Program Overview

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Overview of the Sport and Exercise Sciences PhD Program

The Sport and Exercise Sciences PhD program at Birmingham City University is designed to help students develop research skills that support professional practice, research, and/or academic careers. This program enables students to follow a self-directed, independent study supported by experienced supervisors who are experts in their area.

What's Covered in This Course?

• A PhD enables students to follow a programme of self-directed, independent study, supported by experienced supervisors who are themselves experts in their area.
• Students will also be supported by the wider research community in the Faculty and will have regular opportunities to attend research seminars, conferences, and symposia.

Why Choose Us?

• The College of Life Science at BCU is a friendly academic environment that offers excellent support to all PhD students.
• As well as a main supervisor (or Director of Studies), students will have a second supervisor to advise and comment on their work.
• The university has a strong research culture and provides a range of career development opportunities to graduate students.
• Staff are expert researchers in Sports and Exercise related areas, contributing to national and international highly recognized research.
• Excellent partnerships with sports organisations offer unique opportunities and experiences for PhD students.

Research Interests

The College of Life Science is keen to hear from serious researchers interested in pursuing a PhD in areas such as:

• Sports and Nutrition
• Athlete, talent, and youth development
• Sports Coaching
• Sport and Exercise Physiology
• Physical education
• Sports Therapy
• Sports and Health

Fees & How to Apply

UK Students

• Mode: Full Time/Part Time
• Duration: 3-4 years (Full Time), 4-7 years (Part Time)
• Fees: £5,238 in 2026/27 (Full Time), £2,619 in 2026/27 (Part Time)
• Apply: Online application

International Students

• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 3-4 years
• Fees: £15,420 in 2026/27
• Apply: Online application

Included in Your Course Fees

• Access to computer equipment
• Printing (£5 print credit in each year of the course)
• Access to Microsoft Office 365
• Key software (SPSS and Nvivo)

Not Included in Your Course Fees

• Excess printing (optional)
• Research costs (optional)
• Accommodation and living costs (optional)

Entry Requirements

• To apply for the Life Science PhD research degree, students should have, or expect to be awarded, a Master's degree in a relevant Sport Science area at a British or overseas university.
• Exceptional applicants without a Master's degree but holding a first-class or high second-class Bachelor's degree in Sports and exercise-related areas may be considered.

Research Proposal Guidance

The research proposal should address the following areas:

• Objectives: Outline the purpose of the research.
• Scope: Explain the scope of the project and the range of activities involved.
• Background: Explain why this research is needed and outline previous work in the field.
• Methodology: Explain the methods used to conduct the research and why they are appropriate.
• Resources: Identify specific facilities needed to conduct the research and how they will be funded.

Postgraduate Funding

• Graduate Scholarship: 20% fee reduction for BCU graduates enrolling onto a PhD programme for the first time.
• Doctoral Loans: Government-backed loans of up to £29,390 for UK, Irish, and eligible EU nationals studying postgraduate doctoral courses.
• PhD Studentships: PhD funding opportunities supported by the University and/or organisations, where research will be used to overcome real-world problems.

Course in Depth

• Supervision and guidance from the supervisory team to help refine the initial research proposal.
• Research training, completion of the Post-graduate Certificate in Research Practice, participation in research seminars, journal review groups, and in-house conference events.
• Pilot studies and completion of research governance procedures.

Supervisors and Support

• A team of supervisors, including a Director of Studies and a second supervisor, provide guidance and support.
• Regular meetings with supervisors to review progress, receive advice, and plan the next stages of the PhD research degree.

Modes of Study

• Full-time PhD Research: 3-4 years, with much of the research undertaken on campus.
• Part-time PhD Research: 4-7 years, suitable for those in full-time employment or for whom full-time study is impractical.

Employability

• The Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is recognised worldwide and is often an essential requirement for those wishing to follow an academic or research career in industry or commerce.
• Typical careers include research roles in academia or industry, research combined with teaching roles in higher education, scientific writing, and journal editor roles, and consultancy.

Facilities & Staff

• Teaching for Sports courses is split between the campus in Edgbaston and the world-class Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr.
• Facilities include a Biomechanics Lab, Nutrition Kitchen, Performance Analysis Space, Physiology Lab, Sports Therapy Clinic, and Strength & Conditioning Gym.
• Staff are expert researchers and educators in their fields, providing high-quality supervision and support to PhD students.