Sport and Exercise Sciences - PhD

Program Overview

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Sport and Exercise Sciences - PhD

Overview

A PhD in Sport and Exercise Science will help you to develop research skills that support, research and/or academic careers. You will work closely with a team of specialist academics in your chosen field, and receive excellent support tailored to your individual needs.

What's covered in this course?

• A PhD enables you to follow a programme of self-directed, independent study, supported by experienced supervisors who are themselves experts in their area.
• You will also be supported by the wider research community in the Faculty and you will have regular opportunities to attend research seminars, conferences and symposia.

Why Choose Us?

• The College of Life Science at BCU is a friendly academic environment that offers excellent support to all our PhD students.
• As well as a main supervisor (or Director of Studies), you will have a second supervisor to advice and comment on your work.
• We have a strong research culture and provide a range of career development opportunities to our graduate students.
• Our staff are also expert researchers in Sports and Exercise related areas contributing to national and international highly recognized research.
• We have developed and are continuing to develop excellent partnerships with sports organisations such as Warwickshire County Cricket Club (the University sponsors the Birmingham Bears T20 team), Kidderminster Harriers FC, City of Birmingham Swimming Club and Birmingham City FC. Our aim is to offer unique opportunities and experiences to undertake a PhD.

Research Interests

The College of Life Science is keen to hear from serious researchers interested in pursuing a PhD. Normally we would expect a good MA in a relevant area as an entry requirement, but in certain cases this may not be needed. PhD applications tend to be taken more seriously where some thought has been given not just to the project, but also to the potential supervisor.

Current interests

We supervise doctoral work in a range of areas within Sports and Exercise primarily:

• Sports and Nutrition
• Athlete, talent and youth development
• Sports Coaching
• Sport and Exercise Physiology
• Physical education
• Sports Therapy
• Sports and Health

Fees & How to Apply

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.

Award: PhD

Starting: Sep 2025

• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 3-4 Years
• Fees: £5,006 in 2025/26
• Mode: Part Time
• Duration: 4-7 Years
• Fees: £2,503 in 2025/26

Award: PhD

Starting: Feb 2026

• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 3-4 Years
• Fees: £5,006 in 2025/26
• Mode: Part Time
• Duration: 4-7 Years
• Fees: £2,503 in 2025/26

Award: PhD

Starting: May 2026

• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 3-4 Years
• Fees: £5,006 in 2025/26
• Mode: Part Time
• Duration: 4-7 Years
• Fees: £2,503 in 2025/26

International students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.

Award: PhD

Starting: Sep 2025

• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 3-4 Years
• Fees: TBC

Award: PhD

Starting: Feb 2026

• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 3-4 Years
• Fees: TBC

Award: PhD

Starting: May 2026

• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 3-4 Years
• Fees: TBC

Entry Requirements

To apply for our Life Science PhD research degree you should have, or expect to be awarded, a Master’s degree in a relevant Sport Science area at British or overseas university.

Exceptional applicants without a Master’s degree, but holding a first class or high second class Bachelor’s degree Sports and exercise related areas may be considered dependent upon the academic coherence and promise of their research proposal, and its consonance with the academic expertise of the college.

Research proposal guidance

Your research proposal should address the following areas:

• Objectives
• Scope
• Background
• Methodology
• Resources

Course in Depth

Supervision and guidance from the supervisory team to help the student refine the initial research proposal, research training, completion of the Post-graduate Certificate in Research Practice, participation in research seminars, journal review groups and in-house conference events, pilot studies and completion of research governance procedures.

Supervisors and Support

As a Sport and Exercise PhD research student you will be guided through your programme of study by a team of supervisors.

Your supervisory team will include a Director of Studies whose role it is to ensure that you are meeting targets and following the correct processes and systems for conducting Life Science PhD research.

You will also be supported by a second supervisor (and sometimes a third) who will provide guidance based on their knowledge of your specific PhD research interest.

Modes of Study

Our Sport and Exercise PhD research degree is offered full-time or part-time.

These two modes of study ensure that we can create a PhD research plan around your lifestyle needs, even if you are in full-time employment.

Full-time PhD Research: three to four years

As a full-time PhD research student you will undertake much of your research on campus using the facilities at Birmingham City Business School.

You will be expected to complete your research and submit your work for examination within 36-43 months.

Part-time PhD Research: four to seven years

You would chose part-time PhD research if you opt to study whilst in employment or if full-time study is impractical.

You will be encouraged to use the campus facilities when you can and may often work from home.

You will be expected to complete your research and submit your work for examination within 48-72 months.

PgCert in Research Practice

For the first six months of your PhD you will undertake the PgCert in Research Practice, which is a taught and compulsory part of the PhD programme. You will meet with your supervisors and attend classes every week. This is an essential part of the PhD which will help you to get your research started and set you up for the rest of your PhD journey. The PgCert programme covers literature review and research methods which are specific to your faculty.

Employability

The value of a PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is recognised worldwide and is often an essential requirement for those wishing to follow an academic or research career in industry or commerce.

Our Sports and Exercise PhD research degree will help you create opportunities to develop research skills that support professional practice, research and/or academic careers.

Graduate Jobs

Typical careers include research roles in academia or industry, research combined with teaching roles in higher education, roles in scientific writing and journal editor roles and consultancy.

Links to industry

We have developed and are continuing to develop excellent partnerships with sports organisations such as FIFA, Warwickshire County Cricket Club), City of Birmingham Swimming Club and Birmingham City FC. Our aim is to offer unique opportunities and experiences and networking with organisations.

Facilities & Staff

Teaching for our Sports courses is split between our campus in Edgbaston and the world-class Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr.

The Stadium was home to the Commonwealth Games in summer 2022, and the University has invested an additional £5m to develop space in the East and West Stands as a home for our students. We now have a range of bespoke learning spaces to offer you the very best experience on your course.

Biomechanics Lab

Our biomechanics laboratory features pressure plates in the floor and cameras mounted at the side. Sensors linked to a computer are used to record motion, evaluate people’s movements and analyse gait. Also in this space is an Isokinetic Dynamometer, which is used to assess limb strength.

Nutrition Kitchen

Our kitchen has several workstations to allow students to wash, prepare and cook food. This is where students analyse the effect of supplements or food groups on performance, and prepare recipes for athletes to support their training and fitness regime.

Performance Analysis Space

In our Performance Analysis Space, students are able to review data and video footage in order to develop strategy and provide advice to enhance athletes’ performance.

Physiology Lab

Our physiology lab contains an anti-gravity treadmill, environmental chamber and a range of equipment used for testing and analysis of athlete performance.

Sports Therapy Clinic

We have two Sports Therapy classrooms, as well as clinic spaces. The classrooms are set up with several therapy stations, each with a treatment couch. This is where we teach practical sessions, with students working together to build their skills. Our students also run a Sports Therapy Clinic for staff and students, where they are able to apply the skills they have learnt.

Strength & Conditioning Gym

This high-performance gym allows you to deliver hands on coaching and use state of the art equipment to measure performance and inform practice.

Our staff

• Professor Kiara Lewis
• Dr Lewis Gough
• Dr Adam L. Kelly
• Dr Adam Herbert
• Dr Neil Clarke
• Dr Laura Hodgson
• Dr Helen Gravestock
• Dr Craig Perrin
• Dr Peter Thain