Physical Activity and Sport MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published works
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-10-01 | - |
| 2026-03-01 | - |
Program Overview
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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Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Physical Activity and Sport MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published Works program at the University of Northampton is designed for graduates with a degree in Sport or a related field. It aims to enhance academic prowess and research competencies, leading to the most prestigious academic credential awarded by UK universities. The program includes comprehensive training in research methodologies and the cultivation of advanced research abilities, empowering students to conduct self-directed research projects.
Objectives:
- 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.
Teaching:
- The program is delivered through a combination of supervised research, training modules, and peer-led discussions.
- Students receive guidance from a team of dedicated researchers from the Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences (PALS).
- Training modules include:
- Institutional research training workshops
- Targeted research training and skill enhancement directly related to the area of study
- Students have opportunities to showcase their research at various scholarly gatherings, ranging from local to global stages.
- Financial support is available for participating in scholarly conferences.
Careers:
- The program is renowned for its exceptional, interdisciplinary applied research that delivers tangible societal benefits.
- The program provides a distinctive avenue to delve into the intricate study of physiological responses and adaptations to exercise and physical activity.
University of Northampton
Overview:
University of Northampton is a public university located in Northampton, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as continuing professional development courses. The university is known for its focus on social impact and its commitment to creating a better society through its students, research, and engagement with the wider world.
Services Offered:
The university provides a variety of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus halls of residence are available for students.Employment Promise:
The university offers an employment promise to help students find work after graduation.Student Perks:
Students receive various perks, including laptops, trips, and internships.Support:
The university provides comprehensive support services to students, including academic, wellbeing, and accessibility support.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University of Northampton can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university has a modern campus with a full range of integrated learning environments, including a 24/7 library and learning zone. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and societies, and there are numerous events and activities throughout the year.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Social Impact Focus:
The university is committed to making a positive impact on society through its research and engagement.Modern Campus:
The university has a new, modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities.Employment Promise:
The university's employment promise helps students find work after graduation.Student Support:
The university provides comprehensive support services to students.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
Programs in various fields, including business, sport, nursing, law, psychology, computing, and design.Master's:
Programs in various fields, including business, education, health, and social work.Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
Courses designed to enhance professional skills and knowledge.Other:
The university has a strong focus on research and has several research institutes and centers. It also has a strong commitment to equality and inclusion and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
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.
- Participation in an interview is a mandatory step in the selection process for all candidates deemed qualified.
Language Proficiency 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.
