Program Overview

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High Performance Sport MSc

The High Performance Sport MSc is designed to equip students with the skills to excel in the ever-changing global landscape of elite sport. Created and delivered by industry experts, this program builds on the skills to enhance athlete performance, linking to athlete training and testing. Students will gain insights into advanced periodization models and learn how to develop athletes in high-performance environments.

Course Structure

This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode, with a range of compulsory and optional modules completed with an applied-themed research dissertation. The exact content may change, but students can expect to study the following each semester:

• Term 1: Autumn Term, 29 September 2025 – 12 December 2025
• Term 2
• Term 3

Term 1

In term one, students will dive straight into undertaking research activities to boost their competence in knowledge generation and implementation. They will undertake a range of compulsory modules with the opportunity to tailor their degree to their interests. Students can select from optional modules and choose to study either Theory and Practice of Leadership or Innovation in Professional Practice.

Course Highlights

The High Performance Sport MSc offers students the opportunity to become part of a world-leading research community at the School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences. This institution is one of the longest-established in Europe and the largest facility of its kind in the UK. Students will be immersed in cutting-edge research and innovation, with access to state-of-the-art laboratories that support advanced exercise testing and sample analysis.

• Study at the UK's largest custom-built Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences facility
• Access dedicated state-of-the-art research laboratories
• Delivered by industry specialists
• Be part of a world-leading research community

Course Delivery

The course will engage students in individual and small group learning, through a variety of teaching methods, coupled with independent and peer-to-peer reflections.

• Lectures: delivered by a mixture of academic experts and professional individuals who are active within sports-related organizations
• Seminars and tutorials: led by both tutors and students to facilitate peer-to-peer learning
• Assessments: a combination of coursework assessments, research papers, reports, reflective commentaries, and oral examinations

Module Information

Students will study 120-credit modules completed with a 60-credit dissertation, covering athlete performance, staff development, periodizing and planning training, alongside considerations around physical testing and reporting. The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change.

• Dissertation | 60 | Semester 1
• Effective Strategies for Preparation and Competition | 20 | Semester 2
• Evaluating Performance | 20 | Semester 2
• Research Methodology in Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation | 20 | Semester 1
• Talent Management and Development | 20 | Semester 1
• Leading Others: From Principles to Practice | 20 | Semester 2

Students must choose 20 credits from the following list:

• Innovation in Professional Development | 20 | Semester 1
• Theory and Practice of Leadership | 20 | Semester 1

Entry Requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham, students will need to meet the general entry requirements, as well as those specific to the course. The application will be reviewed by the course's Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether the application should receive an offer.

• 2:1 Honours degree: students will need to obtain a 2:1 Honours degree from a UK academic institution in a discipline related to sport and exercise science
• Applied sports science support experience: a level of applied sports science support experience is also required and should be detailed in the application
• English language requirements: international students will need to demonstrate a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification

English Language Requirements

For this course, students require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking, and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Fees and Scholarships

• Full-time: £11,250
• Part-time: £5,625

Students applying for a Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Loan must select the fixed programme option at enrolment. The flexible (flex) study route is eligible for PGT Loan funding under current government regulations.

Scholarships

To help students afford their studies, the university has put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. The Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Application Process

To apply for a postgraduate programme, students will need to submit their application and supporting documents online. The application deadline for UK and non-visa requiring applicants is 28 August 2026.

Career Opportunities

The demand for highly skilled professionals in high-performance sport is growing. This MSc develops key skills that are highly attractive to employers within the sporting industry, including project management, critical analysis, and problem-solving skills. Potential positions include strength and conditioning coaches, fitness coaches, and sports scientists in high-level sports organizations.

Careers Network

The university's Careers Network offers a range of events and support services, including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs, and links with leading graduate recruiters.

Related Courses

• Sport and Exercise Medicine (Dubai)
• Exercise and Sport Sciences

Student Experience

At Birmingham, students will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life. The university offers a huge variety of accommodation options, exciting activities to get involved in outside of studies, as well as all the support and advice needed.

• Accommodation: the university's student accommodation will allow students to enjoy their independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings
• Living in Birmingham: the city is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry
• Student support: the university is committed to providing the best possible support to all students so that they can get the most out of their university experience
• Campus life: the green and spacious campus is the place where the community comes together to learn, relax, and socialize

Take a Virtual Tour

Students can explore the university's beautiful campus from wherever they are, getting a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.