Sport and Exercise Science
Postgraduate (Research):
The Department of Sport and Exercise Science offers opportunities to study for postgraduate research degrees (e.g., MPhil, PhD) in a thriving research community. Postgraduate research programmes will normally be aligned to the research groups that are configured within the department.
The aim of your postgraduate research degree is to ensure that you have the requisite research training and education to prepare you for future research and career endeavours. As such, all research programmes are delivered in conjunction with the Graduate School where a comprehensive development programme covering all aspects of research training and processes are covered, this in addition to having a supervisory team of up to three academics. Further to this, all postgraduate researchers are encouraged to attend, and submit work to appropriate conferences. The research award (either MPhil or PhD) will be assessed via a written thesis and a viva-voce examination.
Postgraduate research degrees are normally advertised as studentships, or as self-funded programmes.
Self-funded research programmes
There are two start dates for postgraduate research students: 1st October and 1st February, in all cases we recommend that contact should be made with the relevant member of staff prior to any application to ensure that the proposed topic is relevant, available to be supervised, and that any costs can be covered. Self-funded postgraduate research programmes can be completed in either full-time or part-time mode and information on current fees can be found here.
Application process
All information regarding the application process for postgraduate research degrees can be found here. In short, applications can be made either on-line or by post, and applications for self-funded research programmes should be accompanied by a research proposal. This will be between 1500-4000 words in length and should outline the aims of the study, a brief review of relevant literature, and an outline of the research methods to be employed. It is recommended that you discuss the proposed project with the relevant member of staff prior to any application. NB: A research proposal for advertised studentships will not be required as the research topic will already have been identified. For further information relating to applications please contact the Postgraduate Co-ordinator listed under the staff pages.
NewRoutePhDTM
The NewRoutePhD™ (NRP) 4 year programme is a national initiative provided by a network of collaborating UK universities. This innovative programme has the full support of the UK government, the Higher Education Funding Council of England (HEFCE) and the British Council. Essentially, students study a range of masters (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications Level 7) units during the first year and gradually move over to a full research orientation as the programme develops. More information on the NewRoutePhDTM For further information relating to applications please contact the Postgraduate Co-ordinator listed under the staff pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I apply to study postgraduate research programmes (e.g., MPhil, PhD) in the Department of Sport and Exercise Science?
A. All applications can be made online
Q. When is the most appropriate time to apply for a postgraduate research programme in the Department of Sport and Exercise Science??
A. Applications are received on three occasions per year 1st October, 1st, February and 1st June. For information relating to applications please contact the Postgraduate Co-ordinator listed under the staff pages.
Q. How long will it take me to complete a postgraduate research programme (e.g., MPhil, PhD) in the Department of Sport and Exercise Science?
A. Normally, it will take 1-2 years to complete an MPhil (full-time) or 2-3 years (part-time). For a PhD it will normally take 3 years (full-time) and up to 6 years (part-time).
Q. How do I know whether I am suited to a postgraduate research programme?
A. If you have a real desire to research an area of interest, are highly motivated, focused and disciplined in your studies and prepared to work both independently and in a team environment we'd like to hear from you.
Q. What are the standard entry requirements for a postgraduate research programme (e.g., MPhil, PhD) in the Department of Sport and Exercise Science?
A. Applicants are normally required to have at least a 2:1 degree at undergraduate level. Having an MSc degree is advantageous in terms of experience and research training, but not essential.
Q. How do I choose between a postgraduate taught and postgraduate research programme?
A. The choice between taught and research programmes is often influenced by your long term career objectives, the reasons for returning/continuing your study, and what you are hoping to achieve from your postgraduate study. If in doubt ask a supervisor or lecturer, or get in touch.