Sport Science PhD/MSc (Research)
Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences Postgraduate Open Evening:
Wednesday 25 November 2026, 4pm – 6pm
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An opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research across various sports science fields. With a strong focus on practical experience and career development, we excel in enhancing the employability of our students. We will prepare you for diverse roles in the sports industry, academia, and the wider job market. Our projects are very flexible, enabling you to specialise in physical activity and health, sports performance, exercise physiology, or sports medicine.
- PhD: 3-4 years full-time; 5 years part-time;
- MSc (Research): 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time;
Overview
The Sport Science PhD at the University of Glasgow offers an opportunity to undertake rigorous, interdisciplinary research grounded in laboratory and clinical science.
This pathway is designed for students interested in developing a mechanistic understanding of human physiology, physical activity, and health, with research primarily based in controlled laboratory, clinical, and experimental settings.
While opportunities for applied and field-based work exist, the programme places particular emphasis on:
- Experimental design and controlled investigation
- Physiological, clinical, and mechanistic research approaches
- Translating fundamental science into health and performance insights
Students are prepared for careers in academia, clinical research, health sciences, and high-level scientific roles across the sport and exercise sector.
Research areas
Exercise Physiology
The study of the physiological responses and adaptations to exercise, training, and physical work under controlled conditions.
Research typically focuses on:
- Acute and chronic responses to exercise interventions
- Environmental physiology (e.g. temperature, altitude, hypoxia)
- Mechanisms underpinning fatigue, adaptation, and performance
- Evaluation of training protocols and ergogenic aids
Work is predominantly laboratory-based, with opportunities to integrate field data where appropriate.
Physical Activity and Health
The investigation of physical activity and sedentary behaviour across populations, including clinical groups.
Research typically includes:
- Measurement and analysis of physical activity behaviours
- Development and evaluation of interventions to improve health outcomes
- Links between physical activity, disease prevention, and public health
Projects are often clinical, epidemiological, or laboratory-informed, with some scope for applied or community-based research.
This pathway is particularly suited to students seeking a laboratory and clinically focused PhD, complementing the University’s Applied Sport Science pathway, which emphasises embedded, field-based performance research.
Study options
PhD
- Duration: 3/4 years full-time; 5 years part-time
Individual research projects are tailored around the expertise of principal investigators.
MSc (Research)
- Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
Entry requirements
Our regular standard of admission is usually a 2.1 honours degree.
Required documents
Applicants should submit:- Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates
- CV
- MVLS Cover Letter
- Two References
English language requirements
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English language proficiency level.
Accepted English language tests
We accept a wide range of English language tests for entry to this programme. Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date, and requirements must be met using a single test.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- We do not accept General Training
TOEFL iBT (including MyBest and Home Edition)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, no subtest lower than 4.5
Pearsons PTE Academic (test centre only)
- 65 overall with no subtest less than Reading 60; Listening 60; Speaking 65; Writing 60
Cambridge C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
LanguageCert Academic SELT/Academic/Academic Online
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
Trinity College Integrated Skills in English II
- 96 overall with no subtest less than 90
Kaplan Test of English
- Any two subtests at 480 or higher, and any two subtests at 450 or higher
PSI Skills for English
- B2 Pass with Merit
Duolingo English Test
- 120 overall with Writing at 120 and no subtest less than 110
Oxford Test of English Advanced
- 140 Overall with any two subtests at 126 or higher, and any two subtests at 136 or higher
Alternatives to English Language qualification
Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- Students must have studied for a minimum of their final year at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within 6 years of programme start.
TNE degree for UK University taught at a campus outside of the UK.
- Students must be awarded the degree by the UK university and must have completed the degree within 6 years of programme start.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- ST Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
Fees and funding
Fees
2027/28
- UK: To be confirmed [26/27 fee was £5,238]
- International & EU: £33,708
Prices are based on the annual fee for full-time study. Fees for part-time study are half the full-time fee.
Irish nationals who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and Internationals with Indefinite Leave to remain status can also qualify for home fee status.
Alumni discount
We offer a 15% tuition fee discount to eligible self-funded alumni starting a Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Masters or Postgraduate Research (PGR) programme in the 2027/28 academic year.
This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed a Study Abroad programme, Exchange programme, International Summer School or Erasmus programme with us. This discount can be awarded alongside most University scholarships. No additional application is required.
Possible additional fees
- Re-submission by a research student £540
- Submission for a higher degree by published work £1,355
- Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed £350
- Submission by staff in receipt of staff scholarship £790
Depending on the nature of the research project, some students will be expected to pay a bench fee (also known as research support costs) to cover additional costs. The exact amount will be provided in the offer letter.
Support
Graduate School
The College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Graduate School provides a vibrant, supportive and stimulating environment for all our postgraduate students.
Our aim is to provide a research training environment that includes:
- provision of excellent facilities and cutting edge techniques
- training in essential research and generic skills
- excellence in supervision and mentoring
- interactive discussion groups and seminars
- an atmosphere that fosters critical cultural policy and research analysis
- synergy between research groups and areas
- extensive multidisciplinary and collaborative research
- extensive external collaborations both within and beyond the UK
- a robust generic skills programme including opportunities in social and commercial training
Our excellent facilities and dedicated staff will equip you with training complementary to a range of career options, and you can tailor your study pathway to the precise aspects that suit your objectives.
How to apply
Identify potential supervisors
All postgraduate research students are allocated a supervisor who will act as the main source of academic support and research mentoring. You must identify a potential supervisor supervisor from the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences and contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply. Please note, even if you have spoken to an academic staff member about your proposal you still need to submit an online application form.
Research projects
If you are interested in a research project listed above, please include the title on your application.
Required documents
- Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates
- CV
- MVLS Cover Letter
- Two References
Contact us
If you require assistance before you apply: mvls-gradschool@glasgow.ac.uk
After you have submitted your application: Admissions Enquiries form
Induction
- Getting started with PGR development: how postgraduate researchers are welcomed into our community