Program Overview

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​​Physical Activity and Sport MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published works

Key Facts

• Level: PostgraduatePG
• Duration:
  • MPhil Full Time (on and off-site): 12 months – 3 years
  • MPhil Part Time (on and off-site): 30 months – 5 years
  • PhD Full Time (on and off-site): 2 – 4 years
  • PhD Part Time (on and off-site): 3 – 6 years
  • PhD by Published Works Part Time (on and off-site): 1 – 2 years
• Starting: October, March
• UK Fees: See Fees and Funding
• International Fees: See Fees and Funding
• Location: Waterside

Overview

​Pursue a research degree at our Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences (PALS), renowned for its exceptional, interdisciplinary applied research that delivers tangible societal benefits.

Engage in a PhD programme focused on Physical Activity and Sport, providing a distinctive avenue to delve into the intricate study of physiological responses and adaptations to exercise and physical activity. Graduates holding a degree in Sport, or a related field are invited to join our MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published Works programme in Physical Activity and Sport, designed to broaden your academic prowess and research competencies.

Successfully defending your thesis will earn you the most prestigious academic credential awarded by UK universities, propelling you towards senior management roles within the sector. The program includes comprehensive training in research methodologies and the cultivation of advanced research abilities, empowering you to conduct a self-directed research project.​

The closing dates for applications for the October intake is the 1 August, and for the March intake is the 11 December.

Highlights

• ​​Cultivate expertise and proficiency in specialized research areas.
• ​Undertake a self-directed research project.
• Gain a diverse set of advanced, adaptable skills.
• ​Receive guidance from experienced researchers.
• ​Enjoy the advantages of being part of an energetic and dynamic postgraduate research network.​

Entry Requirements

​​All applicants should hold a strong undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant master’s qualification or international equivalent. Consideration will be given to applicants who may not meet these academic criteria but have relevant practical experience, evaluating each case on its own merits.

Prospective postgraduate candidates are required to provide a fully filled-out application form for the desired program, accompanied by a research proposal consisting of no more than 1000 words. It is highly recommended to consult the guidance notes on how to write a proposal for a research degree on composing a research degree proposal for further details and direction.

​We invite you to explore our team’s ongoing research to enhance your research proposal and confirm its relevance to our research focus areas. Prior to submitting your proposal, it is advisable to reach out to the staff associated with the pertinent research area. For guidance on identifying a prospective Supervisor, please refer to the instructions on our How to apply page.

Participation in an interview is a mandatory step in the selection process for all candidates deemed qualified.

• English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you are required to demonstrate proficiency in English to a minimum standard. This includes achieving an overall International English Language Testing (IELTS) score of at least 7.0, with a minimum score of 6.5 in each section, including writing, or a comparable qualification. It is important to note that your test results should be recent, specifically within the past two years, to be considered valid. Applications that present an IELTS score below 5.5 in any of the components will be deemed ineligible.

Course Content

• Course Details

Our educational offerings are structured upon fundamental tenets that emphasize world engagement, cooperative learning, innovative thinking, and a nurturing atmosphere to foster your growth. The Physical Activity and Sport PhD program presents an opportunity for you to hone your expertise and enhance your technical proficiencies.

As a Research student, you will engage in a self-directed educational journey, guided by a cadre of esteemed scholars renowned for their robust research and scholastic contributions. These interactions predominantly occur through supervisory meetings, which can be conducted in-person or via digital platforms, bridging the gap between research students and their supervisory team. Our institutional frameworks and supportive measures are designed to guarantee that mentorship meets high quality standards. Your academic guidance will be provided by a collective of dedicated researchers from our Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences (PALS), who are deeply involved in ongoing investigative endeavours.

As you embark on the journey of developing and implementing research initiatives, you will be equipped with comprehensive training tailored to your field and specific project needs. This foundational training ensures that you can carry out your research tasks with efficiency and autonomy. Throughout your pursuit of a research degree, you will benefit from an extensive array of training modules designed to enhance your academic growth. These opportunities encompass:

A series of institutional research training workshops

Targeted research training and skill enhancement directly related to your area of study.

Engagement in peer-led discussions and the support network within the postgraduate research community. Multiple opportunities to showcase your research at various scholarly gatherings, ranging from local to global stages. Financial support for participating in scholarly conferences, which also serve as platforms for networking and further educational pursuits.

Fees and Funding

• 2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees

• UK – Full Time: £5,700
• UK – Part Time: £2,845
• International – Full Time: £16,350
• International – Part Time: £7,640Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works

Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works.

• UK – Part Time: £3,600
• International – Part Time: £7,840

Please visit the funding page for more details on how to fund your study.

• 2024/25 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2024/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees

Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) practice based in the Arts, Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

• UK – Full Time: £5,500
• UK – Part Time: £2,775
• International – Full Time: £15,950
• International – Part Time: £7,450Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by Means of Published Works
• UK – Part Time: £3,500
• International – Part Time: £7,650

Staff

• Associate Professor of Sport & Exercise Physiology
  Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

Anthony Baross

• Associate Professor in Physical Activity & Health
  ​​Physical Activity and Sport MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published works

Declan Ryan

• Professor of Biomechanics
  ​​Physical Activity and Sport MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published works

Tony Kay

• Professor of Computer Engineering
  Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

Michael Opoku Agyeman

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