Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Science PhD

The Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Science is distinct from a traditional PhD. Instead of a sole focus on academic research training, this degree has a more practical emphasis. You’ll evolve into a professional researcher capable of conducting impactful research and applying findings to enhance practices within the field of sport and exercise. This practically focused doctorate is ideal for sport professionals aiming to become practicing researchers, driving innovation and excellence in their fields.

Course structure

Our PhD programmes are available as full-time or part-time study. The full-time route is 36 months and part-time 72 months, with study normally commencing in October. Both modes of study have an optional additional 12 months, commonly used to write up the final thesis.

The first year of PhD studies is probationary. Your supervisor will identify your training needs and invite you to attend relevant training as appropriate. To successfully progress onto the next year of study students must pass an annual review.

The research component is highly tailored, allowing you to explore diverse areas like sport and exercise science, nutrition, coaching, physiotherapy, sports medicine, sport education, and sport management. Our blended learning approach, combined with personalised tutor-student supervision, ensures flexibility. You can engage with the program’s learning requirements in a manner that suits your current professional commitments.

• Internationally renowned School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences.
• Specialist academic experts in both applied sport and exercise and clinically based areas.
• Learn from experienced practitioners in high performance sport organisations.

The course operates a flexible approach to learning that is based around the concept of blended (in-person and online) delivery.

A variety of learning and teaching approaches are used to support learning opportunities. These include

• Independent research activity
• One-to-one supervision
• Workshops
• Work-based learning
• Critical friend feedback
• Self-audits and independent and guided critical reflection.

All of these approaches will be associated with professional learning within each student's real-world settings.

Assessment

Modules are assessed using a combination of coursework assessments to include research papers, reports, reflective commentaries and viva voce examination. The research component of the award will be evaluated using a formal viva vice examination.

Supervision and support

Each student will be allocated a project supervisor and supervisory team (who will specifically support the research programme) and an academic mentor who will support their development from a broader perspective.

Engagement with these key individuals will be completed in a flexible way that is aimed at optimally engaging the student in their learning journey.

Seminars, tutorials and lectures

Seminars and tutorials are aimed at supporting both the learning opportunities included in the core programme modules and facilitating the processes in and around the completion of the research projects. Seminars and tutorials will be led by both tutors and students on the programme to facilitate peer-to-peer learning. The blended approach to the delivery of these aspects of the curriculum will ensure that all students can engage in individual and small-group learning.

Lectures and other key content will be delivered by a mixture of academic experts and professional individuals who are active within high-performance sports or sports-related organisations. Research and high-level professional experience and competency will be a key underpinning of all individuals involved in the programme.

Programme Aims

The Doctoral programme is concerned with original research which has professional, organisational and/or developmental implications. The aims of the programme are:

• To create and interpret new knowledge associated with professional practice in Sport and Exercise Science
• To enable students to acquire a detailed understanding of, and innovate in, applied research methodology appropriate to professional practice in Sport and Exercise Science
• To improve students’ ability to develop and apply research in their chosen area of professional practice
• To support individuals to develop strategies to optimize personal and professional growth in order to maximize the potential to create change in themselves and others

The following must be taken:

Year 1:

Year 2:

The following must be taken:

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.

Find an Advertised PhD

Find a PhD project that suits your interests by using our FindAPhD tool.

Students will be required to hold an undergraduate 2:1 degree in a discipline related to sport and exercise science.

The professional vocation of the student will, in certain situations (e.g. medicine and physiotherapy) also inform the appropriateness of the application and the area of research that they undertake and hence their ability to obtain a specific named award (e.g. physiotherapy/medicine).

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

This degree develops high-level thinking and problem-solving skills, essential for leadership in elite sports organisations. It’s a launchpad for management roles and a great for those seeking to influence the industry with innovation and excellence.

Careers Network

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, 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.

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.