PhD Sport and Exercise Science
Course overview
The PhD in Sport and Exercise Science is a research degree where students complete a new, detailed project in one of three key areas: Elite Sports Performance, Exercise Medicine and Health, or Sports Ethics and Governance. Students will do their research at the Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) centre. The PhD usually takes three years if students study full-time, or six years if they study part-time.
A team of supervisors will guide students in creating their research plan, choosing a topic, and writing their final thesis. The main assessment has two parts: submitting their comprehensive written thesis, which must contain new research, and then attending an oral examination (a viva voce) to discuss and defend their work. Students can begin their PhD at one of four start dates: October, January, April, or July.
Entry requirements
Candidates are required to submit a personal statement in which they discuss their reasons for applying for the course and other relevant information regarding their studies. A relevant academic and/or employer reference is also required. Students also need to submit a detailed research proposal outlining their planned project. If their application is successful, they will be invited for an interview. Students have the option to upload their CV along with their applications to demonstrate their work experience and additional professional background.
Grade Requirements:
- Applicants for the PhD must normally hold an undergraduate degree at a 2.1 level (Upper Second Class) in Sports Science or a similar relevant science subject.
- Admission decisions are also based on factors such as the quality of their research proposal, their performance in any interview, and any relevant professional experience they may have in the field.
English Proficiency:
- Applicants coming from a non-English-speaking background must demonstrate their English language ability by submitting scores from an approved test.
- Candidates need to achieve an overall score of at least 6.5 in the IELTS Academic test, with minimum scores of 5.5 in each section, or submit equivalent scores from a recognised test like a SELT.
Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships
International Excellence Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded as a discount on tuition fees worth up to £5,000 in the first year of study, with a further £2,000 awarded in Year 2 (for £5,000 awardees only, subject to achieving a 70% average).
International Postgraduate Alumni Bursaries
First Class - £5,000 per year; Second Class, First division - £3,000 per year; Second Class, Second division - £1,000 per year; Taught Masters to Research Degree - £3,000 per year subject to satisfactory progress.
Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES)
The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee rate for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme.
Swansea University Sport Scholarship
Financial support (of up to £2000).
Thrive Bursary
The Thrive bursary is a £4,000 reduction in tuition fees for the first year of study, with a progression bursary of £2,000 in subsequent years (applied as a discount off tuition fees).
Up to £4,000
Career opportunities
Students who complete this programme have moved into jobs such as:
- University Lecturer/Academic
- Research Scientist
- Elite Sports Performance Consultant
- Government Policy Advisor
- Senior Roles in Health and Medicine
Cost of study
The annual tuition fee for a PhD in Sport and Exercise Science in Swansea University for international applicants is £25,000.
Admission
Admission to this PhD research programme is managed directly by the University. We highly recommend that all applicants contact AHZ's trained counsellors for assistance with their application process.
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