The Department of Sport & Exercise is one of the largest providers of higher education in sport & exercise in the UK, and conducts research in the areas of:
- Physical Activity & Wellbeing
- Pre/Rehabilitation through Sport & Exercise
- Communities, Pedagogy & Participation
- Sport Performance
- Sport, Spirituality & Religion
The Department has research rated as internationally excellent, with much of its work being applied and carried out in close collaboration with a range of stakeholders and partners. The Department houses two very active research centres: Exercise & Sport Research Centre (ESRC), and Centre for Sport, Spirituality and Religion (CSSR). An excellent environment is provided for incoming research students who join a large community of postgraduate scholars and a vibrant research culture. Students are encouraged to present their research findings at national and international conferences, and at internal events.
In recent years the Department has carried out applied research for a variety of organisations including: Sports Leaders UK, Play England, Active Gloucestershire, Foundation Degree Forward, the Football Association, the Laureus Foundation, Vinspired, NHS Gloucestershire, South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust, Greenwich Primary Care Trust and Greenwich Leisure Ltd, Tewkesbury Borough Council, Gloucester City Council and Cheltenham Borough Council. For further information see: http://www.glos.ac.uk/research/dse/projects/
The Department is located at the purpose-built Oxstalls Campus on the outskirts of the City of Gloucester, and the campus provides outstanding facilities for research, networking and professional development. Research students benefit from dedicated space and excellent learning resources.
For all higher degrees by research (i.e., MRes, MA or MSc by research, MPhil and PhD) you’ll be required to investigate an approved topic that will result in an independent contribution to knowledge, and you’ll also demonstrate by thesis an understanding of research methods appropriate to your chosen topic. The PhD also requires an original contribution to knowledge.
Training in research methods
All research students who have not already completed a relevant
masters degree, or other appropriate postgraduate research methods training, are required to complete the postgraduate certificate in research methods.
Entry requirements
- an honours degree of upper second class or above from a UK university, or an equivalent qualification, is normally required in a subject area relevant to your chosen research topic
- in exceptional circumstances, we will consider applications from non-graduates with experience of undertaking research or graduates who wish to work in a new subject area
- registration is usually for MPhil or MRes or MA/MSc by Research with the possibility of transfer to PhD
- candidates with a master’s degree in a relevant subject that contains appropriate research methods training may register for PhD directly.
Staff offering supervision
For an up to date list please click here