuition fee which is the same as our standard on-campus PhD but includes:

• Economy class flights to and from Birmingham for the compulsory two-week campus visit in September
• Accommodation at the University for the compulsory two-week campus visit in September
• Economy class flights to and from Birmingham at the end of the study period for the three-day PhD viva examination
• Accommodation at the University for the three-day viva examination

How often will I need to be on campus?

Although you may be able to undertake the majority of your study at an off campus location, you will be fully funded to make one compulsory visit to the University per year of study.  This will enable you to meet your supervisory team, undertake intensive research skills training and make a start on your doctoral studies. You will then be invited to attend the University for annual ‘in-person’ meetings which give you the opportunity to interact with other doctoral students both socially and academically, undertake important progress meetings and carry out necessary training. You will also generally be required to be present on campus for your viva voce.

Am I eligible?

Before we can offer you a place it is important that you have agreement from your potential supervisor and that they are satisfied that you will be able to undertake the PhD on an off campus basis. This may mean that slightly different entry requirements apply, such as English language and more extensive research skills training. Agreements will also need to be reached regarding some of the more practical aspects of undertaking the PhD in this way (for example attendance requirements, suitability of the chosen residency etc). It is important that arrangements are discussed early so that all parties involved know what to expect and to ensure you are able to successfully complete your studies. 

Can I study by distance learning anywhere?

Distance Learning courses can be undertaken from anywhere in the world, including the UK. 

However, it is worth noting that supervisory sessions for Distance Learning students will take place via audiovisual communications, such as Skype or Facetime, rather than in person. 

While we have found that these 21st Century methods have proved popular, for those applicants who would prefer to visit the campus for face-to-face meetings with their supervisor, the traditional part-time study option may be more appropriate. 

How to apply?

Find the programme that you wish to apply for in our course finder and click on the 'Apply' button. 

As part of the application process, we will ask you to provide evidence to demonstrate that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study for a PhD by Distance Learning. Please be prepared to provide evidence, and details, of the following:

• Examples of your postgraduate research experience and ability to work independently e.g. papers/presentations at professional and academic conferences or publications in professional journals or previous completion of an independent research project, etc. 
• Full reasons (academic and personal) for registering for the distance learning mode of study rather than by standard full or part-time on-campus options. In particular, how you will be able to carry out your project in your chosen location. 
• Access to local library facilities (where needed)
• Access to IT facilities
• Access to communications, including e-mail, and audiovisual communication media e.g. Skype and Facetime
• Access to facilities to support any study-related disability (where appropriate)

Please visit the course finder for a full list of subject areas available to study via distance mode.

Sport and exercise science postgraduate research degrees

Postgraduate research in sport and exercise science

Ready to start your research career? Explore our postgraduate research degrees in sport and exercise science

Sports science at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 3rd of all post-1992 universities for research quality

Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

Read more about our amazing sports science research 

If you're ready to take your knowledge and expertise in Sport and Exercise Science into a postgraduate research degree, Portsmouth is the perfect place to realise your ambitions.

Our Sport and Exercise Science research is enhancing human performance and health. We're helping elite athletes win Olympic medals, developing safety guidelines for sporting bodies, improving the quality of life of individuals with chronic disease, helping global brands develop more supportive sports bras, and protecting employees required to work in extreme conditions. Our research directly benefits athletes, patients and workers across various sporting groups, clinical conditions, industries and organisations.

Our research is making international impact, with 100% of our research impact in the area of sport and exercise sciences, leisure and tourism was rated outstanding or very considerable in terms of reach and significance in the  Research Excellence Framework 2021  – and when you do a postgraduate research degree with us, you'll be playing your part in turning knowledge into action.

Research degrees

Find out about our PhD, MPhil, Professional Doctorate and PhD by Publication opportunities in Sport and Exercise Science below, including how to apply, entry requirements and funding your degree. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our  How to Apply  pages.

Sport & Exercise Science PhDs and MPhils

Explore our pre-approved funded and self-funded PhD projects in Sport and Exercise Science, or submit your own research idea.

PhD and MPhil projects

Funded projects.

Creating effective and sustainable breast and bra education programmes for target groups

• Professional Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Psychology: A Partnership between Norwich City Football Club and the University of Portsmouth (fully-funded )

Self-funded projects

• An examination of the individual and environmental factors influencing the visual control of braking during cycling: implications for city planning
• Understanding the mental health experiences of male and female sports officials: A comparative analysis across sport

Submit your own idea

If you already have a research idea, find a supervisor whose research interests match yours by searching our  Find a PhD Supervisor  page. Once you've identified someone suitable, contact them to discuss your idea.

PhD by Publication

A PhD by publication is a postgraduate research degree based on research you've already undertaken and had published (excluding self-publishing) before registering with us.

Eligible research outputs include peer-reviewed academic papers, complete books or chapters in anthologies, and other materials accepted for publication, exhibited or performed. You'll have to submit these materials for examination between 6–12 months after registering with us.

For more information, please visit our  PhD by Publication  page.

Duration, fees and funding 

What do my tuition fees cover.

If you're self-funding your PhD, you'll pay tuition fees to the University to cover course and university costs.

Your tuition fees cover:

• The cost of your postgraduate research programme* at the University as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, and examinations
• Bespoke training, professional development courses, networking, and research support through  The Graduate School
• Research seminars and workshops (university-wide and faculty-specific)
• A contribution to funding to attend a conference or development activity in your research field
• Tailor-made weekly and monthly events, including weekly, themed experienced researcher-led talks and workshops
• Helping you become part of our thriving research community, including Research and Innovation services where 77% of our research is world leading and internationally excellent in  REF 2021
• Your graduation ceremony
• Viva examination and administration costs
• The  facilities  and equipment you need to complete your studies, such as computer rooms, access to laptops, the  Library , and  laboratories
• Access to resources including electronic journals, alternative guide to funding, and thousands of hours of educational videos on LinkedIn Learning
• University support services  including academic, financial, careers and wellbeing support and personal tutors
• Membership of the Students' Union (giving you the right to vote in elections, join clubs and societies, and get free independent advice)
• Access to software such as Microsoft Office, SPSS and Adobe Creative Suite (this includes Photoshop, InDesign, and Adobe Premiere Pro)

*Please note that some research programmes may come with additional bench fees.

How long will my research degree take?

• MPhil:   2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
• PhD: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
• PhD by Publication: 1 year part-time

How much will my degree cost?

October 2024, february 2025 and april 2025 fees.

PhD and MPhil

UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students 

• Full-time:   £4,786 per year 
• Part-time and part-time distance learning: £2,393 per year

EU students

(including  Transition Scholarship )

• Full-time:   £4,786 per year

International students  

• Full-time: £17,200 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
• Part-time and part-time distance learning: £8,600 per year (may be subject to annual increase)

PhD by Publication 

External candidates: £4,786

Members of staff: £1,950

All fees are subject to annual increase. If you are an EU student starting a programme in 2024/25 please visit this page .

Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables, and these will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.

Funding support

MPhil full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the  Government Postgraduate Loan  (UK/EU students only).

PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the  Government Doctoral Loan  (UK/EU students only).

For information on other sources of funding, visit our  funding your postgraduate research degree  page.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for a PhD, or MPhil include a good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject. Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications may be considered. All applicants are subject to interview.

If English is not your first language, you'll need English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a  pre-sessional English programme  before you start your course.

Support and facilities

When you join us, you'll be supported by our  Graduate School , alongside your assigned supervisory team, who'll help you get the most from our facilities. The Graduate School will help you become part of our thriving, collaborative research community, and help grow your skills as a researcher through the  Graduate School Development Programme , which offers training, workshops and events.

We have excellent facilities for sport and exercise science research, including Biomechanics, Physiology and Psychology laboratories.

The Biomechanics Lab is fully fitted with equipment for researching biomechanics including a 16 camera Oqus automated tracking system, a portable pressure plate, force transducers and visual 3D software.

The Extreme Environments Lab includes 3 environmental chambers with an adjustable temperature range from -20°C to 50°C with humidity control, an immersion pool and swimming flume, and testing and monitoring equipment to assess human performance and survival in a safe, controlled environment.

What can a postgraduate research degree do for my career?

Once you complete your postgraduate research degree, you'll be a highly-skilled researcher with the knowledge and skills to make an impact in many different industries.

Your postgraduate research qualification demonstrates to potential employers that you're an intelligent, capable and motivated person, with provable abilities and experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, communication, leadership and creativity.

Apply for a research degree in Sport and Exercise Science by completing our online form.

October (2024 start)

February (2025 start), april (2025 start), current research.

Explore the work we're doing across the 2 areas of expertise within our  Sport, Health and Exercise Science  research.

Culture, Behaviour, Inclusivity and Governance

We investigate innovative social science methodologies, laboratory techniques, and longitudinal interventions that provide insights towards performance enhancement and psychosocial development through sport.

Physical Activity, Health and Rehabilitation Group

We’re conducting research focused on promoting physical activity, rehabilitating individuals facing barriers to activity, and understanding and measuring determinants of health and wellbeing in various contexts. 

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PhD in Physical Education and Youth Sport

The online PhD in Physical Education and Youth Sport is a structured PhD designed to offer suitably qualified graduates and experienced professionals the opportunity to develop their academic knowledge, skills and qualifications through evidence based critical debate and reflective professional practice related to Physical Education and Youth Sport.

Using research to change yourself and society, this programme is ideal for those looking to undertake a PhD whilst working within Education, School or community Sport settings, professional sports academies, or for those working in grassroots sports coaching as volunteers but wanting to progress their career, wherever you are in the world.

The PhD aims to develop the capability of individuals to work within a professional context whilst researching and theorising their own practice in schools, sport and exercise settings, or other contexts related to physical education and youth sport. Students will be colleagues who construct their identities as practitioners, researchers, leaders, coaches and/or policy makers, and your prime motivation will be to generate professional knowledge, applying this to practice, and ultimately advancing your career.

You will have the opportunity to build up, through the degree, a substantial piece of original research, focused on Physical Education and Youth Sport as a pathway for positive change during childhood, and across the life-course that has real relevance to policy and/or practice.

The study of sport and exercise remains a rapidly expanding field with both academic and professional relevance. Over the past 5 years there has been a diversification of the employment opportunities and roles undertaken by Sport and Exercise Science Graduates leading to a need for postgraduate qualifications in the discipline. This has arisen because of an increased awareness of the benefits of physical activity for health, the creation and ongoing support for the UK School Sport Premium by successive governments and ring-fenced UK funding via the sugar tax. In a time of increasing interest in health and well-being, this programme is designed to enable practitioners and professionals to understand how they can contribute to this important agenda.

Key features:

• A structured route to PhD completion through eight portfolio submissions.
• Significant non-credit bearing taught element.
• Comprehensive induction and researcher development training workshops tailored to an at-distance cohort and delivered online.
• The development of a global network of postgraduate researchers who are supported to develop as a cohort of peers and a community of practice.

Application details:

Entry requirements are dependent on the background of the applicant and consideration is given to professional experience, prior educational awards, written and verbal communication skills and career aspirations.

Applicants should have either professional or voluntary experience in the field of Physical Education and Youth Sport, as well as  the specified entry requirements .

All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2,000-word supporting statement showing how your expertise and interests are relevant to the course.

To apply, please visit the  PGR plus page .

For up to date fees please visit our  fees and funding page .

Enquiries may be addressed to Professor Michael Duncan, Programme Lead, at [email protected] . 

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• Sport and Exercise Sciences

Sport and Exercise Sciences MPhil, PhD

Research ( full-time, part-time)

January, April, September

For application deadlines  visit our how to apply page .

Pursue original research in physiology, psychology, biomechanics or coaching/pedagogy, in highly-equipped surroundings with an innovative, expert team.

Full description

The Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences brings together expertise in physiology, psychology, biomechanics and coaching/pedagogy within the School of Psychology and Sport Science

Specialists from these disciplines collaborate on projects within four broad categories: athlete performance; recreational-based sport and exercise; health-based exercise; judo-based research.

Within this innovative and highly productive research environment we can provide you with supervision in a wide range of research topics, in well-equipped surroundings.

We host research seminars, conferences and workshops to aid knowledge-sharing and you’ll be part of a supportive postgraduate community encompassing many specialisms.

As an indication of activity within the department, here’s a brief overview of our current research projects:

• Nitrate and VO2
• Bicarbonate and VO2
• Stroke volume and menstrual function
• Visual search and anxiety in sport
• Visual impairment and adaptive gait
• Mobile multivariable physiological monitors and sporting performance
• Temporal analysis of lightweight women's Judo
• Understanding the coach-athlete relationship

Specialist facilities

You’ll be able to use specialist laboratories and equipment including:

• Dedicated Human Performance Suite
• Exercise Physiology laboratory
• Biomechanics Laboratory
• Learning Zone computer suite

In addition to our Sport and Exercise Sciences PhD, we've also identified a range of innovative research project opportunities for you as a postgraduate researcher.

Completion times MPhil: full-time 1-3 years, part-time 2-4 years.

PhD via progression from MPhil, including that period: full-time 2.5-5 years, part-time 3.5-6 years.

PhD: full-time 2-4 years, part-time 3-6 years.

For further guidance on the duration of research degrees please refer to the Research Degrees Regulations .

Sport & Exercise Sciences

PhD project opportunities

Read about our current research in 'First'

Our faculty's quarterly newsletter

World-leading research at ARU

Application tips

Supervision and support

Our supervisory staff are recognised experts in their field. Their research expertise includes:

• Dr Dan Gordon - Exercise physiology
• Dr James Johnstone - Strength and conditioning, talent identification and development of excellence, use of mobile monitoring technology in sport and performance
• Dr Charlotte Nevison - Human-horse communication in a ridden (sporting) context
• Adrian Scruton - Chronic changes in muscle activation (EMG) and walking gait with the use of unstable shoe design
• Dr Matthew Timmis - Investigating visual search strategies in sports performance and how these patterns change as a function of task demand
• Katrina McDonald - Coaching and athlete education
• Prof Lee Smith - Physical activity promotion and sedentary behaviour reduction
• Dr Mathew Dowling - Application of organisational and political theory to examine the changing organisation and structure of sport systems within the UK and Canada
• Prof Justin Roberts - Performance and functional nutrition in relation to sport, health and exercise physiology
• Dr Francesca Cavallerio - Health and Wellbeing of athletes, psychology of sports injuries, athlete retirement
• Dr Kjell van Paridon - The influence of psychological stress on visual attention, motor skill execution and performance

Where you'll research

Your faculty.

The Faculty of Science & Engineering is one of the largest of the four faculties at ARU. Whether you choose to study with us full-time or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.

Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.

Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science, technology and engineering fields. This is key to all of our futures.

• Visit your faculty

Where can I study?

Our campus is close to the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.

Explore our Cambridge campus

Fees & funding

Course fees, uk students, 2024/25 (per year).

£4,786

UK students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year)

£2,392

International students, 2024/25 (per year)

£15,900

International students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year)

£7,950

In some cases extra costs known as bench fees will be charged for a postgraduate research degree. These are to cover additional/exceptional costs directly related to a specific research project.

Some examples of these costs are (the list is not exhaustive): equipment hire, access costs to specialist equipment/workshops, volunteer expenses, specialist tissue/cell culture, specialist reagents or materials, specialist software, access to specialist databases, data collection costs, specialist media, recording or digital storage needs.

We charge bench fees in bands. They may apply for every year of your course. These bands are the same for full- and part-time students.

If you have to pay bench fees this will be made clear at your interview, and stated in your offer letter.

For 2024/25 the bench fee bands are:

£1,200

• £2,200
• £4,500
• £8,900

PhD by Published Work

Initial registration: £1,500 Full registration: £4,500

Writing up fees 2024/25

How do i pay my fees.

You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in instalments – though you won't need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees .

For advice on the Doctoral Loan and other sources of funding, including ARU scholarships, visit our finance guide for postgraduate researchers .

You might also find The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding helpful.

ARU research

ARU's academic excellence was recognised in 2021, as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an exercise which assesses the quality of academic research. Sixteen areas of our work were classed as generating world-leading research . The results showed that we're making a significant impact on the societies we live in.

We’ll provide comprehensive research training in areas such as academic writing and publishing, research methods, subject developments, data analysis, conference skills and presentation.

Contact details

If you're interested in finding out more about research study opportunities, please email [email protected]

MPhil or PhD with progression from MPhil: You’ll need a Bachelor degree or  equivalent with first or upper second class honours, in a related subject area.

PhD: You’ll need a Master degree or equivalent  in a related subject area.

Please note we consider candidates for PhD with progression from MPhil in the first instance. If you want to be considered for direct entry to the PhD route then this can be discussed at interview if you are shortlisted. Please note you’ll also need to provide academic justification for this request. 

If English is not your first language, you'll require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent test). If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.

Important additional notes

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the programme as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Contact our postgraduate research degree team  for more information about studying a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate at ARU.

You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your research programme.

Get more information

Uk applicants.

01245 686868

International applicants

+44 1245 683680

Read this institution's report

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Sports Science: Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Development, Evaluation and Application of Immersive Learning Environments for Performance Sport (RS641)

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Closing date: 17 July 2024

Key Information

Funding provider(s):  (Swansea Bay City Deal (SBCD) Digital Infrastructure Project)  

  Subject area(s): Sport and Exercise Sciences, Simulation and Immersive Learning  

  Project start date(s):  1 October 202 4 (Enrolment open from mid-September)  

Supervisors: Prof. Neil Bezodis, Dr Laura Mason, Associate Prof. Joanne Davies, Dr Natalie De Mello, other staff from the Faculty of Science and Engineering and external advisors from industrial sporting partners as required.  

Aligned programme of study:    PhD in Sports Science  

Mode of study :  Full-time  

Project description: This exciting new project is the first formal collaboration between Swansea University’s world-leading Simulation and Immersive Learning Centre (SUSIM) and Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Over the last year, these two groups have developed interdisciplinary collaborations and conducted pilot projects in specific sporting applications. This PhD project will now expedite this process by formally leading the exploration of viable opportunities for the application of immersive learning environments to address key performance questions in sport. The successful candidate will work with a range of existing and new high performance sporting partners of the Elite and Professional Sport research group to identify areas where immersive learning has the potential to positively impact their performance through a variety of different means (for example, but not limited to, training applications, competition environment familiarisation, data visualisation). Empirical studies will then be designed and conducted to assess the effectiveness of selected potential applications. Both of these prior two aspects of the project may also be used to help inform the design of a sports-specific immersive laboratory within the new Swansea Bay City Deal Campuses Project development.  

Interviews planned for 9 th August.

Eligibility

Candidates must hold a UK Bachelor degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in Sports Science or similar relevant science discipline, or overseas Bachelor degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS)  in Sports Science or similar relevant science discipline and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours – see country specific qualifications .

English Language:  IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 5.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent.  Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.   Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only , as defined by  UKCISA regulations .  

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237.

Additional research expenses of up to £1000 per year will also be available.

How to Apply

To apply, please  complete your application online   with the following information:

In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email  [email protected]  where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

• Start year  – please select  2024
• Funding (page 8)  –
• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select  No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter  ‘RS641 - Performance Sport’

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

We encourage you to complete the following to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University: 

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form  (online form)  

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via e-mail).  We strongly advise you to provide the listed supporting documents by the advertised application closing date.  Please note that your application may not be considered without the documents listed:

• Degree certificates and transcripts  (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
• A cover letter  including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.
• Two references  (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the  Swansea University reference form . Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.
• Evidence of meeting  English Language requirement  (if applicable).
• Copy of  UK resident visa  (if applicable)
• Confirmation of  EDI form submission  (optional)  

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact  Prof. Neil Bezodis   ( [email protected] ).

*External Partner Application Data Sharing  – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.