Help athletes achieve greatness with MSc High Performance Sport. Created and delivered by industry experts, build the skills to excel in the ever-changing global landscape of elite sport.
Stay at the forefront of sports science as you enhance your skills working with modern hardware and software, linking to athlete training and testing. Become part of our unique learning environment as you gain insights into advanced periodization models and learn how to develop athletes in high-performance environments.
High-Performance Sport MSc will equip students with a new way to think about and use applied sports science principles when working in sport. What sets us at Birmingham apart is the chance to learn from staff who have worked in the field and external contributors at the top of their disciplines.
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. Study a range of compulsory and optional modules completed with an applied-themed research dissertation. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each semester.
Autumn Term: 29 September 2025 – 12 December 2025
In term one, you will dive straight into undertaking research activities to boost your competence in knowledge generation and implementation. You will undertake a range of compulsory modules with the opportunity to tailor your degree to your interests. Select from our optional modules and choose to study either Theory and Practice of Leadership or Innovation in Professional Practice.
Spring Term: 12 January 2026 – 27 March 2026
During term two, you build upon your learning to enable you to evaluate performance and identify effective strategies for preparation and competition. You will also learn the application of leadership principles in practice. Develop your ability to critically reflect on your philosophy, practice, and organization context.
Summer Term: 27 April 2026 – 26 June 2026
In your final term, you will apply all your learning from throughout your studies, to focus on completing your applied-themed research dissertation.
Become part of a world-leading research community at the School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences—one of the longest-established institutions in Europe and the largest facility of its kind in the UK—where you’ll be immersed in cutting-edge research and innovation. Our state-of-the-art laboratories support advanced exercise testing and sample analysis, providing the perfect environment for hands-on learning.
You’ll be taught by leading industry specialists and benefit from our extensive network of external experts. Gain real-world insights from professionals working in elite performance environments, including football, rugby, and Olympic sports.
Whether you're already working in the field or looking to break into the industry, our High Performance Sport MSc is designed to elevate your career and fuel your passion for sports performance.
In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF)
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QS World University Rankings 2025
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Engage in individual and small group learning, through a variety of teaching methods, coupled with independent and peer-to-peer reflections.
Our state-of-the-art research labs are dedicated to exercise testing and sample analysis across the spectrum of sport and exercise sciences. We are also home to a wide range of practical spaces for professional and vocational related research.
Study 120-credit modules completed with a 60-credit dissertation. You'll cover athlete performance, staff development, periodising and planning training, alongside considerations around physical testing and reporting.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
You must choose 20 credits from the following list:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Innovation in Professional Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Theory and Practice of Leadership | 20 | Semester 1 |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
You will need to obtain a 2:1 Honours degree from a UK academic institution in a discipline related to sport and exercise science.
A level of applied sports science support experience is also required and should be detailed in your application. You will need to possess a suitable knowledge base of research methods acquired through undergraduate training.
Your professional experience can, in certain situations also inform the appropriateness of the application should the above not be met.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
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Students applying for a Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Loan must select the fixed programme option at enrolment. The flexible (flex) study route is not eligible for PGT Loan funding under current government regulations.
Students should check the full eligibility criteria on the official government website.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
With the demand for highly skilled professionals in high performance sport growing, develop the skills to stand out in today’s competitive job market.
This MSc develops key skills that are highly attractive to employers within the sporting industry, namely project management, critical analysis and problem-solving skills. Open doors to exciting career paths within sports organizations, professional teams, and national governing bodies. Potential positions include strength and conditioning coaches, fitness coaches and sports scientists in high-level sports organisations.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the 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 the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025). Our graduate stories highlight the achievements of Birmingham alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
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.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
