Master by Research: Sport, Health and Applied Science

Program Overview

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Master by Research: Sport, Health and Applied Science MRes

About

Advance scientific knowledge with our hands-on Sport, Health and Applied Science master’s. Positively impact communities with our flexible Sport, Health and Applied Science master’s. You will build specialist research skills through an independent research project and two core modules.

World-class facilities

During your Sport, Health and Applied Science MRes, you’ll access our world-class sports facilities and laboratories, including our:

• Biosciences Laboratory
• Nutrition Suite
• Performance Hall

Work with world-leading researchers

Our academics are world-leading researchers in sport, health, and applied science. You’ll have opportunities to work with them in areas such as:

• Expert performance
• Female health and wellbeing
• Injury and rehabilitation
• Applied sports psychology
• Nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics

Publish your work

You’ll have chances to publish your work in peer-reviewed journals. Previous students have published:

• Uddin, N. et al. (2020) “Physiological and perceptual responses to a five-week pre-event taper in professional mixed martial arts athletes”, The Journal of Sport and Exercise Science , 4(2), pp. 90-99
• Fowler, R. et al. (2020) “No thermoregulatory or ergogenic effect of dietary nitrate among physically inactive males, exercising above gas exchange threshold in hot and dry conditions”, European Journal of Sport Science , 21(3), pp. 370–378

Flexible learning

We offer this research master’s on a part-time or full-time basis, in-person or online. Therefore, you’ll study around your commitments.

Course Lead

Dr Elisabetta Canetta

Course Lead - Applied Physics BSc and Master by Research: Sport, Health and Applied Science

Course content

Modules

These modules are the modules that were available to students in the 2024/25 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2025/26.

• Skills for the Researcher (Core)
• Advanced Research Methods (Core)
• Supervised Research Project (Core)

Entry requirements

• 2:2
• Previous degree: Lower second class degree (or equivalent) in a related field

Additional requirement information

Related fields include sport science, physical education, sport rehabilitation, physiotherapy, psychology, and nutrition. Applicants with other appropriate qualifications or experience will be considered.

International Requirements

International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section.

Fees & funding

September 2025

• Home: £7,950
• International: £17,970

Additional costs

Tuition fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer. Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme. Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.

Alumni discount

A 20% tuition fee discount is available for our alumni (undergraduate and PGCE) planning to study this Master's degree. Those studying for a PGDip of PG Cert are not eligible for the discount.

Funding

Except for any iQTS courses, you can check on the UK government website to see if you may be eligible for a loan of up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate programme.

Home and international students for non-iQTS courses may also be eligible for external sources of funding. International students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.

How the degree is taught

Assessment methods

You will be assessed in ways that reflect the requirements of researchers in the real world. Methods of assessment include written reviews and reports, essays, data analysis tasks, journal article reviews, professional research proposals, final research project dissertation, and final research project viva.

Career opportunities

With our Sport, Health and Applied Science master’s, you will develop essential transferrable skills, such as communication, creativity, and attention to detail.

This course also prepares you for further study or careers in research.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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Course Title: Master by Research: Sport, Health and Applied Science

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Offered by: St Mary's University, Twickenham, London

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Duration:

• 1 year (full-time)
• 2 years (part-time)

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Learning Mode:

• Full-time (on-campus or online)
• Part-time (on-campus or online)

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Description:

This master's program allows students to positively impact communities through research in sport, health, and applied science. Students will develop specialist research skills through an independent research project and two core modules. Additionally, they will benefit from:

• World-class sports facilities and laboratories: Biosciences Laboratory, Nutrition Suite, Performance Hall.
• Opportunities to work with world-leading researchers in various fields.
• Supportive staff dedicated to personal and professional growth.
• Chances to publish research in peer-reviewed journals.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with the skills to independently conduct research in the field of sport, health, and applied science.
• Foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Enable students to contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge and understanding in relevant areas.
• Prepare graduates for further academic pursuits or careers in research.

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Outline

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Program Content:

The program consists of core modules and an independent research project.

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Core Modules:

• Skills for the Researcher: Develops essential research skills, including literature review, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Advanced Research Methods: Provides advanced training in research methodologies, statistical analysis, and ethical considerations.
• Supervised Research Project: This project allows students to conduct original research under the guidance of a supervisor, culminating in a dissertation.

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Course Schedule:

The course schedule will vary depending on the chosen mode of study (full-time or part-time) and the specific modules selected. Students can opt for on-campus or online delivery for either mode.

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Individual Modules:

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Skills for the Researcher:

• Focuses on developing key research skills like information retrieval, critical analysis, and effective communication.
• Explores different research methodologies and their applications.
• Provides training in academic writing and referencing styles.

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Advanced Research Methods:

• Delves deeper into quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Covers advanced statistical analysis techniques and software applications.
• Emphasizes ethical considerations in research conduct.

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Supervised Research Project:

• Students choose a research topic aligned with their interests and career aspirations.
• Students receive guidance and support from a dedicated supervisor throughout the project.
• The project culminates in a written dissertation showcasing the student's research findings and analysis.

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Assessment

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Assessment Methods:

• Written reviews and reports
• Essays
• Data analysis tasks
• Journal article reviews
• Professional research proposals
• Final research project dissertation
• Final research project viva (oral examination)

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Assessment Criteria:

• Clarity and coherence of arguments
• Depth of research and analysis
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Effective communication of research findings

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Teaching

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Teaching Methods:

• Interactive lectures and seminars
• Individual and group research supervision
• Workshops and practical sessions
• Guest lectures by industry experts
• Online learning resources and support

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Faculty:

The program is taught by experienced researchers and academics in various fields of sport, health, and applied science. They are actively involved in cutting-edge research and share their expertise with students.

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Unique Approaches:

• Emphasis on independent research and critical thinking.
• Opportunities to work with world-leading researchers on real-world projects.
• Access to world-class sports facilities and laboratories for data collection and analysis.
• Individualized support and guidance from supervisors and academic staff.

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Careers

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Career Opportunities:

• Research scientist
• Lecturer/Professor
• Sports therapist/physiotherapist
• Nutritionist/dietitian
• Performance analyst
• Health promotion specialist
• Public health researcher

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Career Outcomes:

• Graduates are prepared for further study at the doctoral level or for careers in research, academia, and various sectors of the sports and health industry.

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Other

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Previous Student Publications:

• Uddin, N., et al.
(2020). “Physiological and perceptual responses to a five-week pre-event taper in professional mixed martial arts athletes”. The Journal of Sport and Exercise Science, 4(2), pp. 90-99.
• Fowler, R., et al.
(2020). “No thermoregulatory or ergogenic effect of dietary nitrate among physically inactive males, exercising above gas exchange threshold in hot and dry conditions”. European Journal of Sport Science, 21(3), pp. 370-378.

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International Recognition:

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• Home: £7,950
• International: £17,310