Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences

Qualification(s) available: PhD

Entry requirements
2:1+
Fees for 2024-25 (per academic year)
UK: £4,786
International: £27,500
Fees for 2025-26 (per academic year)
UK: To be confirmed
International: £28,600
Full-time
3 years
Part-time
6 years
Start date
January, April, July or October
Location
Loughborough

Overview

By studying for a PhD with us, you will be joining a thriving research community of over 200 Doctoral Researchers from across the globe. You will add to world-leading research that is helping to shape the latest advancements across the sport, exercise and health sectors.

Ranked first in the world for sports-related subjects for eight years in a row by the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2017-2024), our research activity encompasses a broad range of social and natural sciences within the themes of: sport performance; lifestyle for health and wellbeing; and sport, business and society.

A number of funded studentships across a diverse range of disciplines within sport, exercise and health sciences are on offer. We also welcome research proposals relevant to our wide-ranging expertise, encompassing: medicine, molecular biology, nutrition, biomechanics, economics, pedagogy, psychology, sociology, sport management and more.

We have extensive links and research contracts with industry and education partners, as well as with sport and health organisations. We also have extensive state-of-the-art facilities to give you the advanced skills and techniques needed to conduct leading research.

As well as benefiting from the expertise of our academic staff and ongoing investment in world-leading facilities, our Doctoral Researchers are able to take advantage of access to our internationally recognised research centres:

How to apply

94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

Our research

Sports Performance

Our sports performance research aims to understand and support the enhancement of sport and exercise performance across all abilities.

We investigate the optimal preparation for, delivery of, and recovery from athletic activities. Drawing on multiple scientific disciplines and methods, we seek to better understand the factors associated with performance enhancement and use this knowledge to support athletes, teams, and coaches. We advocate the health and inclusion of all those who perform or operate in sport-related contexts.

Our multidisciplinary approach encompasses physiology, biochemistry and nutrition; biomechanics and motor control; sports psychology; and sports sociology, policy and management.

Lifestyle for Health and Wellbeing

Research within the Lifestyle for Health and Wellbeing theme aims to facilitate healthy living and ageing across the lifespan. We consider the social, behavioural, nutritional and biological determinants and consequences of human lifestyles.

Theme members conduct world-leading research with the common aim of providing evidence-based knowledge that facilitates improved physical and mental health and wellbeing, lowers the risk of communicable and non-communicable disease, and aids the effective management of pre-existing conditions.

Our work spans from global population research to molecular biology. As such we cover a wide range of expertise including: epidemiology, psychology, physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, human and molecular biology, rehabilitation science and social sciences.

Sport, Business and Society

Our Sport, business and society research theme explores how individuals, communities and organisations engage with and facilitate sport and exercise opportunities. Our aim is to develop critical and transformative insight that can improve lives and stakeholder effectiveness.

Reflecting the complexity and intersectionality of sport and exercise practice and organisation, and its significance to the local, national and global contexts, our research is interdisciplinary.

Drawing on sociology, pedagogy, coaching, psychology, economics, marketing and policy, and our engagement with stakeholders, we critically assess the factors, structures and processes that motivate, enable and constrain people’s engagements with sport as part of their daily lives, analysing casual and informal physical activity as well as formal, organised and elite sport.

Gender and Sport Centre for Doctoral Training

This multidisciplinary mini Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) was formed in 2018 and is led by our School in collaboration with the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, and the School of Design and Creative Arts. Together, our research employs a diverse set of methodologies to explore the critical issue of gender diversity in sports participation, from grassroot to elite level.

For more information, please contact Dr Gemma Witcomb.

Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)

We are proud to be part of the ESRC Midlands Graduate School DTP in partnership with the universities of Warwick, Nottingham, Birmingham, Aston and Leicester. The DTP offers 17 different funded PhD training pathways across the social sciences, including in sport and exercise science.

As a DTP PhD student, you will benefit from networking and research opportunities with collaborating institutions, along with advanced training workshops and courses.

For more information, please contact Dr Daniel Rhind.

Current opportunities

Most of our current PhD opportunities already have a specified topic and allocated supervisor, but we also encourage you to submit your own proposal.

Browse current PhD opportunities Create your own research proposal

Your development

Throughout your research journey, your primary and secondary supervisors will provide academic and pastoral support, along with our School’s Director of Doctoral Programmes, who will oversee your academic progress.

Undertaking a PhD will give you the opportunity to develop new and highly sought-after skills, which you can apply to a range of careers in academia, industry and beyond. You will be able to make a novel contribution to knowledge, giving you the chance to become a world expert in your field and opening up opportunities with a range of leading employers. You will also further develop your transferable skills in advanced research, teaching, time and project management, and networking and relationship building.

Our extensive training provision, supported by the Doctoral College, will also enhance your skills and experience as a researcher. These include seminars and modules in advanced research methods, our own bespoke Professional Development Series for doctoral researchers, and our Doctoral Researcher conference, along with the Doctoral College’s Café Academiques, Research Conference and Summer Showcase.

Your future career

Graduates who have undertaken postgraduate research degrees in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences are ideally prepared for research careers in academia or with research institutions.

Our recent graduates have also gone onto careers with the NHS, Archery GB, the English Institute of Sport, the Chamber of Advocates - Malta, Kuwait Television, and the British Wheelchair Rugby Association.

Graduate roles include Research Associate, Senior Lecturer in Sports Science, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Senior Bioinformatician, Performance Nutritionist, and Sports Scientist.

Where you'll study

We are proud to offer doctoral researchers the most advanced facilities for learning and research. The School is based across four buildings, including the state-of-the-art National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine – East Midlands, housing laboratories with specialist equipment for the study of physiology, psychology, biomechanics and biosciences.

These facilities include the latest physiological, molecular and environmental technologies, two climatic chambers and bespoke training and testing equipment. Some of our laboratories are shown here:

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

Postgraduate research degrees delivered in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, require applicants to have a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) or a master’s degree in a relevant subject, in addition to any specific criteria related to the individual research project.

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 2.8

Bangladesh

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Bachelor of Science in Engineering (IEB and BAETE accredited courses only) 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

Barbados

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
University of the West Indies, Honours degree 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Barbados Community College 1st or GPA 3.75 2:1 or GPA 3.5 2:2 or GPA 3.0

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 the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below:

First class (70%) Mid 2:1 (65%) 2:1 (60%) Mid 2:2 (55%) 2:2 (50%)
Shanghai Rank Top 250 83% 79% 75% 73% 70%
Shanghai Rank 251-500 88% 84% 80% 78% 75%
Shanghai Rank 501+ 92% 87% 84% 82% 80%

Affiliated colleges

The University will consider students from Affiliated Colleges in the following way:

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities in the top 250 Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 75%-84%.

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are 251-500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are above 500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered as follows:

  • School of Business and Economics: not considered
  • All other programmes if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.

Universities given special consideration

Applicants from a small number of Chinese universities that specialise in business, management, finance or creative arts will be given special consideration by the University. The full list of these universities and the Shanghai band under which they will be considered can be found below:

Table of Chinese universities for special consideration

‌*Special consideration for programmes in School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and Institute for Sport Business only.

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%)
Master's 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 First Upper second/60% Lower second/50%

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%)
1st or 3.5/4 2:1or 3/4 2:2 or 2.5/4 2.5

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 65% (First) 60% (First) 55% (Upper second)
All other Indian institutions 70% (First with distinction) 65% (First) 60% (First)

Indonesia

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sarjana I (S1) from accredited Universities 3.3 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 3.7 3.2
GPA 4.0 scale 3.7 3.4 3

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 90% (3.5) 80% (3.2) 70% (2.8)
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%)
Master's (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 3.0 (on 5 point scale)
5 point scale 4.5 3.8 3.5
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 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 2.8
GPA 5.0 scale 4.5 3.75 3.5

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 4.0 / A 3.5 / B 3.0 / C+
GPA out of 4.3 4.0 / A 3.0 / B 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 / 6 / 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%)
Category 1 (4 year degree) 80% 75% 70%
Category 2 (4 year degree) 85% 80% 75%

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 3.5 3.0 2.8

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 3.5 3 2.5

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 2.8

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 3.5 3.0 2.8

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 for 2024-25 entry

UK fee

£4,786 Full-time degree per annum

International fee

£27,500 Full-time degree per annum

Tuition fees for 2025-26 entry

UK fee

To be confirmed Full-time degree per annum

International fee

£28,600 Full-time degree per annum

Fees for the 2024-25 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2024, January 2025, April 2025 and July 2025. Fees for the 2025-26 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2025.

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.

How to apply

If you can't find an advertised project that fits your interests and experience, you can submit a research proposal to the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences to find a supervisor who will work with you on your project. You can view our academic staff on our School website or email us for guidance.

Your research proposal should be a maximum of 1,000 words and include the aims of your study, a brief literature review, an outline of the proposed research methods, and your preferred member of staff to supervise the project. Further information on preparing your proposal can be found on the dedicated webpage.

You are strongly recommended to contact us before applying to discuss your topic, availability and funding.

Apply now