Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences PhD

Program Overview

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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

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Find out about the exciting research we do in this area. Browse profiles of our experts, discover the research groups and their inspirational research activities you too could be part of. We’ve also made available extensive reading materials published by our academics and PhD students.

Learn more about research in this area.

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Browse the work of subject-relevant research groups

Institute of Health, Medicine and Environments

Embodiment in Academic and Professional Practice

Institute of Communities and Society

Physical Activity in Health and Disease

Brunel Partners Academic Centre for Health Sciences

LEAP-Lab: Learning, Expertise, Action, Perception

Health and Wellbeing Across the Lifecourse

Smart Technology Advancements in Health and Rehabilitation

Kidspace: Key skills and participation in childhood

Health Behaviour Change

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

Program Outline

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.

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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

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Find a supervisor

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.

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PhD topics

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:

Effects of environmental heat stress on respiratory health, supervised by Pascale Kippelen

Fear & Falls: The role of psychological factors in the control of posture and gait in older adults, supervised by Adam Cocks and Elmar Kal

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