Course summary

The impact of the research undertaken in the sport and exercise sciences on sports performance, people, policy and practice was rated as world-leading and internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework 2014. The School of Sport and Exercise plays host to a vibrant academic community where creative research comes together with cutting-edge scholarship to facilitate the needs of partners from business, community, education, government and voluntary organisations. The school is located at the purpose-built Oxstalls campus on the outskirts of the city of Gloucester and provides excellent facilities for research, networking and professional development. Research students benefit from research laboratory spaces and dedicated learning resources. For all higher degrees by research (MA or MSc by Research, MPhil and PhD), candidates are required to investigate an approved topic that results in an independent and original contribution to knowledge, and to demonstrate, by thesis, an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen topic area. All research students are required to complete the university’s Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods. Research students may study other postgraduate modules in line with their specific programmes of study and develop areas of expertise. Research Areas: Research in the area includes nationally and internationally funded projects working with communities, governing bodies and international research teams, offering the opportunity to work with researchers embedded in global research communities. A well-established research culture greets incoming students who join a large community of postgraduate scholars and a thriving research environment. Students are encouraged to present their research findings at local, national and international conferences and via internal events. Research areas include:

• physical activity and wellbeing

• sport, spirituality and religion - communities, pedagogy and participation

• sport philosophy and ethics