All our Research Excellence Framework submissions 2021 were world-leading or internationally excellent, and our postgraduate programmes embed our students within a world-class interdisciplinary research environment. 

Postgraduate Taught Degrees 

Our MSc in Physical Activity, Health and Society is delivered by the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, in conjunction with the Department of Anthropology (both top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2023). The programme is suitable for those with a background in traditional sport and exercise sciences, as well as those with a social sciences, anthropological, natural sciences, humanities or broader disciplinary background. In fact, we welcome students from a wide range of routes disciplines and professions. 

We designed the MSc to facilitate academic rigour and flexibility, combining challenging and topical module content. Course content examines social and health inequalities and explores how we might use physical activity to improve equity through a variety of different lenses. 

The programme focuses on developing knowledge and skills that are highly transferable and desirable by employers, preparing our graduates to succeed in varied fields, including physical activity promotion, prescription, and policy-related roles. The course also provides students with a postgraduate skillset applicable to a range of other professions. 

Visit our MSc Physical Activity, Health and Society course listing to learn more and apply. 

Postgraduate Research Degrees 

Tailored training 

We provide tailored training for each student. This training comprises access to extensive in-house methods, theory, and research ethics courses, as well as employability skills training to help you thrive in your chosen career. Visit our Specialist Training and Employability page for more information. 

Supportive and approachable supervisors 

When you join the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, your academic supervisor will support you and challenge you to develop meaningful research of the highest quality. We have strong links with national and international funders and have a proven track record of supporting our students to win external funding. We encourage all applicants to engage with potential supervisors’ pre-application to identify funding routes. View our People webpage to find out more. 

Academic development 

Our students are embedded in our research community and supported to lead seminars and host conferences, publish academic and public-facing outputs, and gain teaching, leadership, and strategic committee experience.  

Our staff networks provide opportunities for research placements with our global, national and regional partners. These placements enable our students to develop the necessary skills to translate research into action. Our Student Life page provides more information on being a part of our department.