University of Kent

PhD Sport and Exercise Science and Sports Therapy

University of Kent

Course overview

The PhD Sport and Exercise Science and Sports Therapy at the University of Kent is a research‑intensive doctoral programme offered by the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences. This course provides a rich academic and practical environment for undertaking advanced research that bridges sport science and therapy. The breadth of expertise among academic staff allows doctoral candidates to investigate complex, interdisciplinary problems. Research might examine topics such as mental fatigue and perceived effort in exercise, the performance and recovery of athletes and rehabilitation from injury or surgery.

This PhD programme typically runs for 3 to 4 years full-time, or 5 to 6 years part-time. Students are fully embedded in a research community within the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, working alongside experienced academics who supervise doctoral research. The University’s Canterbury campus houses world-class laboratories and therapy facilities which support high‑level research. Learning is largely self-directed and research-based, under close supervision from specialist academic staff. Doctoral candidates are expected to design, carry out, analyse, and write up a major piece of original research, a thesis that clearly contributes new understanding to the fields of exercise science and sports therapy.

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to identify a potential supervisor whose research aligns with their proposed project and to discuss research proposals before applying.

Grade Requirements:

  • A good honours degree (usually First Class or Upper Second Class / 2:1) in Sport, Exercise Science, or a closely related discipline is expected.
  • A relevant Master’s degree (or equivalent) may strengthen an application.

English Proficiency:

  • International students need to demonstrate proof of English proficiency with an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no section below 5.5 in all skill components.

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship

    Scholarship value up to £10,000.

  • Kent Ambition to Succeed Scholarship

    Scholarship holders can expect to receive between £500-£2,000 for each year of study (pro-rata for part-time students), subject to satisfactory academic progress.

  • Kent Business School Beaconhouse PG Progression Scholarship

    Tuition fee discount scholarship of £6,000.

    Up to £6,000

  • Kent Business School Dean's Excellence Scholarship Award

    Awards of up to £3,000

  • Kent Business School MBA Scholarship

    50% off Tuition Fee.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Kent Graduate Scholarship

    20% fee reduction for post-graduate taught programmes at the University of Kent.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Kent International Scholarship for Undergraduates

    Scholarship value - £5,000

    Up to £5,000

  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught

    Scholarship value - £5000

    Up to £5,000

  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught (KBS)

    Scholarship value £3000

    Up to £3,000

  • Kent LLM Solicitors’ Practice Scholarship (Canterbury)

    £2,000 tuition fee discount (Home Students); £2,000 tuition fee discount (Overseas Students).

    Up to £2,000

  • KMMS Christopher and Henry Oldfield Academic Scholarship

    Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9, 790 for 26/27).

  • KMMS Christopher and Henry Oldfield Support Scholarship

    Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9,790 for 26/27).

  • KMMS Kingsman Scholarship

    Tuition fee waiver for 4 years at the home rate (£9,790 for 26/27).

  • KMMS Widening Participation Scholarship

    £1,500 maintenance per annum for a maximum of 5 years.

    Up to £1,500

  • Music Performance Scholarship

    £1,000 awarded each year to talented instrumentalists and singers studying for any degree at the University of Kent.

    Up to £1,000

  • Sanctuary Scholarships

    Tuition fees waived for the duration of your programme of study, or until you are able to access other Student Finance funding.

  • Sasha Roberts Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000

  • The “Ambition” Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £1,500 for Full Time UK students; £750 per year for Part Time UK students; £3,000 for Full Time Overseas students.

  • The CAMEMS Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Widening Participation Ambition Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £5,000 for UK students (£2,500 per year for part time students).

Career opportunities

Graduates of the PhD Sport and Exercise Science and Sports Therapy from the University of Kent can work as

  • Sport Scientist
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • Sport Therapist
  • Academic Researcher
  • Athletic Trainer

Cost of study

The annual tuition fee to study the PhD Sport and Exercise Science and Sports Therapy in the University of Kent is £23,500 for international students. This is subject to review annually.

Admission

Applications for the University of Kent PhD Sport and Exercise Science and Sports Therapy course should be made through Kent’s postgraduate research portal. You can reach out to our experienced counsellors at AHZ for assistance.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to your place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide