Skip to content
University of Gloucestershire
Postgraduate research

Sport and Exercise Science

PhD

Course options

Choose a study option:
Choose a start date:
Study type
Full Time
Course length
4 Years
Campus
Distance Learning (UoG delivery)
UCAS Code
N/A

Course overview

By studying for a PhD in Sport & Exercise at UoG, you’ll be joining a research community with a strong history of world-leading research. Sport & Exercise research themes focus on three areas:

  • Human movement dynamics
  • Injury prevention and coaching practice
  • Sport, exercise and wellbeing in society

There are extensive research laboratories within these areas which support sport performance, physical activity and exercise for health, as well as sports coaching and education research using biomechanical, biochemical, physiological, psychological, and sociological techniques.

A PhD in Sport & Exercise here will allow you to develop your ability to plan and conduct and evaluate original research. You will work with academic staff who consistently deliver impactful research. This research was rated world-leading and internationally excellent in every previous cycle of the Research Excellence Framework.

Our research, and the work of our PhD students in Sport and Exercise is a major contributor to the university’s research priority area of Sport, Exercise, Health and Wellbeing.

Study style

Research students can study at purpose built facilities, or online, either full-time or part-time alongside employment or family commitments.

In recognition of the fact that no two research projects – or research students – are the same, there’s a flexible approach to supporting you, offering laboratory space and training, fieldwork advice and equipment loans, and access to computer software. You also have access to hot-desk office space and library and ICT support.

Get Sport and Exercise Science PhD course updates and hear more about studying with us.

Keep me updated

Entry requirements

    • A master’s degree or equivalent in a subject area relevant to the proposed research topic.

    • At least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area.

    • EU and international students need IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in any other component) or equivalent.

    • Your application should include a research proposal up to 1,000 words (excluding references/appendices) which follows the structure outlined in the research proposal guide.

      Applicants should name a member of staff within their topic area who has agreed to supervise them. Staff contact details can be found on each academic school page.

    • We strongly encourage applications from students from a range of diverse backgrounds who demonstrate appropriate research experience and achievement

Fees and costs

You're viewing fees for the course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.

Start date Course code Fee (UK)
Fee per year
Fee (international)
Fee per year
February 2025 £5,100 £12,775
February 2026 £5,350 £13,425
October 2025 £5,350 £13,425
February 2027 TBC TBC
October 2026 TBC TBC

Ready to apply?

Careers

Our postgraduate research students cultivate a diverse set of skills that are highly valued in the UK and internationally, preparing them for successful careers within academia and beyond. 

As a postgraduate research student at UoG, you’ll develop and refine a range of skills across research, academic practice, project management and critical analysis to equip you for your future. Whether it’s contributing to ground-breaking academic research or applying problem-solving skills in the workplace, we’ll ensure you’re ready to take on your next challenge. 

This versatility opens doors to opportunities across various sectors, from education and research institutions to commercial organisations and NGOs, where you’ll have the confidence to apply your researcher skills and develop innovative solutions to meet your ambitions. 

Can't see your research area listed?

With research submitted in each of our research areas judged to be internationally excellent according to the results of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), our research supervisors have a broad range of specialisms across a diverse range of subjects.

Get in touch to find out how we can support your research interests by emailing [email protected].

A group of students sitting down chatting and smiling

High performance sport science laboratories, including large environmental chamber

Student running on a treadmill having breathing tests taken

World-leading research staff delivering the world’s only online Professional Doctorate in Sport & Exercise

Simon Fryer

Active postgraduate research community with a person-centered approach to research supervision

Ben Humphrys, MSc Sports Strength and Conditioning

Placements

Research students have previously undertaken placement opportunities with the following partners:

  • Cheltenham Town Football Club
  • Forest Green Rovers Football Club
  • Bristol Bears
  • Gloucester Rugby
  • Bristol Flyers
  • National Health Service
  • Chamwell Centre

Keep Me Updated

Fill in the form below and we'll be in touch with Sport and Exercise Science PhD updates, upcoming events and everything you need to know about university life.