Designing Pedagogically Effective Coaching Practices in Elite Youth Football
Qualification(s) available: PhD
- Entry requirements
- 1st or 2:1
- Full-time
- 3 years
- Start date
- February 2027
- Application deadline
- 31 October 2026
- Project reference
- SSEHS-CC27-2
- Location
- Loughborough
- Subject area(s)
- Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
Project details
Coaching is central to the development of talented young players, yet there remains a need to better understand how coaches design, deliver and adapt practice within the complex environment of an elite football academy. In particular, questions remain about how coaches structure individual and team-based learning, use feedback and questioning, manipulate practice tasks, and adapt their approach to players at different stages of development.
Working within Chelsea FC Academy, the successful candidate will investigate coaching practice across the Academy's developmental pathway. The research will examine how coaches create learning environments and how different forms of session design, interaction, feedback and task manipulation shape player engagement and learning.
The project provides a distinctive opportunity to undertake longitudinal, embedded research within one of the world's leading professional football academies. Rather than studying coaching at a distance, the researcher will work alongside coaches, players and performance staff, generating research that is both theoretically rigorous and directly relevant to practice.
The precise research design will be developed with the successful candidate, Chelsea FC and the supervisory team. It is anticipated that the project will draw upon approaches including systematic observation, video analysis, qualitative interviews and sustained observation of coaching practice.
The research will contribute directly to the wider Chelsea FC–Loughborough University strategic research collaboration and the development of a research-informed coaching methodology for elite youth football. Findings will inform coach development, practice design and feedback approaches within the Academy, while contributing new knowledge to research on coaching, pedagogy and player development.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
We welcome applications from candidates with a strong academic background and should have a first or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in sport coaching, sport pedagogy, sport and exercise science, education, performance analysis or a related discipline.
A postgraduate qualification ideally in sport coaching, sport pedagogy, sport and exercise science, education, performance analysis or a related discipline is also highly desirable. Applicants should have a strong interest in coaching and player development and the capacity to undertake sustained research within a high-performance sporting environment.
Experience of qualitative research, systematic observation, performance analysis or coaching would be advantageous, although candidates are not expected to possess expertise in all these areas.
The successful candidate will need excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish trusted professional relationships while maintaining the independence and criticality required of doctoral research.
Afghanistan
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masters | 95% | 85% | 70% |
Albania
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare (First Level (University) Diploma (from 2010) | 9.5 | 8.5 | 8 |
Algeria
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence (4 year) / Diplome d'Inginieur d'Etat / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures | 16 | 14 | 12 |
Argentina
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licenciatura/ Licenciado (4 year) | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.0 |
Armenia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakalavri Kochum required but typically a Magistrosi Kochum | 90% or 3.9 | 80% or 3.5 | 70% or 3.0 |
Australia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honours degree (AQF level 8) | First Class, 80% | Upper Second, 70%, H2A | Lower Second, 60%, H2B |
| Ordinary degree - AQF Level 7 pass (mark 46 or 50) | High Distinction (80% or 85%) | Distinction (75% or 80%) | Distinction (70% or 75%) |
Austria
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree / Diplomstudium / Fachhochschuldiplom (Diplom (FH)) | A (or 1.5) mit Auszeichnungbestanden | 60% / B / (or 2) | 60% / B / (or 2) |
Azerbaijan
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakalavr Diplomu/ Diplomu (Specialist Diploma) | 4.5 or 90% | 4 or 80% | 3.5 or 70% |
Bahamas
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5) |
Bahrain
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
Bangladesh
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degrees awarded up to 2024: 4 Year Bachelor of Science in Engineering (IEB or BAETE accredited courses only) All other Bachelor degrees awarded up to 2024 also require a Masters (see grading below) |
1st (70%) / 3.5 | 2nd (60%) / 3.0 | 2nd (55%) / 2.75 |
| Degrees awarded from 2025 onwards: Any 4 year Bachelor degree from an ECCTIS recognised university |
1st (70%) / 3.5 | 2nd (60%) / 3.0 | 2nd (55%) / 2.75 |
| Masters (1-2 years) following a 3 or 4 year degree | 80% / 4.0 | 65% / 3.25 | 50% / 2.5 |
Belarus
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialist Diploma (5Yr) | 9 | 7 | 5 |
Belgium
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor degree/Licenciaat/Licencie | 80% or 17 | 70% or 14 | 60% or 12 |
Belize
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5) |
Benin
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maitrise | 18 | 15 or Bien | 12 or Assez Bien |
Bermuda
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5) |
Bolivia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Licenciado, 4 years Private (public/private) | 85/78 | 75/66 | 67/55 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Botswana
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's degree | A or 80% | B or 70% | C or 60% |
Brazil
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil - 4 yr Bacharel or Licenciado/Licenciatura or Título Profissional | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
Brunei
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brunei | First | Upper Second (60%/B/3.1) | Lower Second (50% or C or 2.5) |
Bulgaria
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 yr Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Higher Education) | 6 | 5 | 4 |
Burundi
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masters or Diplôme d'Études Approfondies or Diplôme Ingénieur (professional title) | 18 | 15/20 (Bien) | 12.5/20 (Assez Bien) |
Cambodia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masters | 80% or B+ or 3.5 | 70% or B or 3.0 | 60% or C+ or 2.5 |
Cameroon
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor degree or Diplome d'Etudes Superiures de Commerce or Diplome d'Ingenieur or Diplôme d'Ingénieur de Conception or a Maitrise, 4 year Licence or Master 1 (M1) | 1st / 3.6 or 15/Tres Bien | 2:1 / GPA 3.0 or 14 / Bien | 2:2 / GPA 2.5 or 12.5/ Assez Bien |
Canada
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0/Percentage | 3.7/85% | 3.3/75% | 2.7/68% |
| Out of 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Out of 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
Chile
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grado de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) de [subject area] (4 years) | 6 | 5.5 | 5 |
China
Students are required to have a bachelor degree (4 years) for entry to a postgraduate programme. The University uses a tiered ranking system to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below.
You can search for your institution (university or affiliated college) via our look-up tool.
| First class (70%) | Mid 2:1 (65%) | 2:1 (60%) | Mid 2:2 (55%) | 2:2 (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 80% | 76% | 72% | 70% | 67% |
| Tier 2 | 83% | 79% | 75% | 73% | 70% |
| Tier 3 | 86% | 82% | 79% | 77% | 75% |
Students who do not meet the above requirements may occasionally be considered if they have a relevant degree, can show good grades in relevant subjects, and/or have substantial relevant work experience.
Colombia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 4.5 | 3.75 | 3.2 |
Costa Rica
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licenciado | 9 | 8 or 80 | 7 or 75 |
Croatia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.0 |
Cuba
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura | 5 | 4 | 3 |
Cyprus
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyprus | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6.5 |
Czech Republic
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakalár (after 2001) 6 yr integrated Magistr | 1 | 1.5 | 2 |
Denmark
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 year Candidatus/Candidata Magisterii or Bachelor degree (7 point scale) | 12 | 10 | 7 |
Dominican Republic
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 year Licenciado or Título de [subject area] | 3.8 | Magna Cum Laude or 3.5 or 85% | Cum Laude or 3.2 or 82% |
Ecuador
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 8.5 / 85% | 8 / 80% | 7 / 70% |
Egypt
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | 3.5 | 3.2 | 2.8 |
| Universities only | BA 90%, BSc 85% | BA 80%, BSc 75% | BA 65%, BSc 65% |
El Salvador
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 year Licenciado, Título de Ingeniero/Arquitecto | 8.5, 85% | 7.5, 75% or Muy Bueno | 6.5, 65% or Bueno |
Estonia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakalaureusekraad or Magister or Magistrikraad | 5 or 91% or A | 4 or 81% or B | 3 or 71% or C |
Ethiopia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masters (up to 2025) | A / GPA 4.0 | A / GPA 3.5 | B / GPA 2.8 |
| 4-year Bachelor degree with thesis (from 2024) | A / GPA 4.0 | A / GPA 3.5 | B / GPA 2.8 |
| 5-year Bachelor degree (from 2025) | A / GPA 4.0 | A / GPA 3.5 | B / GPA 2.8 |
Finland
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kandidaattii/Kandidat or the Maisteri/Magister | 3 (out of 3) or 4.5 (out of 5) | 2 (out of 3) or 3 (out of 5) | 1 (out of 3) or 2.5 (out of 5) |
France
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Diplôme d'Ingénieur | 14 | 13 | 11 |
Georgia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-year degree (% = new system) | 5 (95%) | 4.0 (85%) | 3.5 (75%) |
Germany
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| German Bachelor/ Diplom, Magister Artium / Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
Ghana
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghana | 65% / 3.4 GPA | 57% / 3.0 GPA | 50% / 2.5 GPA |
Greece
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universities | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6 |
| TEI and non-University Institutions | 8.5 | 7 | 6.5 |
Grenada
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree from University of West Indies - classification | 1st, 70% (GPA 3.6) | 2:1, 60% (GPA 3.00) | 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5) |
| Degree from University of West Indies - grade / percentage | A | B / 75% | C / 55% |
| Degree from University of West Indies - GPA | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.0 |
Guatemala
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liceniado / Titulo de (subject area) - 4 years | 90% (public university) / 95% (private university) | 80% (public university) / 85% (private university) | 60% (public university) / 70% (private university) |
Guyana
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's | GPA 4 | GPA 3.5 | 3.0 |
Honduras
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Título de Licenciado / Grado Académico de Licenciatura (4 year degree) - GPA out of 5 | GPA 5 or 90% | GPA 4 or 80% | GPA 3.5 or 70% |
Hong Kong
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor degree (Honours) | 1st or 3.5/4 | 2:1 or 3/4 | 2:2 or 2.5/4 |
Hungary
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3 |
Iceland
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baccalaurreatus degree or Kandidatsprof/Candidatus Mag | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
India
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institutions listed on the National Institutional Ranking Framework | 61% | 55% | 50% |
| All other Indian institutions | 68% | 62% | 57% |
Indonesia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarjana I (S1) from accredited Universities | 3.2 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Iran
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iran | 17 | 15 | 13 |
Iraq
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iraq | 80% | 75% | 70% |
Ireland
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republic of Ireland | First (70%) | Upper second (60%) | Lower second (50%) |
Israel
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 yr Bachelor Degree | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Italy
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma di Laurea | 109/110 | 100/110 | 90/110 |
Ivory Coast
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures | 16 | 14 (Bien) | 12 (Assez Bien) |
Jamaica
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by UCJ and CCCJ | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) or B | 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5) |
Japan
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gakushi – GPA 4.0 scale | 85% or A or 3.5 | 80% or B or 3.0 | 70% or C or 2.0 |
Jordan
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3 or 3.5/5 or 75% | 2.5 (or 3.0/5) / 63% |
Kazakhstan
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 5.0/percentage scale | 4.5 or 90% | 4 or 85% | 3.5 or 80% |
| GPA 4.33 scale | 3.9 | 3.5 | 3.2 |
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.6 |
Kenya
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | First / 70% / A | Upper second / 60% / B | Lower second / 50% / C |
Kosovo
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kosovo | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Kuwait
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.6 |
Latvia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latvia | 9 | 7 | 6 |
Lebanon
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| American | 85% (3.5) | 75% (3.0) | 62% (2.6) |
| French | 18 | 15 | 12 |
Liberia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's | 4.0 or 90% | 3.5 or 85% | 3 or 80% |
Libya
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Engineering, Architecture, Medicine | 85 (3.6) | 75 (3.0) | 65 (2.5) |
| Other bachelor's degree from a university | 90 (4.0) | 85% (3.6) | 75% (3.0) |
Lithuania
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithuania | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Luxembourg
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxembourg | 18 (excellent) | 16 (tres Bien) | 14 (bien) |
Macau
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macau | 1st or GPA 3.7 | 2:1 or GPA 3.0 | 2:2 or GPA 2.5 |
Macedonia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magistar Дипломиран / Баццалауреус / Баццалауреа (Bachelor degree) | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Malawi
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's only | MSc 75% | MSc 70% | MSc 65% |
Malaysia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classification | First Class | 2.1 | GPA 2.5 |
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Malta
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malta | 1st (80%) | 2:1 (70%) | 2:2 (55%) |
Mauritius
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mauritius | 1st or 70% | 2:1 or 60% | 2:2 or 50% |
Mexico
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licenciatura / Licenciado/ Título (Profesional) de [subject area] | 8.5 | 8 | 7 |
Moldova
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma de Licenţă (Diploma of Licentiate) | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Mongolia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) | 90% or 3.5 | 80% or GPA 3.2 | 70% or GPA 3.0 |
Montenegro
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma of Completed Undergraduate Studies or Diploma of Professional Undergraduate Studies | 10 (or 5.0) | 9 (or 4.5) | 8 (or 4.0) |
Morocco
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diplôme d'Ingénieur d'État, Diplôme d'Écoles Nationales de Commerce et de Gestion, Licence / Licence d'Études Fondamentales / Licence Professionnelle | 16 | 14 | 12 |
Mozambique
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mestrado/ Grau de Mastre | 16 | 14 | 12 |
Myanmar (Burma)
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 year Master's degree | 5 or 85% | 5 or 75% | 4.5 or 65% |
Namibia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-year Bachelor Honours (post 2008) or Masters | 80% or A | 70% or B | 60% or C |
Nepal
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 -year professional degree or Masters (after 3-year Bachelor degree) | 80% or 3.7 GPA | 65% or 3.3 GPA | 60% or 3.0 GPA |
Netherlands
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | 8 | 7 | 6 |
New Zealand
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Year Honours degree (480 credits) - Level 8 | First (7.0) | Upper Second (6.0) | Lower Second (4.0) |
| 3 Year degree (360 credits) - Level 7 | A+ (9.0) | A- (7.0) | B+ (6.0) |
Nicaragua
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licenciatura (4 year) | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Nigeria
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 point Scale | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| 5 point scale | 4 | 3.4 | 2.7 |
| 4 point scale | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 |
Norway
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norway | A / 1.8 | B / 2.3 | C / 3.0 |
Oman
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
Pakistan
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Year degree only (the higher of the 2 options) | A- or GPA 3.7 | B or GPA 3.0 | C+ or GPA 2.6 |
| 2 or 3 year Bachelor or Associate Degree plus Masters | 1st (60%) plus GPA 3.7 | 2nd (55%) plus GPA 3.0 | 2nd (50%) plus GPA 2.6 |
Palestine
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor (4-years) | (85%) 3.5 | (80%) 3.0 | (70%) 2.5 |
Panama
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Year Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 91 (A) | 81 (B) | 71 (C) |
Papua New Guinea
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor (Honours) Degree | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2 |
Paraguay
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 4.5 (85%) | 4 (80%) | 3.5 (75%) |
Peru
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 14 | 13 | 12 |
Philippines
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree from prestigious state universities or Centres of Excellence (COE) | Summa Cum Laude 4.0 / 96% / 1.0 | Magna cum Laude 3.5 / 92% / 1.5 | Cum Laude 3.0 / 87%/ 2.0 |
Poland
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor Degree (post 2003) Magister (pre- 2003) | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
Portugal
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) or Licenciado | 18 | 16 | 14 |
Qatar
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Romania
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Russia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakalavr/Specialist Diploma/Magistr | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 |
Rwanda
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 year bachelor (Hons) degree (480 credits) | 1st, 16/20 (80%) | 2:1,14/20 (70%) | 2:2, 12/20 (60%) |
Saudi Arabia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
| GPA 5.0 scale | 4.5 | 3.75 | 3.0 |
Senegal
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees | 16/20 or Tres Bien | 14/20 or Bien | 12/20 or Assez Bien |
Serbia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Sierra Leone
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honours degree or masters | 1st (70%) | 2:1 (60% or B) | 2:2 (50% or C) |
Singapore
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor (Hons) | First | Upper second | Lower second |
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.7 | 3.0 | 2.7 |
| GPA 5.0 scale | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.0 |
Slovakia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakalár (from 2005) Magister / Inzinier | 1.5 or B | 2.0 or C | 2.5 or C/high D |
Slovenia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Diplom | 9 | 8 | 7 |
South Africa
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor (Honours) or B Tech after 4 yrs study | 1st or 75% | 2:1 or 70% | 2:2 or 60% |
South Korea
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA out of 4.5 | 3.8 / B+ | 3.2 / B | 2.8 / C+ |
| GPA out of 4.3 | 3.8 / B+ | 2.9 / C+ | 2.7 / C+ |
Spain
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto | 8.5 | 7 | 6.5 |
| UCM grading | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.5 |
Sri Lanka
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 year Professional degree or Bachelor Special or Honours degree | 90%, GPA 3.70 | 80%, GPA 3.30 | 70%, GPA 3.0 |
Sudan
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 year degree | 1st, 70%, B+ | 2:1, 66% | mid 2:2, 60%, B |
Sweden
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kandidatexamen or Magisterexamen | Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 120 credits at VG | B or Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 90 credits at VG | C or Overall grade of G with a minimum of 90 credits at G |
Switzerland
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor Degree, Diplom or Lizentiat (10/6/5) | 10 / 5.5 / 1 | 8 / 5 / 2 | 6 / 4 / 3 |
Syria
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| State universities 4 years of study | 80% | 70% | 60% |
| Private universities 4 years of study | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Taiwan
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 year degree | 76% 3.0 GPA |
70% 2.8 GPA |
65% 2.6 GPA |
Tajikistan
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Диплом специалиста - Specialist Diploma | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
Tanzania
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2 |
Thailand
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.2 | 2.8 | 2.6 |
Trinidad and Tobago
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by ACTT | 1st or GPA 3.6 | 2:1 or GPA 3.0 | 2:2 or GPA 2.5 |
Tunisia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence, Maîtrise, Diplôme National d'Ingénieu | 16 (tres bien) | 14 (bien) | 11 (assez bien) |
Turkey
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisans Diplomasi or a Műhendis Diplomasi | 3.3 | 2.9 | 2.4 |
Turkmenistan
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Yr Bakalavr, Specialist Diploma or Magistr | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
Uganda
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda | 1st or 4.4 | 2:1 or 3.8 | 2:2 or 3.0 |
Ukraine
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dyplom Magistra or a Bachelors degree (11 / 5) | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 |
United Arab Emirates
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.6 |
United States of America
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3 | 2.6 |
Uruguay
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licenciado (4 year) | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Uzbekistan
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Majistr Diplomi / Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) | 90% or GPA 4.5 | 80% or GPA 4.0 | 70% or GPA 3.5 |
Venezuela
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licenciado/Professional title. (4 year) | 18/20 or 8/9 | 16/20 or 7/9 | 14/20 or 6/9 |
Vietnam
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-point scale | 8.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 |
| 4-point scale | 3.2 | 2.8 | 2.4 |
Zambia
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's | A or 4.0 or 80% | B+, 3.5 or 70% | B or 3.0 or 60% |
Zimbabwe
| First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4 year degree | 1st or 75% | 2:1 or 65% | 2:2 or 60% |
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
The studentship is for three years and provides a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those eligible for UK fees.
How to apply
All applications should be made online.
Under Campus, please select Loughborough and select Programme PhD Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. Please quote the advertised reference number SSEHS-CC27-2 in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents. The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.
