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Course overview
Become an expert researcher at the forefront of your field. Through combining taught and research elements, you will be equipped with the scientific understanding and practical skills to address key challenges in sport, exercise and rehabilitation.
Gain research-oriented training in exercise and sport sciences, enhancing your practical, theoretical, and applied skills. This research degree prepares you for diverse career opportunities in academic or industrial settings within exercise, health, or sports sciences.
Course structure
The MRes in Exercise and Sport Sciences is a research-focused programme that blends taught modules with an extended independent research project. The course is structured across two academic terms. You can find out more about key term dates below.
Term 1
Term 1
Autumn Term : 29 September 2025 – 12 December 2025
In the first semester, you will immediately begin working on your research project with the guidance of your supervisor. You will also undertake a compulsory module in Research Methodology in Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation, which will equip you with essential skills in understanding the research process and analysing data. Additionally, you have the option to choose one or two elective modules* offered during this semester, such as Innovation in Professional Development or Advanced Pedagogies.
Term 2
Term 2
Spring Term: 13 January 2025 – 4 April 2025
In semester two, you will continue working on your research project with the goal of submitting your thesis by the end of the academic year. You may also choose one or two elective modules* offered during this semester, such as Neuromuscular Adaptations to Training, Mixed Methods Research Designs, Player and Participant Development, or Digital Practice in Sport, Exercise & Health. Additionally, the following modules can be taken in either semester one or two, depending on your preference: Project Management and Research Governance, Continuing Professional Development and Mentored Practice, or Work-Based Professional Development.
*You must choose two elective modules for the whole duration of the programme
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Course highlights
Follow your interests through choosing optional modules in core exercise and sports sciences disciplines to tailor your degree. Learn in a highly interactive teaching and research environment from world-leading active researchers.
Take the unique opportunity to undertake a six-month research project in your chosen field and active research areas like exercise metabolism, cardiovascular physiology, and behavioural medicine. Our blend of theoretical and practical training prepares you for diverse career opportunities in both academic and industrial settings.
- Theoretical and practical training including a six-month research project
- Internationally renowned School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences
- Study at the largest custom-built Sport and Exercise facility in the UK
- Tailor your degree to follow your interests
- 2nd
in the UK for Sports-related subjects
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
- 9th
in the world for Sports-related subjects
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
- Top 2
We’re consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report
Course delivery
The taught elements of the course will be delivered in the form of optional modules in core disciplines within exercise and sports sciences, allowing you to shape the course to their particular interest. Extended research experience is offered in the shape of a six-month research project in your chosen discipline.
Lecture
Practical assignments
1:1 Supervision
Laboratory
Assessment Methods
A variety of assessments will be used through the course, including presentation, problem based assessments, portfolio and extended writing.
Teaching Methods
The courses have a taught component, and an extended period of research to produce a dissertation. The methods in which the course is delivered will depend on the optional modules you choose. These will vary from lecture based modules/practical based modules to self managed modules.
Laboratory
There will be ample opportunity for laboratory time as you propose a research project and conduct your research.
Module information
The following must be taken
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 |
| Research Methodology in Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation | 20 |
Optional modules:
Choose 40 credits from the following modules
If you have appropriate work experience (as determined by the programme lead), then the following modules may also be available as alternative options.
Research projects
At Birmingham, you can apply for an advertised PhD or propose your own research. An advertised PhD is typically part of an established research project and is usually funded by the University or another funding body.
If you want to pursue your own research project, you can apply to our research programmes to propose this. This is self-funded, although scholarships are available.
Find a supervisor
If you’d rather propose your own research, the first step is to find your supervisor. We encourage you to browse the biographies of faculty members to familiarise yourself with the research going on in your preferred areas. Each of these contains detailed information on research interests, current projects and recent publications.
When you apply, you can suggest one or two potential supervisors, who you think might be a good fit for you. However, this is not essential. If you know what you want to work on, but are unsure on supervisors, you can indicate this in your application and the PhD programme co-directors will study your proposal in detail, and judge who is best suited to be your supervisory team.
We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of members of staff in the Department, and we recommend that you investigate staff research interests before applying.
Find an Advertised PhD
Find a PhD project that suits your interests by using our FindAPhD tool.
Entry requirements
- 2:1 Honours degree
or equivalent in a relevant science subject
At least a 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant science subject (E.g. Sport and Exercise Sciences, BMedSci, Biochemistry, Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, Biology, Biological Sciences).
Research proposal
If you are proposing your own research topic, you will need to submit a research proposal. It’s a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.
Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use. The broader importance of this project for society, policymakers and businesses should also be covered.
You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department.
International entry requirements
Fees and scholarships
- £5,400
Full-time
Funding options
Apply for a PhD that already has funding attached
These are most common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects, but they can sometimes be available for pre-defined research projects in the arts, humanities or social sciences. These may be advertised as fully funded (with fees and a stipend) or competition funded, meaning the projects compete against other projects at each institution.
Self-fund, or search for funding or a studentship
You devise your own PhD topic, find and consult with a potential supervisor, explore funding opportunities, write a research proposal and apply to the relevant programme. Our Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding database lists all available funding.
A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
If you are applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.
If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would strongly encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.
If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.
We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Ask us a question
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
Career opportunities
The career opportunities for sport and exercise scientists are rapidly expanding. With increased funding and recognition, roles in elite sports, public health, cardiac rehabilitation, and health promotion are growing. Potential opportunities include embarking in careers as performance analysts, biomechanists, coaches, and more.
Careers Support
At Birmingham, we prepare our researchers to make an impact across every sector of society. Our PhD graduates are global change-makers: advancing knowledge, shaping policy, leading industries, and educating future generations.
You'll benefit from dedicated careers support tailored to your unique paths. Our expert team of Careers Advisers, including a dedicated postgraduate research adviser, offer one-to-one guidance to help researchers navigate career decisions both within and beyond academia.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, 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.
We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
We are consistently one of the top universities targeted by graduate employers
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll have a variety of choices of accommodation. Stay with us in our dedicated postgraduate halls or explore a wide range of private accommodation close to campus.
Birmingham: a city built for students
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
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Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.