science in sport and phd

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Embrace a Purposeful Journey

Online phd in exercise science.

Realize your calling and elevate your career with a doctoral degree in Exercise Science at Concordia University Chicago.

Learn how our 100% online programs can help you get ahead in the exercise science field.

Online PhD in Exercise Science Program: Nurturing Minds, Cultivating Knowledge

Seek knowledge that aligns with your values and embark on a path of growth with our 100% online Doctorate in Exercise Science. Thoughtfully designed for working adults, our asynchronous program allows you to learn at your own pace – anytime, anywhere. We keep health science class sizes small to foster an online community and allow deep connections with your classmates and professors.

At Concordia University Chicago, Christ is at the center of all we do. The CUC curriculum reflects our values, delivering a holistic and honest experience to students — preparing them to do serve the greater good in their career endeavors. Our health exercise science doctorate students use applied research and sports performance medicine teachings to make real changes in the world. Healing bodies, working toward disease prevention , and making a difference in their communities.

What Will I Learn in an Online Exercise Science Degree Program?

Our PhD in Exercise Science is a journey of research, discovery, and application. The program focuses on advanced study and ethical implementation in the fields of exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports nutrition and related areas.

Research Methods: You will learn advanced research methodologies and statistical analysis techniques used in exercise science research. This includes experimental design, data collection, data analysis and interpretation of results. Exercise Physiology: You will study the physiological responses and adaptations to exercise, including cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic changes. Topics may include exercise testing and prescription, aerobic and anaerobic metabolism and the impact of exercise on various physiological systems. Biomechanics: This area covers the analysis of human movement and the forces involved. You’ll learn about kinematics, kinetics and how biomechanics can be applied to improve athletic performance or prevent injuries.

Advanced Topics: Depending on the program and faculty expertise, you may have the opportunity to delve into more specialized areas within exercise science, such as sports performance, aging and exercise, exercise immunology or environmental physiology.

Nutrition and Exercise: You’ll explore the relationship between diet and exercise, focusing on how nutrition can impact performance, recovery and overall health.

Exercise and Chronic Disease: This area investigates the effects of exercise on various chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and cancer. It may also cover exercise interventions for managing and preventing these conditions.

Dissertation Research: The core component of a PhD program is the original research conducted for your dissertation. This research should make a significant contribution to the field of exercise science and demonstrate your ability to conduct independent research.

Why Pursue a PhD in Exercise Science Online?

Following your calling into a form of health sciences is an admirable choice. With a variety of complex health issues existing, pursuing a PhD in Exercise Science from Concordia University Chicago is the right step to making a difference in healthcare. By advancing your career with a PhD, you are opening yourself up to more opportunities to make impactful change in the industry.

The 69-credit-hour program, which varies based on research course selection, includes coursework in leadership, health, exercise science, research, statistics and a nine-credit-hour dissertation requirement.

Pursuing a Doctorate in Exercise Science offers numerous benefits and opportunities for individuals passionate about enriching their careers and growing the field. Here are some reasons to consider pursuing a PhD in Exercise Science:

Research Expertise: A PhD program in Exercise Science provides in-depth training in research methodologies, data analysis and critical thinking. Graduates emerge as experts in their chosen areas of research, capable of conducting original investigations that contribute to the body of knowledge in the field.

Academic and Teaching Careers: For those interested in academia, a PhD is often a prerequisite for tenure-track faculty positions at colleges and universities. With this degree, you can teach undergraduate and graduate courses in exercise science, mentor students and shape the future of the field through education.

Leadership Opportunities: The knowledge and skills gained during a PhD program prepare graduates to pursue leadership roles in various settings, including research institutions, government agencies, healthcare organizations and sports organizations. Graduates can become directors of research programs, exercise physiology labs or health and wellness initiatives.

Advancement in Health and Fitness Industry: A Doctorate in Exercise Science can open doors to higher-level positions in the health and fitness industry. Graduates may find opportunities to work with professional sports teams, corporate wellness programs or elite athletic training facilities.

Networking and Collaborations: Pursuing a PhD offers opportunities to collaborate with established researchers, professors and experts in the field. These connections can lead to joint research projects, publications and presentations at conferences, enhancing your professional network and reputation.

Intellectual Challenge and Personal Growth: A PhD journey is intellectually stimulating and requires perseverance and dedication. It provides a chance for personal growth as you overcome challenges, develop resilience and cultivate strong problem-solving skills.

Contribution to the Community: As a PhD holder in Exercise Science, you can become a prominent figure in your community, promoting physical activity, health and wellness. You may engage in public outreach, workshops and initiatives that encourage healthier lifestyles.

Global Impact: The research conducted in Exercise Science often has implications beyond local borders. Your work can contribute to global efforts to combat sedentary lifestyles, obesity and other health-related issues.

Lifelong Learning: A PhD program fosters a love for lifelong learning and continued curiosity about the latest advancements in the field. Graduates stay up-to-date with current research and contribute to the ongoing evolution of Exercise Science.

Overall, a PhD in Exercise Science at Concordia University Chicago is a rewarding and fulfilling path for individuals dedicated to advancing knowledge, and providing positive outcomes in physical activity, health promotion, and human performance.

Institutional Accreditation

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Why Choose Concordia University Chicago for Your Health Sciences Education?

Discover a unique educational experience at Concordia University Chicago, where we go beyond academic excellence. We integrate Christian principles into every aspect of our programs, focusing on integrity, service, and a commitment to the common good.

Christian Foundation

CUC stands out by emphasizing a Christian perspective throughout our institution. The mission goes beyond developing programs; our doctoral programs aim to shape graduates who embody Christian values and contribute to the world in a Christ-led manner.

Vocation and Purpose

We prioritize the Christian concept of vocation, viewing education as a divine calling to serve others. Your journey at CUC is not just about a promising career; it’s a commitment to making a meaningful impact on the well-being of others.

Diverse Representation

Our commitment to inclusivity extends to visual representations. Rather than relying only on Eastern or Western practices, we showcase diverse and meaningful visuals of human movement, respecting various beliefs and ensuring every student feels understood.

Choose Concordia University Chicago for a health sciences education that transcends traditional boundaries, preparing you not only for a successful career but also for a life of compassion, integrity, and purpose.

Exercise Science Career Outlook

A variety of meaningful career paths are attainable with a PhD in Exercise Science from Concordia University Chicago. Doctorates have been shown to be a significant contributor to career growth and open many doors in numerous fields, including but not limited to:

• University Professor
• Research Scientist
• Exercise Science Educator
• Physical Health Policy Advocate
• Exercise Physiology Research Scientist
• Biomechanics Specialist

Embark on this journey with Concordia University Chicago, where values and academic excellence unite in the pursuit of knowledge and greater service.

Accelerated

Fewer Breaks, Finish Faster

100% Online

Anytime, anywhere learning on your schedule

Tuition Guarantee

Your tuition rate is locked in while continuously enrolled

Admission Requirements

Free online application

Master’s degree in exercise science or related field

3.0 minimum GPA

Objective statement

Letters of recommendation

RES-7605 Quantitative Analysis

An introduction to the quantitative analysis of data; including data coding and entry of data. SPSS will be used to explore descriptive and inferential statistics: using both non‐parametric and initial parametric techniques.

RES-7700 Qualitative Research

An examination of qualitative research approaches with a focus on research design, the role of the researcher, data collection and analysis, and writing from a qualitative perspective.

RES-7800 Mixed Methods Research

This course explores the theory and practice of mixed methods research in program evaluation and applied research. Prerequisite: B or higher in RES-7605 and RES-7700

RES-7620 Advanced Topics in Statistics

An introduction to advanced statistical concepts including multivariate analysis, linear models, hierarchical linear models, factor analysis and data management will be covered in this course. Students will use published software packages and will learn to write basic syntax for custom analysis. Prerequisite: B or higher in RES-7605.

Comprehensive Exam and Dissertation

COMP-7100 Comprehensive Exam

Written comprehensive exam questions to be completed by students in a set period of time, assessed by reviewers, and revised by students if first attempt was not proficient in all areas. Students who do not pass their comprehensive exam initially or upon revision cannot progress to the dissertation courses and will be required to take the Remediation Course (HHP-7910) prior to re-taking COMP-7100. Prerequisite: B or higher in HHP-7100. Pass/Fail only.

HHP-7910 Remediation for Comprehensive Exam (as needed)

A remediation course for students who do not pass their Comprehensive Exam (COMP-7100). A review of scientific writing, critical analysis of literature, and writing comprehensive literature reviews. Must be completed with Pass before re-enrollment in COMP-7100. Pass/Fail only.

DISS-7010 Dissertation I

Scholarly work on a dissertation as approved by the dissertation committee. Pass/Fail only.

DISS-7020 Dissertation II

Scholarly work on a dissertation as approved by the dissertation committee. Prerequisite: P in COMP-7000 or COMP-7100, and DISS-7010. Pass/Fail only.

DISS-7030 Dissertation III 1

Scholarly work on a dissertation as approved by the dissertation committee. Prerequisite: P in DISS-7020. Pass/Fail only.

DISS-8000 Dissertation Supervision (as needed)

Taken by doctoral candidates who have completed the required semester hours of dissertation. Doctoral candidates must use this course to maintain continuous enrollment while working on their dissertation and will be charged the equivalent of one semester hour of tuition for each registration in the course until the candidates have successfully defended their dissertation. This course is not credit bearing. Prerequisite: P in DISS-7030. Pass/Fail only.

Exercise Science Specialization Courses

HHP-7000 Cardiovascular Responses to Exercise

This course examines cardiovascular adaptations to acute and chronic exercise. The course will provide an in-depth analysis of metabolic, systemic and hormonal responses to the stress of exercise and the adaptive changes that occur with training, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Prerequisite: B or higher in HHP-7005 and HHP-7900.

HHP-7005 Scientific Communication

Effective communication in scientific writing. Emphasis on professional scientific language and field-appropriate stylistic convention.

HHP-7010 Neuromuscular Responses to Exercise

This course examines neuromuscular adaptations to acute and chronic exercise. Students will engage in an in-depth analysis of neuromuscular structure and function, motor unit recruitment during different types of movement, and muscle adaptations to resistance and endurance training. Prerequisite: B or higher in HHP-7005 and HHP-7900.

HHP-7020 Exercise for Disease Prevention and Management

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with a framework for evaluating current information on exercise recommendations for special populations. Students will engage in an in-depth analysis of the implications for exercise in preventing and managing obesity, coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer, asthma, neurological conditions and musculoskeletal conditions. Prerequisite: B or higher in HHP-7005, HHP-7900, and RES-7605.

HHP-7030 Advanced Exercise and Sports Nutrition

This course examines the latest evidence-based principles and recommendations on meal, energy and nutrient timing for optimal fueling and performance. Topics include principles of nutrient timing, regulation of metabolism by micronutrients and macronutrients and their role in weight control in athletes, safety and validity of supplements and ergogenic aids, and nutritional aspects of optimal performance. Prerequisite: B or higher in HHP-7005, HHP-7900, and RES-7605.

HHP-7050 Program Design in Physical Activity and Health

This course examines planning and organization of health programs. Students will investigate, contrast, develop and evaluate a variety of intervention activities. Theories regarding techniques to enhance behavior change and instructional design strategies to meet the health needs of a diverse population will be explored. Prerequisite: B or higher in HHP 7000, HHP-7010, and RES-7605.

HHP-7090 Ethical Issues in HHP

This course examines the ethical conflicts and challenges around autonomy, liberty, individual rights, and the common good in regard to healthful living and quality of life. Human rights, civil rights, influence of race, social class, and gender/sex will be examined in the context of health issues, such as social determinants of illness, health promotion and behavior modification, social justice, and research equity. Ethical considerations will center on the program design, evaluation and research aspects related to Health and Human Performance with special attention to inclusion.

HHP-7100 Seminar in Health & Human Performance

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for the students to study a specific topic/area of interest within the field and develop an academically sound project with the aid of an advisor. Topics/area of interest will be approved by the Program Director. Independent study should be related to specific program design of Health & Human Performance interventions, grant proposals for agency submission, or academic manuscript preparation for professional presentation and/or publication. This course will culminate in an independent study that will directly demonstrate program competencies. Prerequisite: B or higher in HHP-7020, HHP-7030, HHP-7050, HHP-7090, HHP-7500, HHP-7520, RES-7620, RES-7700, and RES-7800.

HHP-7500 Advanced Biomechanics

Application of mechanics to biological systems including tissue mechanics, human performance, and limb dynamics. Investigation of biomechanics in healthy, aging, and pathological populations. Applying tools of engineering analysis to biological systems from cellular to whole body. Prerequisite: B or higher in HHP-7010 and RES-7605.

HHP-7520 Advanced Exercise Physiology and Special Population Considerations

Advanced concepts in exercise physiology related to cardiovascular, pulmonary, kidney, and immune system pathologies. Implementation and interpretation of clinical exercise tests with a special focus on ECG and pulmonary function. Prerequisite: B or higher in HHP-7000 and RES-7605

HHP-7900 Research Design

Principles of research theory, methods, inquiry, problem formulation, data collection, literature searches, and ethical considerations. Emphasis on how to design a doctoral-level research study in the field of Health and Human Performance.

Cognate Courses Select 12 hours from the following:

AES-6560 Special Topics: Seminar in Movement Science

In-depth study of selected advanced topics in human movement science. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6520.

AES-6660 Special Topics: Seminar in Sports Performance Training

In-depth study of selected advanced topics in sports performance training. Prerequisite: B or higher in AES-6620 or division chair consent.

GERO-7000 Gerontological Theory

Reviews major types of gerontological theory within the context of theoretical paradigms. This course explores the differences and commonalities within the various theoretical strands of knowledge construction within gerontology.

GERO-7500 The Physiology of Aging

Presents an in-depth analysis of the biology of aging, building up from changes occurring at the molecular and cellular level and analyzing the consequences at the organism level. Examines the influence of these age-related changes in what are commonly considered a disease of aging.

GERO-7505 The Psychological Aspects of Aging

Examines psychological development and change across the adult lifespan. Using frameworks of developmental psychology, this course reviews and explores adult development in the broad domains of cognition, personality and socio-emotional functioning. Issues related to normative and optimal adult development and aging are considered.

GERO-7800 Demography and Epidemiology of Aging

Explores fertility, mortality and global aging; distribution of health and illness within a population; age-based migration and its impact on locations of origin and destination; variations in health and mortality by gender, race, ethnicity and social class; impact of health and mortality patterns for individuals, society and public policy.

GERO-7805 Issues in Aging Policy

Explores the development, implementation and analysis of social policy in the United States on major issues affecting older people. Considers the determinants of aging policy. The policymaking process and development of legislation are analyzed as factors related to the making of policy for older adults.

GERO-7810 Foundation of Teaching and Learning in Gerontology

Exploration and application of teaching and learning strategies for communicating gerontological knowledge. This course addresses teaching gerontology in classroom settings as well as in public settings to a variety of audiences in applied and policy settings.

GERO-7820 Leadership, Applied Ethics, Aging and Global Change

Examines the ethical dilemmas of leadership, the foundations and context of moral choice, and the moral implications of decision-making as they relate to gerontological leadership. Considers the ethical challenges and decision criteria facing leaders, the role of politics and power in organizations and the leader’s ability to promote and infuse organizational ethics and integrity in an aging and globalized world.

GERO-7900 Diversity in Aging Societies

Explores how ethnicity, race and gender structure the lives of individuals throughout the life course and how other factors such as age, cohort and class intersect with these realities. This course considers how the lives of people differ across diverse strata and how social policies shape individuals’ lives.

GME-6300 Introduction to Grants

Provides an overview of key components of the grant process. Identifying priorities, utilizing grant databases and distinguishing various giving sources such as foundations, corporations, government agencies and individuals. Strategies for proposal development, researching, identifying and cultivating partnerships.

HHP-7040 Measurement and Evaluation in Health and Human Performance

This course develops skills for the selection, development and implementation of various types of instruments and techniques for measuring and evaluating health and human performance interventions. Evaluation of these interventions includes general health behaviors, health-related fitness, nutritional and dietary intake, body composition, and other areas related to an individual’s quality of life. Students will learn methods for developing/choosing psychometric and biometric tools, choosing appropriate evaluation designs, procedures for data collection, and describing evaluation results. Prerequisite: B or higher in HHP-7005 and HHP-7900.

HHP-7060 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

The course examines the process of disease prevention and control through the education and advocacy of health promotion. Students will examine the physiological and medical factors associated with common diseases/conditions including asthma, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and other metabolic disease states. Students examine various topics while utilizing methods of health communication for prevention/control of chronic diseases. Prerequisite: B or higher in HHP-7050.

HHP-7070 The Professoriate

This course examines the latest evidence-based principles and experiential recommendations on the professoriate in higher education. Topics include principles and strategies of teaching and learning; professional relationships; philosophy of education; issues of race and gender, promotion and tenure, and the scholarship of teaching, research and service.

HHP-7510 Advanced Topics in Endocrinology and Metabolism

Review of hormonal regulation and function of endocrine systems at both a molecular and whole-species level, as well as endocrine & exercise interactions related to key metabolic pathways. Emphasis on hormones that regulate growth, stress, metabolism, and reproduction, as well as diseases associated with these processes. Prerequisite: B or higher in HHP-7000 and HHP-7010.

RES-7710 Advanced Qualitative Analysis

This course provides advanced introductions to a representative range of qualitative methods. It is designed to familiarize doctoral and advanced master’s students with the commonly used qualitative research methods. The course will prepare them to further understand philosophies and concepts of qualitative methods, to utilize these methods in their own research, or to evaluate the qualitative work that others have done. This course also teaches how to use qualitative software as an analytic tool to analyze qualitative data. Prerequisite: B or higher in RES-7700.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will i be considered for admission if i don't have a directly related master's degree in exercise science.

Applicants who have a tangential, but not a directly related master’s degree in Exercise Science, may be considered for provisional acceptance. Students who are provisionally accepted will have to take AES 6250: Advanced Exercise Physiology as their first course and earn a B or higher in order to continue in the program. Students who do not earn a B or higher in AES 6250 will be dismissed from the program.

Students seeking provisional acceptance must meet all other admission criteria.

How do I apply for Concordia’s graduate exercise science programs?

Students should apply online by clicking here .

Applicants will have required documentation such as official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other materials to supply in order to complete their application. To view our application checklist with all requirements, click here .

What are the application requirements?

​​In addition to the online application , for the master’s programs, students must submit an objective statement, all academic transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Additionally, for the Doctoral programs, students must submit a current (within the past 3 years) Graduate Record Exam or Millers Analogies Test scores, a résumé, and a writing sample.

For full admission requirements, please visit here .

Do I have to take the GRE?

For Doctoral programs, students can either take the GRE or the Millers Analogies Test. Test scores will be accepted if taken within the past 3 years.

At the master’s level, Concordia University Chicago does not require a GRE score for admission.

Do I have to visit campus during my program?

No. Concordia’s online PhD in Exercise Science is 100% online.

What if my GPA is below the minimum?

Applicants who possess a cumulative grade point average of 2.84 or lower or who have earned a master’s degree with a GPA lower than 3.0 may receive provisional or probationary admission. Please see the admission requirements for a full description.

What are the requirements for international students?

International students must meet all standards for the program they wish to enter, as well as fulfill additional requirements covering English and transcripts.

May I start classes before I’m officially admitted?

Students do not need to be admitted to their master’s degree program in order to register for their initial semester. Students may be placed on Pending Status until all required documentation has been received and may attend classes for one semester. Pending Status status does not apply to doctoral or international students .

Does Concordia Chicago allow guest students?

Concordia University Chicago allows guest students in our Bachelor’s and Master’s Applied Exercise Science programs. This option allows students who may only want to take a limited number of classes to enroll.

Tuition rates may vary for guest students. For more information, please contact us.

Technology and Online Learning

Do i need to purchase software for the online program.

No. Online students will complete all coursework and discussions through Blackboard, which is a web-based program that includes file posting, discussion boards, a calendar, and grade posting, among other tools.

What do I do if I have technological problems?

Students with technology problems or questions should call CougarNet. CougarNet is a collective group of technology services on Concordia University Chicago’s campus serving faculty, staff, and both residential, off-campus, and online students. Contact the CougarNet Helpdesk at 708-209-3131 if you need personal assistance.

What type of computer do I need?

Students should be able to use whatever home computer they already own, whether a Mac or PC. You do not need to purchase a specific type of computer. You will need to have reliable access to the internet.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Are there scholarships available.

Currently, there are no university scholarships available for students in master’s and doctoral programs. Students are sometimes able to obtain scholarships from an outside party.

Is there financial aid or student loan support available?

Yes. Our financial aid advisors will be happy to discuss your options and go over the application process with you. Contact one of our advisors for more information or see our financial aid options for graduate students .

Click here to learn about the steps involved in financial aid for graduate students .

Graduate students should contact Ethan Muench ([email protected], 708-209-3234).

When is payment due?

Payment is due before the start of each class.

May 6, 2024

Deadline to Apply

May 1, 2024

Cost Per Credit

Related articles.

• Why Earn Your PhD Online?
• What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Exercise Science?

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Online Ph.D. in Exercise and Sport Science

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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Sciences – Exercise and Sport Science

Strengthen your knowledge of human performance with a ph.d. in health sciences – exercise and sport science degree online.

Do you want to further your career in research, academia, sports science, exercise physiology, or occupational performance? With Liberty’s 100% online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Sciences – Exercise and Sport Science, you can prepare to pursue higher-level roles in clinical settings or teach human performance-related topics at the college level. Our goal is to help you thrive as a professor, scientist, scholar, or industry leader.

Throughout this program, you can hone your skill set and prepare to pursue new opportunities as an allied health professional. In particular, you’ll learn about important aspects of sports performance, so you can help athletes achieve peak performance. The knowledge you gain in this program can also help you work with clients and patients who want to accomplish physical wellness goals. Our 100% online courses give you the flexibility to earn a terminal degree from the comfort of your home. Partner with us and prepare to help meet the diverse needs of the healthcare community.

What Will You Learn in Liberty University’s Online Exercise and Sport Science Program?

• Healthcare delivery systems, risk management, and evidence-based practices
• Methods for teaching health sciences at the college level
• Sports performance, biomechanics, and physiology

In this program, you’ll explore a variety of advanced topics in health sciences, including leadership, ethical issues, and cultural competency in the field of health sciences. You’ll also study important research methods and conduct original research as you complete the dissertation process. With training from our seasoned faculty, you can prepare to make a positive difference as an allied health professional.

Within the exercise and sport science specialization, you can become equipped to strengthen your effectiveness as a military performance specialist, exercise physiologist, sports scientist, or occupational performance specialist. You’ll learn about practical methods for helping athletes and other clients achieve physical wellness. Some of the topics you’ll study include conditioning, occupational and environmental physiology, assessment and programming, and the effects of performance-enhancing substances.

Potential Careers for Ph.D. in Health Sciences – Exercise and Sport Science Graduates

Depending on your previously obtained certifications and licenses, some of the roles you could pursue after earning this degree include:

• Exercise physiologist
• Human performance specialist
• Nutritional consultant
• Sports scientist
• Strength training and conditioning coach

Benefits of Pursuing Your Doctorate in Exercise and Sport Science with Liberty University

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We are  recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank among Niche.com’s  top 3 online schools in America . Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university. 
• You can complete this Ph.D. in Health Sciences – Exercise and Sport Science in as little as 3 years!
• As an online student, you can access a wealth of resources through our top-notch library portal.
• You’ll have the opportunity to network with leaders in sports science and human performance from across the country while pursuing your doctoral degree in exercise and sport science.

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only  $300/credit hour . Here’s how:

• If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
• If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more !

Credit Hours

100% online, 8-week courses

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Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Date

May 13, 2024

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Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

“In the times in which we’re living today, Liberty University’s mission , the mission of training up a generation of Champions for Christ in literally every occupation, has never been more important .”

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE

Experience That Matters to You

As an accredited Christian college with a 7,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers you an education that is both academically challenging and rooted in a biblical worldview.

At Liberty, you’ll benefit from 35+ years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of researching the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you.

And what’s that?

• Affordability
• Accessibility
• Academic Quality

These important factors challenged us to find new financial solutions, get ahead of industry trends, and blaze trails into cutting-edge career fields — and it’s paid off. That’s the difference experience makes.

Ranked in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America   and recognized by multiple institutions for   academic quality, affordability, and accessibility.

Why Choose Liberty University?

Enjoy flexible courses.

Choose from a wide variety of programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level, most of which are 100% online*. With an 8-week format and 8 start dates per year, it’s easy to fit your courses around your schedule!

* Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

Maximize Your Time

Start and finish your degree faster! Liberty requires no standardized testing for admission, and you can transfer previous course credit — transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree and up to 50% of a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree — or discover how your life, career, or military experience may count toward your college degree.

Grow in Your Faith

All of our courses are taught from a Christian perspective, and our faculty see themselves as mentors. Our mission is to Train Champions for Christ — we’re committed to championing you as you study to go further in your field, become a leader in your industry, or start a new career.

Access Academic Support

Throughout your educational journey, you will have access to academic resources that will aid in the completion of your degree. Services include our Jerry Falwell Library, writing center, tutoring, study aids, IT assistance, 30+ tutorial videos, live webinars, and personalized help from our academic advising team.

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Why we’re nonprofit.

As a nonprofit (not-for-profit) university, Liberty is in the business of training skilled professionals to make a difference in the world – not gaining profit, revenue, or producing dividends for shareholders. In keeping with our commitment to your education, we invest our resources back into degree programs and into your student experience.

While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university and has not increased tuition for 9 straight years. Lower tuition means less student loan debt for students.

For Liberty University, nonprofit is more than a status; it is a valuable opportunity to invest in the lives of students who will go out and impact the world.

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Financing Options

Financial aid.

Nearly 80% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid. Virginia residents may qualify for additional aid — learn more !

Corporate Tuition Assistance

Deferred – If your company reimburses you for the cost of your education, you pay only a portion of your balance up front. You submit your grades to your employer who pays you, and then you pay the remaining balance for your classes.

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Qualified military service members, veterans, and their spouses can receive up to 55% off their tuition rate for eligible programs!

Contact one of our Admissions Counselors for more information by calling (800) 424-9595 .

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College of Applied Human Sciences: School of Sport Sciences

Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology, -->PhD -->

The PhD program in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology at WVU is recognized as one of the premier training programs in the world.

It provides students with a comprehensive curriculum delivered by highly qualified faculty. The program combines academic rigor, extensive research experiences and applied consulting opportunities to train highly competent, well-rounded future sport, exercise and performance psychology professionals.

Students initiate their own line of research, work with faculty to produce publishable manuscripts, and complete three research benchmarks in addition to their dissertation. Furthermore, students take part in supervised applied experiences working within a range of different sport, exercise and performance settings, including Division I, II and III athletic programs.

This PhD program, which includes a concurrent master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling , allows individuals to sit for counseling licensure upon graduation. With this combination of research and applied aspects of sport, exercise and performance psychology, the program prepares students for careers as sport psychology consultants, researchers and future faculty members. Students may also apply for a science track with more emphasis on research, which does not include the master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Many students work 20 hours a week during the semester as a graduate assistant, either teaching, providing service or conducting research. In return for these contributions, graduate assistants receive a tuition waiver and stipend.

This program is delivered in-person and requires full-time residency in Morgantown for the majority of the 3-4 year program.

Your Degree Plan

The PhD program in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology combines academic rigor, extensive research experiences and applied consulting opportunities to train highly competent, well-rounded sport, exercise and performance psychology professionals.

• Plan of Study

The program combines academic rigor, extensive research experiences and applied consulting opportunities to train highly competent, well-rounded future sport, exercise and performance psychology professionals. The comprehensive curriculum represents the science-practice model of psychology.

Foundational Courses Students complete 65-75 credit hours that cover traditional SEP coursework, professional practice courses and research methods. They will have individual plan of studies meetings to finalize their doctoral curriculum with all courses needed to complete the requirements for the SEP doctoral degree.

Dissertation Throughout the program students select a line of research that coincides with their area of interest. The SEP doctoral degree program culminates with a dissertation research project, exploring an important topic in the field of sport, exercise and performance psychology. The dissertation will be in the form of two or three publishable papers researching the chosen topic, which will be presented in a public forum. The dissertation committee must approve of the dissertation to be fully accepted.

Earn a Dual Degree in Counseling Once admitted into this program, students can opt to dual enroll in the master's degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling . Courses for these two programs are completed simultaneously. Upon completion students are eligible to sit for licensure as a licensed professional counselor in most states.

The deadline to apply for Fall 2024 has passed, but you are welcome to reach out to the admissions coordinator to learn more about Fall 2025 admission. If you have any questions about this graduate program, please contact Sam Zizzi at [email protected] .

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

• 100% of program graduates are employed in the area of their choice.
• Students teach undergraduate classes in sport, exercise and performance psychology.
• Students are expected to produce publishable manuscripts.
• Graduates will be license-eligible and may pursue a counseling or consulting career with full-time applied work.
• Students consult with NCAA Division I, II and III athletic programs, high school and youth sport teams, exercise/health settings and other performance domains.
• Admitted students can dual enroll in the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and complete both simultaneously.
• The WVU School of Sport Sciences was recognized as one of the best in the country by Newsweek .

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Research and Academic Opportunities

Applied Experiences Students have the opportunity to gain applied experience working with a range of performers, including student-athletes of Division I, II and III athletic programs. As a result, most students accrue more than 400 hours of supervised service provision allowing them to meet the requirements for AASP certification (CMPC). In addition, the dual enrollment in a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling allows individuals to sit for counseling licensure upon graduation.

Research The program boasts seven faculty members trained in sport, exercise and performance psychology. These faculty members have different training backgrounds and research specialties (see faculty profiles) allowing them to supervise students with various research interests. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with those faculty members and are expected to produce publishable manuscripts. In their research, students are encouraged to identify topics that align with their own interests and will help them reach their professional goals.

Student Organizations

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

• Sport and Exercise Psychology Graduate Student Club

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

• American Psychological Association
• Association for Applied Sport Psychology
• European Federation of Sport Psychology
• International Society of Sport Psychology
• North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
• Society of Behavioral Medicine

Internships

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

• Basic Instruction Program (BIP)

Graduate Service Assistantships

• WVU Student Recreation Center
• WVU Athletics

Graduate Service/Teaching Assistantships

• University Advising Center

What Skills You'll Take Away With You

Attending college will prepare you for many things. The Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology major will give you the following skills:

• Analytical skills
• Research skills

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

• Career Profiles
• How We Prepare You

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Plan, direct or coordinate research, instructional, student administration and services and other educational activities at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges and junior and community colleges.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $99,940

Possible job titles include: Academic Dean, Dean, Provost, Registrar.

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Assess, diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $90,130

Possible job titles include: Clinical Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist, Applied Behavior Science Specialist, Child Psychologist, Clinical Therapist, Counseling Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor, Psychotherapist, Pediatric Psychologist.

Mental Health Counselors

Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. May help individuals deal with issues associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging.

Median Salary: $49,710

Possible job titles include: Clinician, Counselor, Mental Health Counselor, Therapist.

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Median Salary: $78,810

Possible job titles include: Instructor, Professor, Psychology Instructor, Psychology Professor.

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy and veterinary medicine.

Median Salary: $102,720

Possible job titles include: Assistant Professor, Clinical Professor, Physical Therapy Professor, Professor.

Where our grads are working

Graduates leave the program with advanced skills in the areas of research, practice and teaching. WVU boasts one of the largest SEP alumni networks in the nation with former students working in most areas of the sport, exercise and performance psychology profession. Alumni take a genuine interest in current students and their future success. Graduates work in a variety of roles which include sport psychology consultants, researchers and faculty members.

Common career areas:

• Research based faculty positions in sport sciences
• Teaching based faculty positions in sport sciences
• Private practice consulting
• Military consulting
• Public Health

Example employers and job titles of graduates:

• Ian Connole, private practitioner, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Peak Performance, Dartmouth College
• Paul Downey, Associate Athletic Director for Academics, University of Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletics
• Adrian Ferrera, practitioner with special forces soldiers, Fort Bragg
• Aaron Goodson, Assistant Director of Counseling and Sport Psychology, Mississippi State University
• Brandon Harris, Associate Professor, Georgia Southern University
• Jesse Michel, Head Mental Skills Coordinator, Houston Astros
• Raymond Prior, private practitioner, Chicago, Illinois
• Rebecca Zakrajsek, Associate Professor, University of Tennessee

Meet Your Community

The Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology family will inspire and support you.

• Program Faculty
• Alumni Network

Damien Clement

Professional highlights:

• Fellow, Association for Applied Sport Psychology, 2020-Present
• WVU Foundation Award for Outstanding Teaching, 2015
• Dorothy V. Harris Award, Association for Applied Sport Psychology, 2014
• Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award, WVU College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, 2013
• Acting Dean, WVU Honors College, August 2019–June 2020

Ashley Coker-Cranney

• Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Association for Applied Sport Psychology
• Licensed Professional Counselor, West Virginia Board of Examiners for Counseling

Peter Giacobbi Jr.

• Research focus on chronic disease risk reduction using digital and other delivery technologies
• Expert in the use of guided imagery in sport and exercise settings, overall well-being and managing health behavior
• Current Google Scholar H-index of 33, Scopus H-index of 23

Dana Voelker

• Steelcase Education Active Learning Center Grant, 2019
• WVU Foundation Award for Outstanding Teachers, 2018
• Association for Applied Sport Psychology Dorothy V. Harris Memorial Award, 2018

• Twice recognized as Most Outstanding Teacher at WVU CPASS, and has mentored over 30 PhD students through degree completion
• Serves as the Dr. Pat Fehl Endowed Professor to focus efforts on the health and wellness of WV citizens
• Published one of the first books on self-awareness in sport, Being Mindful in Sport and Exercise Psychology (2017), with friend and colleague Mark Andersen
• Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)

The SEP faculty helped me develop holistically as a scholar and person, with high expectations and a strong desire to achieve.

My success is a direct result of the training and guidance I received while a student in the SEP program.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission into a graduate program at WVU an applicant must submit official, bachelor's degree transcripts from a regionally accredited institution and hold a GPA of at least 2.75. WVU operates decentralized admissions. Decentralized admissions allows each graduate program to set its own application requirements in addition to the University requirements.

To be eligible for admission into the Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology graduate program an applicant must submit the following documentation:

• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation - Two

Application Requirements

Applicants can seek admission to the doctoral program in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology with either a baccalaureate degree or master's degree. To be considered for admission, applicants must upload the following documentation within the graduate application :

• Résumé or CV
• Transcripts from all previous institutions
• Official GRE scores
• Personal statement (1-2 written pages on professional background, goals and reasons for pursuing doctoral degree at WVU, and rationale for potential faculty advisor)
• Two (2) Letters of recommendation

You will not be able to submit your application until the above documents are uploaded. Once the application is submitted and (unofficial/official) transcripts are received, your application will be reviewed for an admission decision. International applicants will not be reviewed with unofficial transcripts.

Prospective students should NOT apply to the dual master's program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at this time. If accepted into the PhD program, admission fees will be waived.

Please contact the Office of Student Success at 304-293-4800 for more information about the application process.

Additional Application Considerations

Admission application form deadline: December 1. Admission is limited to fall start only.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their application with unofficial transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Submitting unofficial transcripts speeds up the application review process as most graduate programs make admission decisions using unofficial transcripts.

If you are offered acceptance, you are required to submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions to be fully admitted into your intended graduate program. You will not be able to register for classes until the official transcripts are received. The preferred method to submit your official transcripts is through a secure online service, such as eScript, The National Clearing House or Parchment, to [email protected] .

Alternatively, if you are unable to submit an electronic version of your official transcript, the physical, sealed, un-tampered with documents can be mailed to:

WVU Graduate Admissions, PO Box 6510, Morgantown, WV 26501

WVU Graduate Admissions, 1 Waterfront Place, 2nd Floor, Morgantown, WV 26505

• Applications that are incomplete or are submitted after the deadline may be reviewed if openings remain.
• International applicants must also submit required materials for international applicants .

Review process

Following the application deadline, program faculty will evaluate applicant credentials based on the materials submitted. After that initial review, a limited number of applicants will be invited to personal online and/or on-campus interviews with the program faculty and current students prior to a final admission decision.

Program Contact

If you have any questions about this graduate program, please contact Sam Zizzi at [email protected] .

Application Deadlines

Each graduate program sets their own terms for admission and application deadlines. Applicants can only apply for admission for the terms displayed below. Any questions regarding the application deadline should be directed to the graduate program representative.

• Fall: December 1

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Learn how to join the WVU family.

Request Info

Want to know more about Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

​​Experiencing campus is the best way to see if WVU is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.

Education & Human Development

Kinesiology & sport management.

The Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management

The Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management (KNSM) is one the largest academic department at Texas A&M University, generating over 90,000 credit hours and 200,000 (modified) weighted student credit hours each year.

As one of four departments in the School of Education and Human Development, KNSM is currently home to over 3,000 undergraduate students, 246 master’s students, 70 doctoral students (3,921 total), 179 minor students, 103 faculty members, 32 staff members and 90 funded graduate assistants.

Divisions of Kinesiology & Sport Management

The department is comprised of three divisions: Kinesiology ,  Sport Management  and the  Physical Education Activity Program . Each division offers various degrees  and  outreach programs promoting continuing education for students and the community.

Former Student Highlight

Kourtney martin.

During her time as a Group Fitness Instructor at Texas A&M Rec Sports, she was presented with the opportunity to instruct WELLNESS WORKS! fitness sessions to faculty and staff at Texas A&M. She went on to complete her graduate internship with WELLNESS WORKS! before being named Employee Wellness Coordinator in 2017.

Bachelor’s →

Master’s →

Emphasis Areas

Sport management.

• Motor Behavior
• Basic Exercise Physiology
• Applied Exercise Physiology
• Athletic Training
• Sports Physiology
• Motor Neuroscience
• Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Sport Pedagogy
• Exercise Physiology

Ph.D. in Kinesiology, Emphasis in:

Ph.d. in kinesiology: emphasis in sport management.

For nearly 30 years, Texas A&M University has been preparing Ph.D. students to excel in the scholarship of sport. We offer a Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Management where faculty and students study sport management in ways that impact individuals, organizations and communities both locally and globally.

Using an appropriate array of theoretical, methodological and practical bases, our aim is to expose graduate students to a wide variety of perspectives and methods, then train them to understand and apply their knowledge base to critical areas of inquiry within sport management.

Prerequisites

Please refer to the Texas A&M University Catalog for more course information.

Competency in the content of the course is required rather than the particular course. The Office of Graduate Studies in the Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management in consultation with the graduate committee chair or temporary advisor will be happy to review transcripts of potential graduate students.

Requirements

Research experience requirement.

Prior to scheduling the dissertation proposal meeting, each student will:

• Have presented, as sole or first author, at least one presentation at a state, regional, or national conference; and
• Will be an author on at least one research paper submitted to a peer-reviewed national or international journal.

In addition, dissertations will not be signed by the department head until the student has submitted as first author a manuscript (or manuscripts) of the study to a national or international refereed journal (or journals).

Minimum Hour Requirement

The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 67 hours beyond a masters or 96 hours beyond a baccalaureate degree .

Depending on the preparation and experience, doctoral students may be required to complete undergraduate or graduate leveling work in addition to the minimum Ph.D. requirements.

Program Details

Degree: Ph.D. in Kinesiology emphasis: Sport Management Credit Hours: 67 hours Delivery: Traditional

For the tuition calculator: You will choose “Graduate” at the top in the maroon and select “Education and Human Development” in the College or School drop-down menu. A full-time graduate student takes 9 hours.

TUITION & FEES

For a better understanding of your total cost of attendance (COA), please visit our Cost and Tuition Rates page . This webpage will provide you with an opportunity to review estimated COA information for undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as other resources such as the tuition calculator and billing and fee explanations.

Core Curriculum

Kinesiology PhD in Sport Management Curriculum

Joshua Russell

Academic advisor iii.

View Directory Profile

Our faculty represent globally noted scholars in the areas of:

• Diversity, social justice, and gender equity
• Sport development,
• Legal aspects of sport and sport for development
• Organizational behavior

Each faculty member engages with students to develop lines of inquiry that will both prepare them for future careers in the academy and contribute to the growing body of sport management knowledge.

The Center for Sport Management Research and Education , along with the Laboratory for Diversity in Sport and the Laboratory for the Study of Intercollegiate Athletics also provide opportunities for students to engage in studies that will impact sport management theory and practice.

The broad collective knowledge base of faculty and access to world-class opportunities on and off campus, combined with individual mentorship for each student makes Texas A&M one of the strongest and most attractive universities for training and inspiring scholars in sport management.

Dr. Paul Keiper

Clinical associate professor and chair, sport management.

Dr. Marlene Dixon

Department head.

Dr. Gregg Bennett

Dr. Paul Batista

Associate professor.

Dr. Natasha Brison

Assistant professor.

Dr. Shane Hudson

Clinical professor.

Dr. Scott Waltemyer

Clinical assistant professor, dr. john singer.

Dr. Jim Guinn

Instructional assistant professor.

Dr. Hyun-Woo Lee

Dr. Brian McCullough

Dr. Calvin Nite

Dr. Wendi Zimmer

Jon Heidtke

Professor of the practice.

Dr. Minjung Kim

Saurabh Singh

Associate director.

Dr. Mark LaSota

Becky Geyer

Frequently Asked Questions

• PHD Sport Management 5

PHD Sport Management

Will there be any scholarship opportunities.

The Kinesiology and Sport Management Department provides competitive Graduate Assistantship positions ($2000 per month stipend plus benefits and tuition) and grant opportunities. In addition some scholarships are also available.

I still have further questions—who can I contact to help me answer those?

The Graduate Advising Office is located on the first floor of the Gilchrist Building. Our office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Graduate Advisor: Joshua Russell

• Office: Gibb Gilchrist Building

You can email us general questions at [email protected] .

I live out of state. Do you accept out-of-state applicants?

Yes, we accept in-state and out-of-state applicants.

Is there any opportunity for financial assistance?

Yes, there are opportunities for financial assistance. Please visit the Funding Your Education page for more information.

Is the GRE required?

No, the GRE is not required.

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Phd program.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers coursework leading to a Ph.D. in Human Movement Science . This program is a joint effort among faculty in the areas of Athletic Training, Biomedical Engineering, Exercise Physiology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Physical Therapy. The curriculum has four areas of concentration: Behavioral Studies (motor learning, motor development, and psychological factors), Biomechanics, Physiology, and Neuromuscular Control.

Athletic Training students enrolled in the program will take coursework related to the management and rehabilitation of orthopaedic and neuromuscular injury: conduct research through the Sports Medicine Research Laboratory; and teach in a CAATE accredited undergraduate athletic training education program. Additional opportunities may be available through the UNC Athletic Department. Certified athletic trainers holding a Masters Degree in an Athletic Training related area are welcome to apply.

For additional program information related to sports medicine, please contact:

Erik Wikstrom, PhD, ATC

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Department of Exercise and Sport Science CB# 8700 Fetzer Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8700

[email protected]

Phone: 919-962-2260

Recommended pages

• Undergraduate open days
• Postgraduate open days
• Accommodation
• Information for teachers
• Maps and directions
• Sport and fitness

Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Science

£4,778 FT (UK students) £23,520FT (International Students)

More detail

• Visit an Open Day
• Request a prospectus
• Course details
• Entry Requirements
• Teaching and assessment
• Employability

Develop your practice through doctoral level applied research in professions allied to sport through study at an internationally renowned department.

The main aim of the programme is to enable individuals associated with the professions allied to sport (e.g. sport and exercise scientists, coaches, physiotherapists, medical doctors, sport educators, sport managers etc) to develop their practice through applied research.

The programme will develop your ability to conduct original research which has professional, organisational and/or developmental implications.  Working with staff from World leading School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences you will develop the ability to critically reflect on your philosophy, practice and organisational context and through research activities increase your competence in knowledge generation and implementation. Whereas the traditional PhD, may be seen as academic research training, the Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Science is a more practically focused degree, which will develop your research competence and the ability to apply it in appropriate contexts.  It is ideally suited for those sport professionals interested in becoming practicing professional researchers. Through this programme you will develop as a researching professional, who can undertake research and activities that inform the professional practice both within their organisation and more broadly within sport and exercise.

The highly competitive nature of the sports industry and the continued need to improve practice quality drives the need for high level CPD opportunities for those involved in sport. The main aim of this programme is to enable individuals associated with professions allied to sport to develop their practice through applied research.

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 programme will enhance your effectiveness in these areas through developing you within the researcher-practitioner paradigm.  Interaction with the learning strategies on the programme will allow you to develop the skills associated with research, critical analysis, problem solving, innovation, project-management and information dissemination. You will be challenged to develop your personal professional practice and to plan, direct and evaluate your own learning.  These skills reflect important attributes required in high level practice in high performance sport and other organisations.

The programme includes tutor lead structured learning (modules) and more self-directed tutor supported project based learning (research projects). The completion of modules related to planning research (Developing Research for Sport and Exercise Science) and professional practice (Professional Practice: Developing Competency in Sport and Exercise Science) at the start of the programme provide the platform for the development of individually relevant programmes of research that comprise the majority of the learning experience. The highly bespoke nature and focus of the research element of the programme enables you to investigate a broad range of areas related to your interests including sport and exercise science, nutrition, coaching, physiotherapy, sports medicine, sport education and sport management etc.  A final module aimed at supporting reflection on the learning journey (Evaluating Performance: Critical Reflections in Sport and Exercise Science) concludes the programme. A commitment to a blended approach to learning and individually created tutor student supervision strategies enable the programme to be delivered in a flexible way. This enables you to engage with the learning required by the programme in a way that is suitable to your current professional commitments. 

Why study this course?

• Study at a World-leading School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences.
• Be part of a unique learning environment for doctoral study in the field of sport with staff expertise in both applied sport and exercise and clinically based areas.
• Experienced staff within the context of both world leading academic research and applied practice provides high level support for your development.
• Be part of a strong network of specialist academic experts and experienced practitioners in high performance sport and other sports organisations.

In addition to completing original research projects that have professional, organisational and/or developmental implications students will evaluate their current competency in the area of research, with specific reference to sport and exercise science. Students will also develop an understanding of key considerations in the development of a research programme. This will include an awareness of the process associated with ethical review, identifying appropriate research questions and research methodologies. Key considerations around the planning of research projects will also be considered. Through an enhanced awareness and development of critical reflective skills, students are encouraged to explore assumptions concerning their own learning and their current competencies relevant to sport and exercise science (e.g. technical skill, personal effectiveness, problem solving, professional relationships etc) especially the ability to integrate theory and research into practice. Key ideas around the management of self-learning, and the development of others, within a professional context are also introduced. Advances in the awareness of key issues associated with translating and implementing research to drive organisational change and ethical and legal issues are also delivered. At the end of the programme students will also close the loop on their personal, professional and research development associated with their time on the doctoral programme to support critical evaluation of “current” competency as well as signpost potential next steps in an individual development plan. Through critical examination on their doctoral education, using reflection and meta-reflection, key learning experiences associated with the completion of the programme of research, the impact of this research on professional practice (of self and organisationally) and their personal approaches to professional performance (of self and others) are identified and evaluated in the context of knowledge generation and skill development related to sport and exercise science.  The ability to translate research into real world settings and to evaluate both the implementation process and impact of new learning organisationally is also be a focus.

The taught modules on this programme are:

• Year 1: Developing Research for Sport and Exercise Science (40 credits)
• Year 1: Professional Practice: Developing Competency in Sport and Exercise Science (40 credits)
• Year 3: Evaluating Performance: Critical Reflections in Sport and Exercise Science (40 credits)

In addition to this students will complete a programme of applied research relevant to their own professional development.

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Standard fees  apply.

Fees for 2024/25

• Code 328E: UK students £4,778 FT
• Code 329E: UK students £2,389 PT
• Code 328E: International students £23,520 (full time only)

For further information contact the School directly or get in touch with the Funding, Graduation & Awards via the online enquiries system .

How To Apply

To make an informal enquiry about this course or register your interest, contact: Student Recruitment Team School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham. B15 2TT Telephone +44 (0)121 414 8327  Email:  [email protected]

When submitting your application, please ensure that you have indicated your preferred supervisor (you can list up to your top three preferred in rank order). It is strongly advised that you make contact with a potential supervisor before you apply to see whether they are taking on new MRes students and whether they would consider your application. 

International students requiring visas

1 July 2024 is the application deadline for international students who require a visa to study in the United Kingdom. We are not able to consider applications for 2024 made after this date; a new application will need to be made for September 2025 .

UK students

31 August 2024 is the application deadline for UK students. We are not able to consider applications for 2024 made after this date; a new application will need to be made for September 2025 .

Applications for 2024 entry are now open.

Making your application

• How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. 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.

Our Standard Requirements

Students will be required to hold an undergraduate degree and a M level qualification (including research degrees; MRes, MPhil) in a discipline related to sport and exercise science (e.g. sport and exercise scientists, coaches, physiotherapists, medical doctors, sport educators, sport managers etc). No student will be admitted onto the programme who does not possess a suitable knowledge base of research methods acquired through M level training. 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).

International Requirements

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 14/20 from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Argentinian university, with a promedio of at least 7.5, may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent

Applicants who hold a Masters degree will be considered for admission to PhD study.

Holders of a good four-year Diplomstudium/Magister or a Masters degree from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5 will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a good 5-year Specialist Diploma or 4-year Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan, with a minimum GPA of 4/5 or 80% will be considered for entry to postgraduate taught programmes at the University of Birmingham.

For postgraduate research programmes applicants should have a good 5-year Specialist Diploma (completed after 1991), with a minimum grade point average of 4/5 or 80%, from a recognised higher education institution or a Masters or “Magistr Diplomu” or “Kandidat Nauk” from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a CGPA of 3.0-3.3/4.0 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students who hold a Masters degree from the University of Botswana with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (70%/B/'very good') will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Please note 4-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a Diploma of Higher Education. 5-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a British Bachelor (Ordinary) degree.

Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

A Licenciatura or Bacharelado degree from a recognised Brazilian university:

• A grade of 7.5/10 for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement
• A grade of 6.5/10for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement

Holders of a good Bachelors degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good post-2001 Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a minimum average of 14 out of 20 (or 70%) on a 4-year Licence, Bachelor degree or Diplôme d'Etudes Superieures de Commerce (DESC) or Diplôme d'Ingénieur or a Maîtrise will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Holders of a bachelor degree with honours from a recognised Canadian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A GPA of 3.0/4, 7.0/9 or 75% is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1.

Holders of the Licenciado or equivalent Professional Title from a recognised Chilean university will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD study will preferably hold a Magister degree or equivalent.

Students with a bachelor’s degree (4 years minimum) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. However please note that we will only consider students who meet the entry guidance below.  Please note: for the subject areas below we use the Shanghai Ranking 2022 (full table)  ,  Shanghai Ranking 2023 (full table) , and Shanghai Ranking of Chinese Art Universities 2023 .

需要具备学士学位（4年制）的申请人可申请研究生课程。请根据所申请的课程查看相应的入学要求。 请注意，中国院校名单参考 软科中国大学排名2022（总榜） ，  软科中国大学排名2023（总榜） ，以及 软科中国艺术类高校名单2023 。  

Business School    - MSc programmes (excluding MBA)  

商学院硕士课程（MBA除外）入学要求

School of Computer Science – all MSc programmes 计算机学院硕士课程入学要求

College of Social Sciences – courses listed below 社会科学 学院部分硕士课程入学要求 MA Education  (including all pathways) MSc TESOL Education MSc Public Management MA Global Public Policy MA Social Policy MA Sociology Department of Political Science and International Studies  全部硕士课程 International Development Department  全部硕士课程

  All other programmes (including MBA)   所有其他 硕士课程（包括 MBA）入学要求

Please note:

• Borderline cases: We may consider students with lower average score (within 5%) on a case-by-case basis if you have a relevant degree and very excellent grades in relevant subjects and/or relevant work experience. 如申请人均分低于相应录取要求（5%以内），但具有出色学术背景，优异的专业成绩，以及（或）相关的工作经验，部分课程将有可能单独酌情考虑。
• Please contact the China Recruitment Team for any questions on the above entry requirements. 如果您对录取要求有疑问，请联系伯明翰大学中国办公室   [email protected]

Holders of the Licenciado/Professional Title from a recognised Colombian university will be considered for our Postgraduate Diploma and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent.

Holders of a good bachelor degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Bacclaureus (Bachelors) from a recognised Croatian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 4.0 out of 5.0, vrlo dobar ‘very good’, or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree(from the University of the West Indies or the University of Technology) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A Class II Upper Division degree is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1. For further details on particular institutions please refer to the list below.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Masters degree or Mphil from the University of the West Indies.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10, or a GPA of 3 out of 4, and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bakalár from a recognised Czech Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, velmi dobre ‘very good’ (post-2004) or 2, velmi dobre ‘good’ (pre-2004), or a good post-2002 Magistr (Masters), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum overall grade of 7-10 out of 12 (or 8 out of 13) or higher for 2:1 equivalence and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters/ Magisterkonfereus/Magister Artium degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Ecuadorian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 70% or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Magister/Masterado or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Licenciado with excellent grades can be considered.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bakalaurusekraad from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 4/5 or B, or a good one- or two-year Magistrikraad from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with very good grades (grade B, 3.5/4 GPA or 85%) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

Holders of a good Kandidaatti / Kandidat (old system), a professional title such as Ekonomi, Diplomi-insinööri, Arkkitehti, Lisensiaatti (in Medicine, Dentistry and Vetinary Medicine), or a Maisteri / Magister (new system), Lisensiaatti / Licenciat, Oikeustieteen Kandidaatti / Juris Kandidat (new system) or Proviisori / Provisor from a recognised Finnish Higher Education institution, with a minimum overall grade of 2/3 or 4/5, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters/Maîtrise with a minimum overall grade of 13 out of 20, or a Magistère / Diplôme d'Etudes Approfondies / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures Specialisées / Mastère Specialis, from a recognised French university or Grande École to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Magister Artium, a Diplom or an Erstes Staatsexamen from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5, or a good two-year Lizentiat / Aufbaustudium / Zweites Staatsexamen or a Masters degree from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good four-year Ptychio (Bachelor degree) with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10, from a recognised Greek university (AEI), and will usually be required to have completed a good Metaptychiako Diploma Eidikefsis (Masters degree) from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

4-year Licenciado is deemed equivalent to a UK bachelors degree. A score of 75 or higher from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC) can be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 60 is comparable to a UK 2.2.  Private universities have a higher pass mark, so 80 or higher should be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 70 is comparable to a UK 2.2

The Hong Kong Bachelor degree is considered comparable to British Bachelor degree standard. Students with bachelor degrees awarded by universities in Hong Kong may be considered for entry to one of our postgraduate degree programmes.

Students with Masters degrees may be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Alapfokozat / Alapképzés or Egyetemi Oklevel from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 3.5, or a good Mesterfokozat (Masters degree) or Egyetemi Doktor (university doctorate), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a 60% or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the 4 year Sarjana (S1) from a recognised Indonesian institution will be considered for postgraduate study. Entry requirements vary with a minimum requirement of a GPA of 2.8.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a score of 14/20 or 70% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution, with 100 out of 110 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students who hold the Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Students with a Bachelor degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for entry to a postgraduate Masters degree provided they achieve a sufficiently high overall score in their first (Bachelor) degree. A GPA of 3.0/4.0 or a B average from a good Japanese university is usually considered equivalent to a UK 2:1.

Students with a Masters degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for PhD study. A high overall grade will be necessary to be considered.

Students who have completed their Specialist Diploma Мамаң дипломы/Диплом специалиста) or "Magistr" (Магистр дипломы/Диплом магистра) degree (completed after 1991) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate Masters degrees and, occasionally, directly for PhD degrees.  Holders of a Bachelor "Bakalavr" degree (Бакалавр дипломы/Диплом бакалавра) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of  2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, may also be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/50

Holders of a good Postgraduate Diploma (professional programme) from a recognised university or institution of Higher Education, with a minimum overall grade of 7.5 out of 10, or a post-2000 Magistrs, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a score of 16/20 or 80% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Libya will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 70% for 2:1 equivalency or 65% for 2:2 equivalency. Alternatively students will require a minimum of 3.0/4.0 or BB to be considered.

Holders of a good pre-2001 Magistras from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10, or a good post-2001 Magistras, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, or a Diplôme d'Études Supérieures Spécialisées (comparable to a UK PGDip) or Masters degree from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (70-74% or A or Marginal Distinction from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 60-69% or B or Bare Distinction/Credit is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Malaysian institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum of 3.0) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from the University of Malta with a minimum grade of 2:1 (Hons), and/or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (Honours) from a recognised institution (including the University of Mauritius) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2:1).

Students who hold the Licenciado/Professional Titulo from a recognised Mexican university with a promedio of at least 8 will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Students who have completed a Maestria from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree, licence or Maîtrise and a Masters degree, with a score of 14/20 or 70% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students with a good four year honours degree from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. PhD applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 60-74% or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Doctoraal from a recognised Dutch university with a minimum overall grade of 7 out of 10, and/or a good Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (minimum 4 years and/or level 400) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of B/Very Good or 1.6-2.5 for a 2.1 equivalency, and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters, Mastergrad, Magister. Artium, Sivilingeniør, Candidatus realium or Candidatus philologiae degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a CGPA of 3.0/4 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in the Palestinian Territories will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3/4 or 80% for 2:1 equivalency or a GPA of 2.5/4 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.    

Holders of the Título de Licenciado /Título de (4-6 years) or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Paraguayan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 4/5 or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  The Título Intermedio is a 2-3 year degree and is equivalent to a HNC, it is not suitable for postgraduate entry but holders of this award could be considered for second year undergraduate entry or pre-Masters.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría / Magister or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Título/Grado de Licenciado/a with excellent grades can be considered.

Holders of the Licenciado, with at least 13/20 may be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent. The Grado de Bachiller is equivalent to an ordinary degree, so grades of 15+/20 are required.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría or equivalent qualification.

Holders of a good pre-2001 Magister from a recognised Polish university with a minimum overall grade of 4 out of 5, dobry ‘good’, and/or a good Swiadectwo Ukonczenia Studiów Podyplomowych (Certificate of Postgraduate Study) or post-2001 Magister from a recognised Polish university with a minimum overall grade of 4.5/4+ out of 5, dobry plus 'better than good', will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Licenciado from a recognised university, or a Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) from a recognised Polytechnic Institution, with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, and/or a good Mestrado / Mestre (Masters) from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Romanian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10, and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree/Diploma de Master/Diploma de Studii Academice Postuniversitare (Postgraduate Diploma - Academic Studies) or Diploma de Studii Postuniversitare de Specializare (Postgraduate Diploma - Specialised Studies) to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) or Диплом Магистра (Magistr) degree from recognised universities in Russia (minimum GPA of 4.0) will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes/PhD study.

Students who hold a 4-year Bachelor degree with at least 16/20 or 70% will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies,Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. A score of 14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2

Students who hold a Bachelor (Honours) degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (or a score of 60-69% or B+) from a well ranked institution will be considered for most our Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees with a 2:1 requirement.

Students holding a good Bachelors Honours degree will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good three-year Bakalár or pre-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, Vel’mi dobrý ‘very good’, and/or a good Inžinier or a post-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (Bachelors degree), Diplomant (Professionally oriented first degree), Univerzitetni diplomant (Academically oriented first degree) or Visoko Obrazovanja (until 1999) from a recognised Slovenian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8.0 out of 10, and/or a good Diploma specializacija (Postgraduate Diploma) or Magister (Masters) will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor Honours degree (also known as Baccalaureus Honores / Baccalaureus Cum Honoribus) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (70%) or a distinction (75%).

Holders of a Masters degree will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelor degree from a recognised South Korean institution (usually with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average 3.0/4.0 or 3.2/4.5) will be considered for Masters programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 7 out of 10 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 60-74% or a CGPA 3.30/4.0 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Kandidatexamen (Bachelors degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelors degree) from a recognised Swedish Higher Education institution with the majority of subjects with a grade of VG (Val godkänd), and/or a good Magisterexamen (Masters degree), International Masters degree or Licentiatexamen (comparable to a UK Mphil), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good "PostGraduate Certificate" or "PostGraduate Diploma" or a Masters degree from a recognised Swiss higher education institution (with a minimum GPA of 5/6 or 8/10 or 2/5 (gut-bien-bene/good) for a 2.1 equivalence) may be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0, 3.5/5 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bachelor degree (from 75% to 85% depending upon the university in Taiwan) from a recognised institution will be considered for postgraduate Masters study. Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for entry to our postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree or Mphil from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a Bachelors degree from the following universities may be considered for entry to postgraduate programmes:

• Ateneo de Manila University - Quezon City
• De La Salle University - Manila
• University of Santo Tomas
• University of the Philippines - Diliman

Students from all other institutions with a Bachelors and a Masters degree or relevant work experience may be considered for postgraduate programmes.

Grading Schemes

1-5 where 1 is the highest 2.1 = 1.75 2.2 = 2.25 

Out of 4.0 where 4 is the highest 2.1 = 3.0 2.2 = 2.5

Letter grades and percentages 2.1 = B / 3.00 / 83% 2.2 = C+ / 2.5 / 77%

Holders of a postdoctoral qualification from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.  Students may be considered for PhD study if they have a Masters from one of the above listed universities.

Holders of a Lisans Diplomasi with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a Yuksek Diplomasi from a recognised university will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (2.1) or GPA of 3.5/5.0

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree / Диплом бакалавра (Dyplom Bakalavra), Диплом спеціаліста (Specialist Diploma) or a Dyplom Magistra from a recognised Ukrainian higher education institution with a minimum GPA of 4.0/5.0, 3.5/4, 8/12 or 80% or higher for 2:1 equivalence and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

The University will consider students who hold an Honours degree from a recognised institution in the USA with a GPA of:

• 2.8 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement 
• 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement 

Please note that some subjects which are studied at postgraduate level in the USA, eg. Medicine and Law, are traditionally studied at undergraduate level in the UK.

Holders of the Magistr Diplomi (Master's degree) or Diplomi (Specialist Diploma), awarded by prestigious universities, who have attained high grades in their studies will be considered for postgraduate study.  Holders of the Fanlari Nomzodi (Candidate of Science), where appropriate, will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of the Licenciatura/Título or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Venezuelan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Scales of 1-5, 1-10 and 1-20 are used, an overall score of 70% or equivalent can be considered equivalent to a UK 2.1.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Maestria or equivalent qualification

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Vietnamese institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum GPA of 7.0 and above) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.  Holders of a Masters degree (thac si) will be considered for entry to PhD programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5/5.0 or a mark of 2.0/2.5 (A) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a good Bachelor Honours degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

The programme 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, independent and guided critical reflection. All of these approaches will be associated with professional learning within the real-world settings of each student.

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.

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 to optimally engage the student with their learning journey.

Seminars and tutorials are aimed at supporting both the learning opportunities included in the core programme modules and to facilitate 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 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 sport or sports related organisations. Research and high level professional experience and competency will be a key underpinning of all individuals involved in the programme.

The School in based in the largest custom-built Sport and Exercise facility in the UK, with state of the art research labs dedicated to exercise testing and sample analysis across the spectrum of sport and exercise sciences including: physiology, biochemistry, psychophysiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, motor skills, immunology, muscle mechanics and the neurophysiology of movement. In addition, the School uses a wide range of practical spaces for professional and vocational related research.

Contact Hours

Assessment methods.

All of the assessment on this programme is focussed around the preparation, delivery and evaluation of original research projects within a professional, organisational and/or developmental context. Assessments completed in the core modules delivered in year 1 provide clear direction to both the specific learning and development journey for each student as well as the creation of the programme of research. The final modules assessments enable students to represent their own high-level reflections on both the project outcomes, their application and the experience of learning on the programme. A viva voce enables students to present and discuss their research with experts.

The programme attempts to enhance the employability of graduates through doctoral level research training relevant to professional practice. The development of research skills, critical analysis, problem solving, innovation, project-management, dissemination of information, development of professional practice standards and planning, directing and evaluating their own learning to a level commensurate with doctoral study will facilitate career transitions and progression.  Potential careers for those completing the programme would include management and leadership roles in high level sports organisations. 

Doctoral level qualifications are becoming increasingly important for roles within professional sport and other sport related occupations. High level thinking and problem-solving skills are attributes that are important for senior figures in organisations. The doctoral programme is focussed on the development of such skills and as such will provide you with key characteristics that are needed in today’s competitive career market.

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• Sport and leisure cultures PhD
• Tourism and hospitality PhD

We welcome students to the University of Brighton to study Sport and exercise science PhD based in specialist laboratories with expert supervision and a supportive research community.

We offer PhD study in both full and part-time modes and welcome students with significant professional experience, who are able to use and share the career skills they have developed, as well as those who have recently completed first degrees and wish to take advantage of their academic momentum.

Our specialist laboratories provide facilities where supervision by experienced experts will structure and develop your project in one of our specialist areas: Environmental Extremes, Exercise for Health and Well-being, Expertise and Cognitive Neuroscience, Fatigue and Exercise, Genomics. 

Our international level of research excellence influences policy and engages communities. We hope that through our research and innovation, communities are inspired and supported to engage in safe and effective exercise for better health, wellbeing and performance.

Much of our work has real-world application and staff are well-connected to a variety of sporting and health organisations such as the Great Britain Paralympic team (Dr Gary Brickley and Professor Nick Webborn), GB swimming and the English Institute of Sport (Dr Jeanne Dekerle), World Anti-Doping Association (WADA; Professor Yannis Pitsiladis and Professor Nick Webborn), International Olympic Committee (IOC; Professor Yannis Pitsiladis), the International Sports Medicine Federation (FIMS; Professor Yannis Pitsiladis), the fire service (Dr Alan Richardson), fall prevention and cardiac rehabilitation programmes (Dr Louisa Beale), and industrial partners such as Bodychillz Ltd and Crossbridge Scientific Ltd (Dr Neil Maxwell).

Many of our graduates continue in academia, becoming lecturers or post-doctoral researchers. Other jobs include physiologist at the English Institute of Sport (EIS) and clinical physiologists.

Apply to 'sport, service Management & tourism' in the portal

Key information

Our sport and exercise laboratories are all accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and include:

• A molecular genetics laboratory with biobanking;
• Two human physiology laboratories (immunology, endocrinology, haematology, biochemistry);
• A biomechanics laboratory with motion analysis equipment, various EMG systems and an immersive screen;
• Two exercise physiology laboratories where aerobic/anaerobic endurance, power and strength assessments as well as body composition, cardiac and pulmonary screening can be carried out;
• An environmental laboratory with purpose-built environment chamber where we can simulate different climates by controlling the temperature (-20 to +50°C) and relative humidity (20 to 95 per cent), and a 1.13m x 1.13m x 1.5m water immersion tank;
• A research-based laboratory with an hypoxic chamber measuring 35.84 m3 (3.2m x 4m x 2.8 m) can decrease the fractional concentration of inspired oxygen from 20.93% (normoxic) to 11% enabling the simulation of altitudes up to an equivalent of ~5000m.

As a Sport and Exercise Science PhD student at Brighton you will benefit from:

• a supervisory team comprising two or sometimes three members of academic staff. Depending on your research specialism you may also have an additional supervisor from another School, another research institution, or an external partner from government or industry.  
• desk space and access to a computer in a space specifically designed for research students. There are a range of facilities on the Eastbourne campus including various catering options.
• access to a range of electronic resources via the university’s Online Library, as well as to the physical book and journal collections housed within the Queenwood Library and other campus libraries.

Academic environment

It is today well accepted that exercise is beneficial to physical health, mental health, and well-being. The fitness industry is booming in the UK and exercise-based programmes such as cardiac rehabilitation or fall prevention programmes are spreading across the Nation. Olympic Games every four years inspire all generations to engage in sport, with more and more sport scientists involved with athlete’s or team’s preparation.

In this context, if you join our research team as a postgraduate research student, you will join us to address the challenge of happier, healthier and fitter living, using exercise as a critical vehicle. As a Sport and Exercise Science PhD student you will be based in the School of Sport and Health Sciences, the sports department of which operates from our Eastbourne campus. You are likely to be a member of one of our Research and Enterprise Groups:

Sport and Leisure Cultures Research and Enterprise Group

Sport and Exercise Science and Sports Medicine Research and Enterprise Group .

Our school has a dynamic and vibrant research community of around 20 part-time and full-time PhD students in Sport and Exercise Science. PhD students form an integral part of our school and take an active role in a range of intellectual and social activities.

Our postgraduate research students value what may be seen as a small-size PhD provision: each student receives personal attention and guidance throughout their doctoral study. The close mentorship process forms the foundations of a successful research degree, and subsequent career. Our PhD students rapidly become members of our academic team with various opportunities to contribute to the life of our department: consultancy projects, world-leading collaborative research, seminars, journal clubs, engagement within our community, teaching, etc.

Our community of PhD students also has a vibrant social life through which our postgraduate research students build life-long relationships. The Brighton Doctoral College offers a training programme for postgraduate researchers, covering research methods and transferable (including employability) skills. Academic and technical staff also provide more subject-specific training.

Our specialist sport and exercise science laboratories:

Environmental Extremes Laboratory (Lead: Dr Neil Maxwell)

Our internationally renowned research addresses the challenges of environmental extremes on human health and function. We develop and evaluate interventions using basic and applied scientific methodologies to influence health, occupational activity and human performance practice and policy. Individuals with and without disease (e.g. elderly, breast cancer survivors, type 2 diabetics) engaging with physical activity are informed from our research how to embark in safe and effective exercise in environmental extremes and reduce the risk of illness. Occupationally, we work with fire instructors and have conducted product testing to support industry. We investigate how to optimise sporting performance in environmental extremes.

Exercise for Health and Well-being Laboratory (Lead: Associate Professor Peter Watt)

The research within this lab encompasses a range of methods and applications, from cell and molecular approaches to whole body measures and application. At the cellular level we are particularly interested in stem cell responses to exercise and application to health and injury recovery. The group has also experience and opportunities for research into lifestyle modifications such as exercise and nutritional interventions in special populations (e.g. elderly; sedentary; physically disabled, heart conditions or overweight).

Aim of interventions may be either to reduce health risks in these populations or to optimise health and assist performance and recovery, with some work conducted with paralympians more specifically.

Some recent work has focussed on tendinopathies; cardiac damage and marathon running; mindfulness eating, eating disorders and exercise; acute and chronic effects of exercise on metabolism and health.

Expertise and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory (ExCeL) (Lead: Dr Nick Smeeton)

Researchers within ExCeL examine human performance and learning, motor behaviour and its sub-areas of skill acquisition and expert performance, cognitive and behavioural neuroscience, and psychophysiology. Current research projects investigate cognition in gait and locomotion; sensory processing in exercise, the development and improvement of expert performance; and practice, training and acquisition/learning. They conduct this work across a range of domains, including sport and exercise; education; and medical.

Fatigue and Exercise Laboratory (Lead: Dr Jeanne Dekerle)

We are specifically interested in the mechanisms of fatigue during exercise and want to understand better the physiological and behavioural limitations to exercise. Our findings give exercise scientists, clinicians or other practitioners evidence for the development of robust science-based interventions such as effective training programmes or ergogenic aids. These may be to enhance human exercise tolerance or more broadly to improve overall physical fitness.

Our group also seeks to explore the relationship between physical exercise, psychophysiological stress and well-being. We see physical exercise as a potent stressor to human homeostasis for long-lasting beneficial effects on human health. More specifically, we want to understand better how exercise can treat chronic physiological dysfunctions in some populations (chronic fatigue, mental health, musculoskeletal conditions).

Our work finds impact in the areas of health, sport and wellbeing.

Genomics laboratory (Lead: Professor Yannis Pitsiladis)

Our laboratory is set up to apply systems biology approaches to anti-doping research (with particular reference to the detection of recombinant human erythropoietin, blood doping and testosterone) and to the field of sport and exercise science and medicine in general. Other active projects include the Sub2 marathon project and the Athlome Project , with the aim to promote clean, high performance marathon running, and to characterise the genomic/transcriptomic/proteomic landscape of human performance in both health and disease. Our recent research is funded by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Some of our supervisors

Dr louisa beale.

I have supervised/am supervising PhDs in the following areas:-

• Exercise cardiology
• Detraining and muscle function
• Heat sensitivity in breast cancer survivors
• High intensity interval training
• Women’s decisions to exercise in pregnancy

Dr Jeanne Dekerle

I have supervised five PhD students to completion, and I am currently supervising another five PhD students. I have also been looking after the wider community of PhD students for four years (2017-21) when I was the ‘Postgraduate Research Coordinator’ for my school. I therefore understand very well PhD processes, the main milestones of a PhD journey, and the specific professional and personal development needs PhD students have. I offer strong support to my students and love working with them. Students joining the Fatigue and Exercise research lab benefit from peer support with regular meetings to discuss science, bespoke research projects, or recent publications in our field, in addition to the entitled PhD supervision support.

If you are interested in the following areas, do not hesitate to contact me:

• Exercise intensity domains, anaerobic capacity, and neuromuscular fatigue
• Perceptions (particularly fatigue and effort) and exercise tolerance / behaviour
• The interaction between physical training and both perceptual and neuromuscular fatigue
• Multiple sclerosis, long-covid, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)

Dr Anastasiya Khomutova

My research and supervisory interests cover Sport and Exercise Psychology, with particular focus on cultural sport psychology (immigrated athletes and coaches, culturally diverse sport teams, acculturation and adaptation in a new environment), as well as athletes' well-being (safeguarding, coach-athlete relationship). I currently lead an international research project on behalf of FEPSAC, which investigates career trajectories of sport psychology graduates in Europe.

Dr Neil Maxwell

Dr Neil Maxwell has a strong history of supporting PhD students in the Environmental Extremes Lab and he sees the research students as integral to the lab's vision and success moving forward. 

His priority is for new PhD students to align to the existing research themes, but he is open to new ideas and lines of research enquiry. For information from the Doctoral College on the PhD programme, details of our graduates and supervisors and the application process itself, please follow the link here.

Within the Environmental Extremes Lab, Neil helps to ensure the research students have the opportunity to:

• work within dynamic and supportive research teams, often that includes collaboration with external partners
• present and participate in seminars (NB. One of our more experienced PhD students leads the seminar programme)
• receive funding to cover the cost of presenting at one national and one international conference during their PhD registration
• contribute to the environmental extremes taught modules within the undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
• take part in meetings, activities and events that link to the public, communities and, or industry
• join research funding bid teams to develop skills on sourcing external grants
• be part of a vibrant research student community that is very supportive, works hard, but has fun as well!

Look at the career map that shows our PhD students' career destinations, many of whom Neil supervised.

Dr Alan Richardson

At present i am currently looking to help supervise students interested in the following projects:

• Remote monitoring of recovery from critical illness rehabilitation.
• Exercise and physical activity for prehabilitation
• Real time health and performance evaluation of athletes during mass participation endurance activities. 
• Evaluating the consequence of exposure loads for occupational and health based applications.

Dr Nicholas Smeeton

Nick supervises PhD students in the area of motor control, experimental psychology and cognitive and motor neuroscience. He is happy to be contacted to discuss potential projects on clinical exercise science, rehabilitation and sports and expert performance. There would be particular benefit to potential PhD students if their proposed programme of research fitted Dr Smeeton’s research interests.

For further supervisory staff including cross-disciplinary options, please visit research staff on our research website.

Making an application

You will apply to the University of Brighton through our online application portal. When you do, you will require a research proposal, references, a personal statement and a record of your education.

You will be asked whether you have discussed your research proposal and your suitability for doctoral study with a member of the University of Brighton staff. We recommend that all applications are made with the collaboration of at least one potential supervisor. Approaches to potential supervisors can be made directly through the details available online. If you are unsure, please do contact the Doctoral College for advice.

Please visit our How to apply for a PhD page for detailed information.

Sign in to our online application portal to begin.

Fees and funding

 Funding

Undertaking research study will require university fees as well as support for your research activities and plans for subsistence during full or part-time study.

Funding sources include self-funding, funding by an employer or industrial partners; there are competitive funding opportunities available in most disciplines through, for example, our own university studentships or national (UK) research councils. International students may have options from either their home-based research funding organisations or may be eligible for some UK funds.

Learn more about the funding opportunities available to you.

Tuition fees academic year 2023–24

Standard fees are listed below, but may vary depending on subject area. Some subject areas may charge bench fees/consumables; this will be decided as part of any offer made. Fees for UK and international/EU students on full-time and part-time courses are likely to incur a small inflation rise each year of a research programme.

Contact Brighton Doctoral College

To contact the Doctoral College at the University of Brighton we request an email in the first instance. Please visit our contact the Brighton Doctoral College page .

For supervisory contact, please see individual profile pages.

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Exercise Psychology Graduate Program

Department of Health and Kinesiology

Exercise psychology is the study of psychological factors and theories related to physical activity and exercise. The program is theory-driven and informed by research across epidemiology, health psychology, kinesiology and public health. The exercise psychology program aims to design effective interventions and evidence-based programs to help people of all ages adopt and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. It aims to understand why interventions work or do not work, identify intervention components that work best and determine for whom interventions work best.

Program Highlights

• The mentor-based program allows students to work directly with one of the exercise psychology graduate faculty mentors.
• Students will have many opportunities to be involved in sport and exercise psychology research, teaching and writing and presenting papers at national conferences.
• Students may learn and conduct a variety research methods, including longitudinal methods, questionnaire and survey design, systematic review and meta-analysis, community-research partnerships, oxygen consumption evaluation using a metabolic cart, assessment of neuroelectrical brain signals by electroencephalogram (EEG), measurement of demographic characteristics, acute and chronic exercise interventions, and more.

Potential Careers

• University faculty
• Sport and exercise psychologist

Program Quick Facts

Degree Type : Master’s, Doctoral

Program Length : Master’s: 1-3 years PhD: 3-5 years

Location : West Lafayette, IN

Department/School : Department of Health and Kinesiology

From understanding how exercise influences cognitive function to investigating motives for maintaining physical activity, exercise psychology faculty investigate a variety of research topics in which graduate students can get involved.

Research Areas

• Factors related to physical activity
• Health behavior theory, longitudinal methods and questionnaire and survey design
• Physical activity assessment, systematic review and meta-analysis
• Physical activity and physiological/behavioral correlates in relation to the brain and cognition at both behavioral and neural levels

Research Opportunities

• Maintenance of physical activity
• Community research partnerships for enhanced measures, program acceptability and knowledge transfer
• Single bouts of exercise and different types of memory in children
• Resistance exercise and memory, cognitive control and cognitive performance

Research Facilities

• Sports and Exercise Psychology Laboratory
• Physical Activity and NeuroCognitive Health (PANCH) Lab
• Steve Amireault

Admissions/Requirements

Program Director

Dr. Carroll’s academic work has molded an overall portfolio of research, teaching, and service around a central theme of tendon biology.

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Course type

Qualification, university name, phd degrees in sports and recreation.

39 degrees at 30 universities in the UK.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

Related subjects:

• PhD Sports and Recreation
• PhD Physical Education
• PhD Sports Studies
• PhD Sports and Movement Science

• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

Sport and Exercise Sciences PhD

Bangor university.

Research Areas Sport and Exercise Sciences, with research interests in Sport psychology/human performance Stress and Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)

PhD Sport, Health and Exercise Science

University of hull.

About our programmes Research in Sport, Health and Exercise Science aims to enhance understanding of practices and processes that support Read more...

• 5 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD Sport and Physical Activity

Sheffield hallam university.

Course summary Become trained in research methods and complete a high level research project Study for a higher degree by research in Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD Sport and Exercise Science

Aberystwyth university.

The Department of Sport and Exercise Science at Aberystwyth University performs research in the sport and exercise sciences, and provides Read more...

Sport and Exercise Science MPhil/PhD

University of worcester.

We welcome applications to undertake research towards MPhil and PhD degrees in Sport and Exercise Science. Our Research School has Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,950 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,475 per year (UK)

PhD Postgraduate research opportunities in Sport and Exercise Science

Liverpool john moores university.

Excellent research opportunities await at the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, enabling you to work at the forefront of Read more...

MPhil PhD School of Health Sport and Bioscience

University of east london.

Studying for a PhD with UEL’s School of Health, Sport and Bioscience (HSB) will push you to the limit - and you’ll be supported all the Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £5,740 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,870 per year (UK)

PhD Health and Exercise Sciences

University of essex.

Within our multidisciplinary School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, we offer research supervision in all areas of staff Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £9,375 per year (UK)

PhD/ MPhil/ MRes Physical Activity for Health

University of strathclyde.

Our research is focused on the development and testing of interventions that encourage people to participate in more physical activity and Read more...

Sport and Exercise Science & Sports Therapy - PhD

University of kent.

The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences provides an excellent environment for undertaking your PhD. We have an active group of both Read more...

Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences PhD

Brunel university london.

Research profile Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences at Brunel hosts a vibrant community of researchers with expertise in both natural and Read more...

• 6 years Part time degree: £2,355 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD (Sport)

University of south wales.

A PhD is a doctoral degree based on a significant and original individual research project which culminates in an in-depth thesis (or Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,716 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,358 per year (UK)

Sport and Exercise Science PhD

Canterbury christ church university.

Recently completed or current PhD student theses Interventions to improve Running Economy (RE) in trained runners; Intervention to reduce Read more...

• 5 years Part time degree: £2,827 per year (UK)

PhD Postgraduate research in Sports and Recreation

University of wolverhampton.

We offer supervision for PhD research in a range of areas relating to Sport. The Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing (FEHW) Read more...

• 8 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 8 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Anglia Ruskin University

Pursue original research in physiology, psychology, biomechanics or coaching/pedagogy, in highly equipped surroundings with an Read more...

• 2 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 2.5 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 3 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)
• 3.5 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Sport & Exercise Science PhDs and MPhils

University of portsmouth.

If you're ready to take your knowledge and expertise in Sport and Exercise Science into a postgraduate research degree, Portsmouth is the Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,596 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,298 per year (UK)

Sport and exercise science PhD

University of brighton.

We welcome students to the University of Brighton to study Sport and exercise science PhD based in specialist laboratories with expert Read more...

Sports Science, PhD

Swansea university.

Sport and Exercise Science research at Swansea University takes place in the Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Read more...

• 6 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD Sport and Exercise

University of chester.

The University of Chester welcomes students to undertake research towards MPhil and PhD in Sport and Exercise Sciences. This is an Read more...

• 4 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

1-20 of 39 courses

Course type:

• Distance learning PhD
• Full time PhD
• Part time PhD

Qualification:

Universities:.

• University of Suffolk
• Ulster University
• The University of Edinburgh
• University of Lincoln
• University of Sunderland
• Loughborough University London
• Loughborough University
• Lancaster University
• Abertay University
• University of Exeter
• Leeds Beckett University

Related Subjects:

PhD programme

Phd programme “physical activity and health”.

The programme is integrated within the Graduate School of the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Theology .

• Public Health and Physical Activity
• Physical Activity and Exercise
• Sports and Exercise Medicine
• Education in Sport and Physical Activity

Guideline, Admission Requirements, and Conditions for Supervision

The PhD programme has an own guideline and, therefore, has a pioneering role within the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg. The admission further requirements and conditions for supervision can be found in the general guidelines for PhD programmes at the Graduate School of the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Theology .

On the sub-pages you can find:

• the contact for further inquiries,
• an overview of upcoming courses and events ,
• a list of current PhD students with their topics,
• a list of successful completers .

Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies

Master of Science, Kinesiology, Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration

About the program.

Format : In person on the Statesboro Campus Credit Hours : 36 Entry Terms : Fall

The Sport and Exercise Psychology emphasis is based upon the integration of science and application in performance enhancement and life skill development. This foundation gives students the opportunity to be well grounded in the fundamentals of the scientific process as well as involved in supervised individual and group/team interventions.

The program consists of 36 semester credit hours, including course work in research methods, data analysis, individual and team interventions for performance enhancement, team dynamics, life skills interventions, the psychological aspects of elite performance, and the development of a sport psychology consultation private business. In addition to Sport Psychology practicum, all students are required to complete a research-based thesis or applied internship experience.

Ready to Apply?

Request information, visit campus, or, you can :, admission requirements.

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Completion of prerequisite coursework may be required if degree major is not in psychology or kinesiology/exercise science.
• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (4.0 scale).
• Work history
• Professional experiences
• Membership and participation in professional organizations
• Other experiences related to the academic program
• A personal statement of no more than 3 pages that includes a description of previous professional experience and accomplishments, career goals, and reasons for interest in the graduate program at Georgia Southern.
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Completion of online application for the College of Graduate Studies.
• A phone, video-based, or in-person interview with the program director may be requested for some candidates after an initial review of submitted applications is completed.

*International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited evaluation service  and must be a course by course evaluation and include a GPA. ( naces.org )

Provisional Admission Requirements

• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75-2.99 (4.0 scale).
• Contact information for a minimum of three references
• Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores.
• Completion of the online application for the College of Graduate Studies.

*International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited evaluation service  and must be a course by course evaluation and include a GPA. ( www.naces.org )

February 1*

Does not admit

*The application and all ​​required documents listed on the “admissions requirements” tab​ for the program must be received by the deadline.  If all required documents are not received by the deadline your application will not be considered for admission.

Program Contact Information

Dr. Brandonn Harris Graduate Program Coordinator [email protected] 912-478-7900

Last updated: 5/23/2023

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Contact Information

Office of Graduate Admissions Physical Address: 261 Forest Drive PO Box 8113 Statesboro, GA 30460 Georgia Southern University Phone: 912-478-5384 Fax: 912-478-0740 gradadmissions @georgiasouthern.edu

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Georgia Southern University College of Graduate Studies

Office of Graduate Admissions • P.O. Box 8113 Statesboro, GA 30460 • 912-478-5384 • [email protected]

Privacy Overview

The joy of sports: How watching sports can boost well-being

Researchers explore in depth the positive psychological and neurophysiological benefits of watching sports.

For many individuals, sports have long served as a source of enjoyment and relaxation. Watching sports, particularly at large gatherings, goes beyond entertainment. It fosters a sense of community and belonging among audiences. This sense of connection not only makes individuals feel good but also benefits society by improving health, enhancing productivity, and reducing crime. Although it is popularly recognized for its positive effects, existing studies on the relationship between watching sports and well-being offer only limited evidence.

Recognizing this gap, a team of researchers led by Associate Professor Shintaro Sato from the Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Japan, embarked on a groundbreaking study. Prof. Sato, alongside Assistant Professor Keita Kinoshita from Nanyang Technological University and Dr. Kento Nakagawa from the Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, used a multi-method approach, combining secondary data analysis, self-reports, and neuroimaging measures to understand the connection between sports viewing and well-being in the general population. "A significant challenge in well-being research is the subjective nature of measurement procedures, potentially leading to biased findings. Therefore, our studies focused on both subjective and objective measures of well-being," explains Prof. Sato. Their research was published online on 22 March 2024 in Sports Management Review .

In the first study, the researchers analyzed large-scale publicly available data on the influence of watching sports on 20,000 Japanese residents. The results of this study confirmed the ongoing pattern of elevated reported well-being associated with regular sports viewing. However, this study was limited by its inability to provide deeper insight into the relationship between sports consumption and well-being.

The second study, an online survey aimed at investigating whether the connection between sports viewing and well-being varied depending on the type of sport observed, involved 208 participants. The experiment exposed them to various sports videos, assessing their well-being both before and after viewing. The findings underscored that widely embraced sports, like baseball, exerted a more significant impact on enhancing well-being compared to less popular sports, such as golf.

However, the most groundbreaking aspect of this research emerged in the third study. Here, the team employed neuroimaging techniques to scrutinize alterations in brain activity following sports viewing. Utilizing multimodal MRI neuroimaging measurement procedures, the brain activity of fourteen able-bodied Japanese participants was analyzed while they watched sports clips. The results of this investigation illuminated that, sports viewing triggered activation in the brain's reward circuits, indicative of feelings of happiness or pleasure. Additionally, a noteworthy finding surfaced in the structural image analysis. It revealed that individuals who reported watching sports more frequently exhibited greater gray matter volume in regions associated with reward circuits, suggesting that regular sports viewing may gradually induce changes in brain structures. "Both subjective and objective measures of well-being were found to be positively influenced by engaging in sports viewing. By inducing structural changes in the brain's reward system over time, it fosters long-term benefits for individuals. For those seeking to enhance their overall well-being, regularly watching sports, particularly popular ones such as baseball or soccer, can serve as an effective remedy," comments Prof. Sato.

The study has profound implications and theoretical contributions to sports management literature. Existing literature has primarily focused on sports fans; however, this study has taken into consideration a larger general population irrespective of their relationship to sports consumption. This research can contribute significantly to sports management practices and policymaking for public health.

• Intelligence
• Brain Injury
• Neuroscience
• Popular Culture
• Media and Entertainment
• Transportation Issues
• Dominant eye in vision
• Competition
• Funding policies for science
• Entertainment
• Double blind
• Public health

Story Source:

Materials provided by Waseda University . Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• Keita Kinoshita, Kento Nakagawa, Shintaro Sato. Watching sport enhances well-being: evidence from a multi-method approach . Sport Management Review , 2024; 1 DOI: 10.1080/14413523.2024.2329831

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Science day brings 500 to campus.

This year, Science Day volunteers welcomed over 500 attendees to spend a day exploring many different scientific disciplines through hands-on activities and experiments at the 9 th  Annual Science Day at Dartmouth on April 13.

Activity stations ranged from extracting DNA from strawberries, identifying rocks and meteorites, racing a humanoid robot, and many more. In addition to the activity stations hosted by 12 different departments across Dartmouth, guided tours of the Life Sciences Center Greenhouse were offered, as well as activities led by NERDSQUAD, a local nonprofit science outreach program, and the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans (SACNAS) at Dartmouth Chapter.

This event was made possible by graduate students, postdocsl, staff, and faculty volunteers with about 115 volunteers in total! Thank you all for an amazing Science Day – we can't wait to see everyone next year!

Organizers:

• Irma Vlasac (3 rd year MCB Student)
• Katherine Doss (2 nd year MCB Student)
• Paige Blinkiewicz (2 nd year MCB student)
• Sam Liu (3 rd year MCB student)
• Sarah Vandal (3 rd year MCB student)  

Statistics:

• Attendees: ~270 students and ~230 adults
• Volunteers: ~115 volunteers
• Stations/activities: 26 stations/activities
• 12 departments
• 2 Dartmouth graduate student led organizations

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PhD students earn top National Science Foundation fellowships

The national awards recognize and support outstanding grad students from across the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees.

PhD students Caleb Song and Jennifer Wu are each receiving the honor for 2024. Find out more about their research below.

Awardees receive a $37,000 annual stipend and cost of education allowance for the next three years as well as professional development opportunities.

Two mechanical engineering PhD students, Alex Hedrick and Carly Rowe, also received honorable mentions from the National Science Foundation program.

2024 GRFP Honorees

2nd Year PhD Student

Advisor: John Pellegrino Lab:  Membrane Science & Technology

I did my undergrad in Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech before coming to Boulder for my PhD in Mechanical Engineering. For the past two years, I've been working on the characterization, tuning, and scale-up of graphene-based membrane electrodes (grMEs). The funding from the GRFP will allow me to pursue low technology readiness level (TRL) electrochemical device development using these grMEs. In particular, I plan on exploring hybrid electrophoretic/size exclusion-based separations for biopharmaceutical development and processing.

Jennifer Wu

Fall 2024 Incoming PhD Student

Advisor: Daven Henze Lab: Henze Group

My research will involve using computer simulations and environmental observations to investigate the impact of atmospheric constituents on air quality and climate change. By coupling satellite observations with state-of-the-art air pollution models, I aim to provide more accurate estimates of emissions to better inform climate and public health policy. Previously at Caltech, I worked closely with scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in analyzing methane and carbon monoxide measurements in the Los Angeles Basin.

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The schmidt science fellows for 2024 are announced.

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The 2024 cohort of Schmidt Science Fellows.

Eric and Wendy Schmidt have announced the 2024 cohort of Schmidt Science Fellows . As in years past, this year’s class of 32 fellows are all recent PhD’s who’ve been identified as some of the most outstanding early-career scientists in the world.

The Schmidt Science Fellows is supported by Schmidt Sciences , a philanthropic initiative co-founded in 2024 by former Google CEO and Chairman Eric Schmidt and his wife Wendy, President of the Schmidt Family Foundation.

The current class is the seventh cohort in the program, which is delivered in a partnership with the Rhodes Trust. Since its inception, the Schmidt Science Fellows has supported 177 Fellows, nominated by 62 institutes across the globe.

Considered one of the most prestigious scientific postdoctoral awards in the world, Schmidt Science Fellows are awarded support for either one or two years in a field of study that represents a pivot from their Ph.D concentration.

An emphasis is placed on encouraging interdisciplinary research with the potential to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

“Breaking down silos and harnessing the power of interdisciplinary science holds the key to tackling humanity's most pressing challenges, from global health and protecting our environment to ensuring we can develop new technologies that are both safe and foster societal good,” said Eric Schmidt, in a news release. “The 2024 Schmidt Science Fellows are exceptionally talented in their fields and with the Program’s support we hope to enhance the impact of their work.”

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In addition to an annual stipend of $110,000, the fellows receive individualized mentoring and participate in a year-long Science Leadership Program that helps them cultivate the skills, experience and networks to be expected from interdisciplinary science leaders.

Each year, the Schmidt Science Fellows program works with nearly 100 of the world’s leading science and engineering institutions to identify the most promising candidates for the fellowships. Nominated candidates are selected through a process that includes an academic review by leaders in their home disciplines and final interviews with panels of experts, including senior representatives from many scientific disciplines and different business sectors.

The 2024 cohort represents 17 nationalities nominated by 26 of the world’s leading institutions across North America, Europe and Asia. Four institutions had Fellows selected for the first time this year: Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Max Planck, Germany; and the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. Eighteen of the fellows were nominated by universities in the United States.

The full list of the 2024 Schmidt Science Fellows can be found here . Their areas of study span a wide range of topics in biology, neurosciences, engineering, cancer diagnosis and treatment, artificial intelligence, earth sciences and climate change. As examples:

• Ajinkya Dahake, nominated by Cornell University, will explore how mosquitoes distinguish between humans and other animals or plants, leading to the possible discovery of new strategies to control the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
• Bruna Martins Garcia, nominated by the Max Planck Institute, will be investigating metastasis — the ability of cancer cells to move to other organs — focusing on understanding organ-specific metastasis.
• Jacob Beckham, nominated by Rice University, will be studying the role that the gut microbiome, a digestive tract bacteria, plays in anxiety disorders.
• Elio Challita, nominated by the Georgia Institute of Technology, will be developing a microrobot that will mimic the ability of insects to monitor and analyze environmental conditions such as water contamination.
• Olivia Goldman, nominated by The Rockefeller University, will use a mouse model of headache to explore how viruses can induce headaches like those seen in people suffering from long-COVID.
• Erin Huiting, nominated by the University of California at San Francisco, will combine bioinformatics and genome engineering to learn how innate immune receptors help make plants resistant to certain pathogens. The research could have implications for more sustainable agriculture production and improved climate change mitigation.

About Schmidt Sciences

Schmidt Sciences is a philanthropic efforts that “aims to accelerate and deepen our understanding of the natural world and develop solutions to real-world challenges for public benefit.”

According to its website, an emphasis is placed on “identifying under-supported or unconventional areas of exploration and discovery with the potential for high impact.” It focuses on AI & Advanced Computing, Astrophysics and Space, Biosciences, Climate, and Cross-Science.

"It's at the edges of things—ecosystems, borders, disciplines—where the most interesting ideas are developed, solutions that don't arise from any single approach," said Wendy Schmidt. "We're excited to welcome the 2024 cohort of Schmidt Science Fellows to approach these edges, look at problems anew, share insights with each other and the world and, we hope, go on to develop solutions to some of humanity's most pressing challenges."

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Texas A&M University

School of education & human development.

Former SEHD Student Furthers Bilingual Education in the Rio Grande Valley

By Travis Bowles

Dr. J. Joy Esquierdo ’06, a graduate of our Bilingual Education Ph.D. program, is now the interim Vice Provost for B3HSI (Bilingual, Bicultural and Biliterate Institution and Hispanic Serving Institution) integrations at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

While attending our School, she served as the first coordinator for our federal grant on English Language and Literacy Acquisition (ELLA), which looked at how effective structured English immersion and transitional bilingual education helped Spanish-speaking kindergarten students learn English and literacy. Dr. Esquierdo also taught at elementary schools in the Rio Grande Valley and Houston area before working in academia.

Learn more about our Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Bilingual/ESL Education by visiting tx.ag/SEHDBESL .

For media inquiries, contact Ruben Hidalgo .

• bilingual education
• educational psychology
• school-psychology
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