
Modelling Martial Arts
Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom
Course overview
This self-funded research project is in the area of Kinesemiotics, the study of motivated movement. Kinesemiotics is an interdisciplinary research area combining Computer Science, Engineering and Linguistics. Following a successful European project exploring formal modelling of ballet we are looking to broaden the applicability of our research into modelling martial arts.
The chosen student would work with an interdisciplinary group of academics at Loughborough, working to define and test an approach to the formal modelling of martial arts practitioners, employing ontological models, linguistic models and motion capture technologies. The output of the research would be designed to assist practitioners in the training of martial arts, and in the preservation of martial arts performances. A strong programming background is preferred.
Please note that this position is unfunded, the student in question would be responsible for their tuition fees and living expenses. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Key highlights
- Research in Kinesemiotics, the study of motivated movement
- Interdisciplinary work combining Computer Science, Engineering and Linguistics
- Builds on a successful European project formally modelling ballet
- Uses ontological models, linguistic models and motion capture technologies
- Research aims to support martial arts training and performance preservation
- 94% of research impact rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:1 — 2:1
Scholarships
Alumni Bursary
10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 10% of feesAlumni Discount
UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.
Care Leaver's Scholarship
Excellence Scholarships
UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary
Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).
Up to £12,000London 10th Anniversary Award
£5,000 off tuition fees.
Up to £5,000Loughborough Business School Scholarship
£1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship
50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 50% of feesQatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship
Careers this course leads to
- Postdoctoral research associate
- University lecturer in computer science
- Motion capture engineer
- Computational linguist
- Knowledge engineer (ontologies)
- Sports technology research scientist
Cost of study
UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £29,500
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a April 2026 place.
