Sport and Exercise Sciences - PhD

The College of Life Science is keen to hear from serious researchers interested in pursuing a PhD. Normally we would expect a good MA in a relevant area as an entry requirement, but in certain cases this may not be needed. PhD applications tend to be taken more seriously where some thought has been given not just to the project, but also to the potential supervisor.

Current interests

We supervise doctoral work in a range of areas within Sports and Exercise primarily: 

• Sports and Nutrition
• Athlete, talent and youth development
• Sports Coaching
• Sport and Exercise Physiology
• Physical education 
• Sports Therapy
• Sports and Health

Entry Requirements

To apply for our Life Science PhD research degree you should have, or expect to be awarded, a Master’s degree in a relevant Sport Science area at British or overseas university.

Exceptional applicants without a Master’s degree, but holding a first class or high second class Bachelor’s degree Sports and exercise related areas may be considered dependent upon the academic coherence and promise of their research proposal, and its consonance with the academic expertise of the college.

Please send us an initial PhD enquiry containing your brief PhD research proposal (1500 words), and/or any questions or queries you may have. You’ll notice that it asks you whether you’ve thought about potential supervisors. You may wish to contact one of our members of academic staff to discuss a potential project, and you are encouraged to do this. Applications, however, should be sent through official channels, beginning with the initial enquiry form.

We will review your initial enquiry to ensure your research proposal compliments one of our PhD research interests and you will be invited for an interview. 

Requirements for International Students

Valid Academic IELTS certificate with overall score of 7.0 with no band below 6.5 or equivalent.

Research proposal guidance

Your research proposal should address the following areas:

• Objectives

Please outline what the purpose of your research is; e.g. "The objective of this research project is to….."

• Scope

Explain the scope of the project and the range of activities that you imagine this will involve; e.g. “The following tasks will be undertaken as a part of the proposed research”.

• Background

Explain why this research is needed. Outline previous work in the field (if any exists). What do you imagine the wider benefits of this research will be? 

• Methodology

Explain what methods you will use to conduct your research and why? Explain the reasons for your choice of methodology and why it is appropriate. Try and think of potential problems that you may encounter.

• Resources

Are there specific facilities that you will need to conduct your research? If so are these already in place? How do you propose to fund your research?

Supervision and guidance from the supervisory team to help the student refine the initial research proposal, research training, completion of the Post-graduate Certificate in Research Practice, participation in research seminars, journal review groups and in-house conference events, pilot studies and completion of research governance procedures.

Supervisors and Support

As a Sport and Exercise PhD research student you will be guided through your programme of study by a team of supervisors.

Your supervisory team will include a Director of Studies whose role it is to ensure that you are meeting targets and following the correct processes and systems for conducting Life Science PhD research.

You will also be supported by a second supervisor (and sometimes a third) who will provide guidance based on their knowledge of your specific PhD research interest.

You will meet with your supervisors on a regular basis to review your progress, receive advice and plan the next stages of your PhD research degree.

You will present your research developments regularly to supervisors and other members of your PhD research community at Birmingham City University

Modes of Study

Our Sport and Exercise PhD research degree is offered full-time or part-time.

These two modes of study ensure that we can create a PhD research plan around your lifestyle needs, even if you are in full-time employment.

Full-time PhD Research: three to four years

As a full-time PhD research student you will undertake much of your research on campus using the facilities at Birmingham City Business School.

You will be expected to complete your research and submit your work for examination within 36-43 months.

Part-time PhD Research: four to seven years

You would chose part-time PhD research if you opt to study whilst in employment or if full-time study is impractical.

You will be encouraged to use the campus facilities when you can and may often work from home.

You will be expected to complete your research and submit your work for examination within 48-72 months.