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We have 77 Sport & Exercise Science PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
Sport & Exercise Science PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
We have 77 Sport & Exercise Science PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
PhDs in Sport and Exercise Science are doctoral research degrees that allow students to deeply explore a particular aspect of sport and exercise science.
Specifics vary drastically between programmes, but may involve research into the biomechanics of movement, the physiological responses to exercise, and the psychological factors influencing athletic performance.
Entry requirements typically include an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as Sport Science, Kinesiology, or Physiology. A relevant Masters degree may also be required depending on the programme.
Why study a PhD in Sport and Exercise Science?
Develop Skills and Knowledge
A PhD in Sport and Exercise Science allows you to not only develop your own knowledge of Sport and Exercise Science, but also to make a unique, original contribution to the subject as a whole. By doing so, you will hone a variety of transferable skills, such as:
- Research and Analytical Skills: Ability to design, conduct, and analyse complex research projects.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Expertise in evaluating sport and exercise theories and practices to address challenges.
- Communication and Presentation Skills: Proficiency in effectively conveying ideas and findings to diverse audiences.
Further Career Development
If you're hoping for a career in academia, a PhD is typically required. Other research-based careers may likewise require a PhD, and even when they don't, employers will value the research skills and knowledge developed during your degree. For more information, please visit our PhD employability guide.
After completing your PhD in Sport and Exercise Science, a potential career option might be employment as a Researcher. According to UK salary data from Glassdoor, a Researcher earns an average of £33,356 per year, dependent on factors such as experience, employer and employment location.
Improve Employability
Completing a PhD may also improve your employability. According to the UK government's LEO Graduate and Postgraduate Outcomes survey, 94% of Sport & Exercise Science PhD students were in further education or employment three years after graduation.
What do prospective Sport & Exercise Science PhD students think about study?
We host the Pulse postgraduate survey to understand the motivations, concerns and expectations of students just like you. For prospective Sport & Exercise Science PhD students in 2023:
- 75% were either positive or very positive about employment after graduation.
- 82% preferred on campus learning, 4% preferred online/distance learning, and 14% preferred a blended approach.
- 10% were interested in part-time study.
- In order of popularity, the top three study motivations were:
- Subject interest
- Career progress
- Skills development
If you'd like to make your voice heard, why not complete our survey? Your feedback will help us ensure our site is as helpful as possible for students like you!
Note: This guidance was produced with the assistance of AI. However, all data is derived from reliable, authoratitive sources, and all content has been reviewed by humans.
Institute for Sport Business
The Institute for Sport Business seeks to deliver research with a real-world impact in an era of significant social, economic and technological change. Read more
Sheffield Hallam University - Psychology Demonstratorships: Enhancing Sports Coaches’ Psychological Growth and Performance
Applications are invited for Psychology Demonstratorships in the Institute of Social Sciences, commencing October 2025. The demonstratorship scholarship scheme aims to develop highly skilled postgraduate researchers. Read more
PhD in Sport Business
3 years full-time; 5 years part-time. Entry Requirements. An honours degree [2:1 or above] or equivalent overseas qualification. Read more
Transforming Lives PhD scholarship: Effect of cryotherapy interventions on the recovery kinetics of elite Premier League football players at the School of Sport and Physical Activity
Applications are invited for a Transforming Lives PhD scholarship in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University and Aston Villa Football Club. Read more
Rugby Union: Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Rugby Union Sports Science with Swansea University and Scarlets Rugby Club
Funding providers: Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University and Scarlet’s Rugby . Subject area: Sports nutrition . Read more
Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) PhD scholarship in the School of Health and Social Care: The use of mobile technology to advance care pathways for joint replacement surgery. , at Sheffield Hallam University, commencing 1 October 2025
The scholarship is for 3.5 years full-time study and covers home PhD fees, currently £4,786, pays an annual stipend at the standard Sheffield Hallam PhD stipend rate (this is aligned with the net Real Living Wage and the current rate for academic year 2024/25 is £20,974 per annum). Read more
Stakeholder Approach Exploring the Pedagogical Possibilities and Practices of the Mindsport Bridge
Are you interested in exploring innovation in school-based education? In collaboration with the World Bridge Federation (WBF), the proposed study will explore the possibilities and potential of the mindsport bridge in primary schools in Scotland. Read more
PhD position | MSCA Doctoral Network | Data2Action | Using a citizen science approach to increase the magnitude of the impact of social innovation for active ageing
Data2Action. is the MSCA Doctoral Training Network programme uniting social innovation with data science & AI for common good. Data2Action exists to make emerging technology work harder for humanity, enabling us to co-create a healthier, fairer and more sustainable world for all. Read more
PhD position | MSCA Doctoral Network | Data2Action | Scaling and increasing the magnitude of the impact of social innovation for active ageing through data
Data2Action. is the MSCA Doctoral Training Network programme uniting social innovation with data science & AI for common good. Data2Action exists to make emerging technology work harder for humanity, enabling us to co-create a healthier, fairer and more sustainable world for all. Read more
Irish Rugby Injury Surveillance Of The Tackle Event
PhD Bursary - Irish Rugby Injury Surveillance. Location. University of Limerick, Ireland. Deadline. 17.00 Irish time (GMT) 28th of March 2025. Read more
Machine Learning for Wearables in Sport - Advanced Hydration Research
Supervisory Team. Dr. Kate Farrahi, Prof. Steve Beeby and Dr. Roeland Mingels. We are looking for a skilled data scientist with strong skills in machine learning / AI and statistical modelling to join the machine learning team of Dr. Read more
Enhancing the Dissemination, Implementation, and Sustainability of Physical Literacy into Policy and Practice
Physical literacy is a vital component for lifelong physical activity, yet its implementation in policy and practice varies significantly across countries. Read more
Exploring Socioecological Factors Shaping Physical Activity in Neurodivergent Young People: What are the Key Influences for Lasting Impact?
Neurodivergent young people, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, are generally less active than their neurotypical peers. Read more
Biomarkers Associated with motor Neurone Disease and Dementia development after concussion in Females and Males: BANDD.
Highlights. This will be an exciting opportunity to explore the differences between male and female brains responses to trauma in sport. Read more
Sheffield Hallam University joint PhD programme with La Trobe University - Advancing player safety and performance in youth football: Exploring the impact mechanics and biomechanical interactions of footballs across different sizes and designs.
Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD scholarship to join the Sports Engineering Research Group at Sheffield Hallam University, in collaboration with the La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre (LASEM) at La Trobe University. Read more