Program Overview

The Doctor of Sport (DSport) at Northumbria is designed to train skilled researcher-practitioners who bridge the gap between academia and the complex realities of sports and exercise professions. This unique course is embedded in industry, such that your research is inseparable from, and informed by, your experiences in practice.

Course Information

• Level of Study: Research
• Mode of Study: 2 years Full Time, 1 other option available
• School: Sport Exercise and Rehabilitation
• Location: City Campus, Northumbria University
• City: Newcastle
• Start: October 2026
• Fees: Fee Information
• Modules: Module Information

Entry Requirements

Standard Entry

• Applicants should normally have:
  • A Master's degree in a relevant sport and/or exercise subject area. Other relevant science or health-related subjects may be considered on an individual basis.
• Additional requirements:
  • A 1000-word research proposal, outlining your area of research.
  • Applicants should demonstrate (in their personal statement or research proposal) that they are working or volunteering in a sport and/or exercise environment that allows them direct access to appropriate populations to be able to meet the programme outcomes.
  • Applicants will be required to attend an (online) interview.
• International qualifications: Students who have studied a non-UK qualification can see how their qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria by selecting the country that they received the qualification in.
• English language requirements: International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component.

Fees and Funding

• UK Fee in Year 1: TBC
• International Fee in Year 1: £27,645
• Please note, this programme is not eligible for the Doctoral Loan.
• Further information can be found on the Government website.
• Click here for UK and International Scholarship, Fees, and Funding information.

Modules Overview

• Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually; therefore, it may be subject to change.
• Year one:
  • SP7029 - Planning Professional Practice & Research (Core, 30 Credits)
    • The taught module delivers learning on critiquing professional development practices, contextualising research within professional practice, developing and planning applied research, structured reflection for self-assessment, and the general planning of training and development.

Study Options

• The following alternative study options are available for this course:
  • Part Time: Oct start, 3 years Part Time / Oct start

Features & Benefits

• Research Powerhouse: Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation at Northumbria is ranked 5th for research power in the UK (REF, 2021).
• Inspiring Alumni: Graduates from our Sport courses have included successful medal-winning athletes.

Careers & Employability

• The doctorate is designed to help you grow as a skilled researcher-practitioner, blending academic research with real-world application.
• You’ll develop practical skills like problem-solving, ethical decision-making, creative thinking, and advanced research techniques, all tailored to address real challenges in your field.

Staff

• The tutors involved in this course are highly experienced, research-active staff.
• Supervisors are normally allocated, where possible, to reflect both your research interests and the expertise of the university’s staff.
• Research areas may include:
  • Optimising Sport Performance
  • Sports Coach Education
  • Physical Activity & Exercise for Health Across the Lifespan
  • Pedagogy in Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation
  • Sport, Health, Exercise & Nutrition
  • Sport Spaces, Places & People

Facilities

• As a DSport student at Northumbria, you may have access to facilities related to your chosen specialism and research type.
• Postgraduate students may also have access to our The Research Commons on City Campus.
• Facilities include individual study areas with PCs, Macs, and dual-screen monitors, as well as collaborative spaces and consultation rooms.

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Overview:

Northumbria University is a research-intensive, business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic quality. It is known for its commitment to unlocking potential for all and empowering innovators, visionaries, and changemakers to transform lives and make a remarkable impact on the world.

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Services Offered:

Study:

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Research-intensive:

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Business-focused:

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Global reputation:

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Vibrant campus life:

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Located in Newcastle:

Situated in a vibrant and historic city with a thriving cultural scene.

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