Program Overview

MSc (by Dissertation) Health and Exercise Sciences

Overview

The MSc (by Dissertation) Health and Exercise Sciences is a postgraduate research course offered by the University of Essex. The course is based in the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences and provides research supervision in all areas of staff expertise in sports and exercise sciences and related areas.

Course Details

• Start date: April 2026, October 2026, January 2027, April 2027
• Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
• Duration: 1 year - 2 years
• Location: Colchester Campus

Research Environment

The School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences offers an environment with an excellent reputation for research and teaching. As a research student at Essex, you will work at the heart of an internationally acknowledged and well-connected research community. You will have access to a range of specialist facilities, including:

• A wide range of ergometers and treadmills
• Stand-alone and portable gas analysers
• Force plates
• Isokinetic dynamometers
• A Vicon motion capture system
• Electronic timing gates
• Full blood gas analysers (including pulse and co-oximeters)
• A variety of EMG systems

It is also possible to study non-invasive measurements of brain function within the school and via collaborations with the cognitive neuroscience laboratory in the Department of Psychology. Methods include:

• Electroencephalography (EEG)
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)

Expert Staff

The School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences has a proven track record of excellence in teaching, research, and applied sports science. You will be allocated a supervisor who will guide you through the different stages of your research degree. In some cases, you may have joint supervision by two members of the staff.

Specialist Facilities

The School is housed within the Essex Sport Arena, a state-of-the-art, Ł12-million development that brings together education, rehabilitation, exercise, and research. Facilities include:

• A sports hall the size of three basketball courts
• Two labs for sports therapy training
• A sports therapy clinic
• Dedicated physiotherapy labs
• A Human Performance Unit (HPU) that provides educational and coaching services, health-related exercise programmes, and athlete testing
• A study room for postgraduate research students

Your Future

Our graduates go on to a range of careers in research and development, sales, industry, and teaching in schools and colleges.

Sport Scholarships

The University offers a Performance Sport Scholarship programme for talented athletes playing at regional, national, or international level. The programme offers a range of benefits, including:

• Fee discounts of up to 100%
• Free kit
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities
• Performance coaching
• The option to live in the Athlete Village
• A support package valued up to Ł1,500

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A good honours degree or Master's degree, or equivalent, in a related subject
• A well-developed research proposal
• Attendance at an interview/Skype interview for acceptance
• Acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department

International & EU Entry Requirements

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. English language requirements: IELTS 6.5, or equivalent, with a minimum of 5.5 in all other components.

Structure

Course Structure

A research degree doesn't have a taught structure, giving you the chance to investigate your chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding.

Assessment

The aim of undertaking your MSc is to train as an independent researcher who can critically assess other research work and have a comprehensive knowledge of at least one area.

Dissertation

Your MSc thesis is generally completed within one year and has a maximum length of 30,000 words. You must attend two formal supervisory board meetings each year where you submit literature reviews and research reports to the Board members prior to the meeting.

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• Ł5,006 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study

International Fee

• Ł22,550 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study

Scholarships and Financial Support

There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.

Related Courses

• PhD Health and Exercise Sciences
• MPhil Health and Exercise Sciences