inline-defaultCreated with Sketch.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
2025-10-01
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
PhD
Major
Exercise Science | Sports Management | Sports Science
Area of study
Health | Sports
Course Language
English
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-02-01-
2025-06-01-
2025-10-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Overview

This is a potential research degree area, subject to the approval of the University. If you are interested in undertaking a research degree in this area, please contact PGRS Recruitment.


Abertay’s Sport and Exercise Sciences Division has expertise in women’s sport equity; sedentary lifestyle risk factors; exercise and health training interventions; high-intensity exercise; elite sports performance; and healthy ageing. Much of this research focuses on work involving populations with protected characteristics (e.g. age, gender, disability) and aims to contribute to the duty of care agenda, which has growing salience as an issue in contemporary sport. This complements our work with Police Scotland, Active Schools, national governing bodies, charities and SMEs.


The Division has two designated human performance laboratories for physiological measurement, a strength and conditioning laboratory, and a biomechanics laboratory to support teaching and research. These facilities allow access to EMG and ECG equipment; ergometers; biofeedback systems; accelerometry; force transducers; electronic timing systems; gas and blood analysis equipment; GSR equipment and software; BioHarness Telemetry System; Vicon 3D motion analysis system; force platform; jump mats; segmental bio-impedance; body composition analysis; and linear position transducers.


Interdisciplinary work with other divisions enables access to more specialist biochemical and molecular physiology equipment, as well as opportunities to explore realistic human movement with our games design colleague’s.


Abertay researchers have established performance partnerships with the Scottish Rugby Union, Dundee United Football Club, Dundee Football Club, Fife Flyers Ice Hockey team, and this work is generating a number of new and exciting research opportunities.


Our research programmes will prepare you for a rewarding career as an academic and researcher, as well as opening up opportunities for a diverse range of careers outside of academia.


What does a research degree involve?

As a postgraduate research student, you will carry out an original, independent research and/or practice-based project, whilst being guided and supported by a team of expert academic supervisors. As you do this, you will benefit from an extensive programme of researcher development tailored to your background, needs and future ambitions. This will in turn help you develop the skills required to deliver research excellence.


Your progress will be monitored throughout the year and via an annual review. The final assessment is by examination of your submitted thesis and a viva voce (oral examination).


With the help of your supervisors, you will be encouraged to publish your research during and after your studies.


Our research degrees

You have the option of studying an MSc by Research, an MPhil or a PhD.


When deciding which degree is right for you, you should consider the level of commitment required, the duration, cost and your career aspirations.


That being said, our research degrees are flexible. You can begin an MSc by Research or an MPhil and then seek to transfer to a PhD without having to start your project all over again. You can also switch from full-time to part-time study, and vice versa.


MSc by Research

The award of Master of Science by Research (MSc by Research) demonstrates a practical ability to undertake research studies, a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and/or the application of original thought.


Duration

  • Full-time: 12 months (minimum 10 months, maximum 14 months)
  • Part-time: 24 months (minimum 20 months, maximum 28 months)

MPhil

The award of Master of Philosophy demonstrates a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and/or the application of original thought, much of which is at (or informed by) the forefront of your field of study or area of professional practice.


Duration

  • Full-time: 24 months (minimum 12 months, maximum 48 months)
  • Part-time: 48 months (minimum 24 months, maximum 72 months)

PhD

The award of the Doctor of Philosophy demonstrates that the main focus of your work is your personal contribution to knowledge in your discipline or field, through original research or the original application of existing knowledge.


Duration

  • Full-time: 36 months (minimum 24 months, maximum 48 months)
  • Part-time: 48 months (minimum 72 months, maximum 96 months)

Fees and funding

The fees you'll pay depend on factors such as your nationality, location and personal circumstances.


Academic entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for all our research degrees is an Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) at undergraduate level in an appropriate discipline and/or a Master’s degree. Degree studies must include an independent research component evidenced in the degree transcript, such as dissertation, project, or thesis.


Visa and English language requirements

Visa requirements

If you're not from the European Economic Area (EEA) and/or Switzerland, you may need to apply for a visa.


English language requirements

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.


For candidates whose first language is not English or your undergraduate/Master’s degree was not awarded from a University from a UKVI designated English Speaking country, you are required to show evidence of one of the following qualifications:


  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 95 with at least 21 in each component.
  • CAE and CPE: total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with merit in all four components.
  • PTE Academic: 67 overall with at least 61 in each component.
  • NECO English at B (4)
  • WAEC English at B (4)

How to apply

1. Meet the academic entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for all our research degrees is an Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) at undergraduate level in an appropriate discipline and/or a Master’s degree.


2. Meet the visa and English language requirements

Please see the visa and English language requirements section above.


3. Check Abertay researcher expertise

You can view academic researcher profiles by searching keywords, names or publications in the Staff Explorer, to ensure that we have appropriate expertise within Abertay to support your research proposal.


4. Secure funding

There are two different routes to studying a research degree at Abertay – you can apply for one of our funded studentships or propose your own area of research.


5. Write your research proposal

This is your opportunity to state your research objectives, to grab the reader’s attention and highlight your suitability for research degree study.


The proposal should be around 6-8 pages in length (including references) and follow the section headings below.


  • Title.
  • Abstract (summary).
  • Introduction/background.
  • Hypotheses, objectives or research question.
  • Proposed methodology.
  • How will you disseminate your findings (pathways to impact).
  • Ethical considerations.
  • Summary and conclusions.
  • References.
  • About you: briefly describe your relevant experience and how it will help you achieve your objectives, explain why you are an excellent candidate for a research degree, and identify your additional professional development and training needs.

6. Apply online by the relevant deadline

You can start a research degree at Abertay in February, June or October of each year. You can apply to defer from one entry point to another on one occasion, however, subsequent requests must be supported by an additional full application.


Unless otherwise stated, the deadlines for submitting a full application are:


  • Applications for February entry by 15 December (if you need a Tier 4 visa then the deadline is 30 November).
  • Applications for June entry by 30 April (if you need a Tier 4 visa then the deadline is 31 March).
  • Applications for October entry by 31 August (if you need a Tier 4 visa then the deadline is 31 July).

You will need to include the following documentation when you apply online:


  • Copies of your academic transcripts
  • References
  • Your research proposal
SHOW MORE
About University
PhD
Masters
Bachelors
Courses

Abertay University


Overview:

Abertay University is a public university located in Dundee, Scotland. It is known for its focus on applied learning and its strong industry links. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including online master's degrees.


Student Life and Campus Experience:

Abertay University is located on a city-center campus, with all buildings within walking distance. Students have access to the Bernard King Library, which offers four floors of open plan study space and printed resources. The university also offers a range of sports facilities and clubs.


Key Reasons to Study There:

*


Applied Learning:

Abertay University emphasizes practical skills and industry relevance in its programs. *

Industry Links:

The university has strong connections with businesses and organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking. *

City-Center Campus:

The university's location in Dundee offers students access to a vibrant city with a range of cultural attractions and amenities.


Academic Programs:

Abertay University offers a variety of academic programs, including: *


Undergraduate:

Forensic Science, Computer Game Applications Development, Business, Law, Social Science, Applied Sciences, Design, and Informatics. *

Postgraduate Taught:

A range of master's degrees in various fields. *

Postgraduate Research:

Opportunities for PhD and other research degrees.


Other:

Abertay University is a charity registered in Scotland. The university has received several awards and accreditations, including: * University of the Year for Teaching Quality * Athena SWAN Charter * Race Equality Charter Mark * Cycle-friendly Employer * Living Wage Employer * Employer Recognition Scheme * Outstanding Workplace Award

Total programs
91
Location
How can I help you today?