University of Kent

SportD Sport, Exercise and Health Science

University of Kent

Course overview

The SportD Sport, Exercise and Health Science at the University of Kent is a professional doctorate designed for experienced health and exercise practitioners who wish to develop advanced research and applied practice skills in sport, exercise, and health science. This course allows the integration of professional experience with rigorous academic inquiry. The programme is structured to serve those who already have strong foundational experience in sport, exercise, or health and want to contribute to the field through evidence-based research.

With a balance of taught modules and individual research, the doctoral study at Kent supports applied, practice-orientated research that directly impacts health services, sport organisations, or community settings. The course typically runs for three years full‑time or up to five years part‑time, allowing flexibility for working professionals. The structure mixes individual supervision, taught doctoral-level modules, and applied research. Learning in the SportD programme combines taught modules with supervised research and practice-based inquiry. The final assessment is a doctoral-level thesis or portfolio that demonstrates professional insight, and applied competence. Candidates are also encouraged to disseminate their findings through peer-reviewed publications.

Entry requirements

A research proposal or professional project outline is needed, often discussed with potential supervisors before a formal application.

Grade Requirements:

  • A good honours degree (typically First Class or Upper Second Class / 2:1, or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as sport science, health, or exercise science.
  • A Master’s degree may be required, depending on experience and the proposed research topic.
  • Applicants should be practitioners with relevant experience in sport, health, or exercise.

English Proficiency:

  • International students need to show proof of English Proficiency with an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with no section below 5.5.

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 SportD Sport, Exercise and Health Science from the University of Kent can move into a variety of roles across both academic and professional settings. Possible careers include:

  • Clinical Exercise Scientist
  • Public Health Consultant
  • Applied Biomechanist
  • Rehabilitation Research Manager
  • Sports Scientist for Team Performance

Cost of study

The annual tuition fee to study the SportD Sport, Exercise and Health Science at the University of Kent is  £23,500 for international students. This is subject to review annually.

Admission

Applications for the University of Kent SportD Sport, Exercise and Health Science are made through Kent’s Postgraduate Research Portal. You can reach out to our experienced counsellors at AHZ for assistance.

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