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Sport Science MRes

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
  • Start Date(s): September 2023
  • Duration: One year full-time / Two years part-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time
  • Campus: Clifton Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

Current practical, technical and research skills are embedded in the course to reflect the needs of sport-related careers - you'll be able to enter the industry or use this degree as a stepping stone to a PhD. You can choose to do a research project in any sport-related sub-discipline. Examples include but are not limited to: sports performance, performance analysis, sports nutrition, exercise physiology, including environmental physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology and sports injuries, and sports psychology.

We allow you to develop your knowledge in a specific area of expertise within this distinctive research-based Sport Science Master.

You can work with the University's strong ties to national and international sporting bodies and institutions throughout the sporting community. These include:

  • Professional Football Clubs
  • England Hockey
  • Holme Pierrepont National Watersports Centre
  • the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences
  • the British Olympic Association.

Know that you will be in great hands studying under our knowledgeable team, whose internationally leading research includes sports performance, extreme environments, nutritional supplementation, physical activity and health.

  • 90.9% of postgraduate Sport Science graduates who entered employment are in a 'High skilled' role 15 months after finishing their degrees. (Graduate Outcome Survey 2019/20)
  • In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 100% of NTU's Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.
  • Top 20 in the UK for teaching quality in Sport Science (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023).
  • Top 10 University for Sport in the British Universities & Colleges Sports (BUCS) Championship 2021 - 2022.

What you’ll study

You will study three core modules which include an extensive research project and one optional module. If you are a part-time student, you will continue to study the second year from the modules listed below.

Core modules

Sport Science Research Methods (15 cp)

You will develop your skills in using software packages for statistical data analysis. You will learn how to plan, write and deliver oral presentations and research proposals. There will also be sessions involving the critical appraisal of poster presentations.

Sport Science in Action (15 cp)

This module aims to enhance your employability by providing the relevant knowledge and practical skills for your chosen field. The module includes various teaching methods and sessions to develop you as a practitioner and researcher.

MRes Sport Research Project (120 cp)

As the core aspect of the Master's by Research (MRes) you will undertake an extensive research project of your choice under the supervision of our expert staff.

Optional modules

Choose one module from the following:

Exercise Physiology (30 cp)

This module aims to provide students with a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the issues at the forefront of exercise physiology. This will be delivered from the current knowledge base drawn from relevant publications and staff research interests. This module will allow students to continue to advance their prior knowledge and understanding of fundamental scientific concepts in exercise physiology and develop new skills to a high level.

Performance Analysis (30 cp)

This module provides a strong theoretical underpinning in areas of performance analysis and skill acquisition, combined with industry-relevant experience. Contemporary issues at the forefront of performance and skill acquisition research will be discussed and explored.

Current Issues in Sport and Exercise Psychology (30 cp)

This module will enable you to critique current research from high-impact journals across key areas such as imagery, goal setting and sport-confidence. It requires you to examine both qualitative and quantitative research in sport and exercise psychology.

Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.

Based at the Clifton Campus, Sport students are primarily based in the Erasmus Darwin and CELS buildings.

We offer outstanding facilities such as the Sport Science Environmental Chamber, which is British Olympic Association Approved, and 3-dimensional imaging equipment used to digitally capture human motion for technique analysis.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Alessandro Barcherini

Sport and Exercise Science

Four years ago I was sat at Clifton Campus, taking the men’s first team against Newcastle Uni – and here I am now, working in the Premiership

How you’re taught

The taught modules are delivered by a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions, seminars and tutorials. The research project will involve the design, implementation and evaluation of a major research task.

Study hours

Contact hours for a 20 cp module are typically around 50 hours, with a further 150 hours expected from you for directed and independent study.

Assessment

Students are assessed in a manner consistent with the aims, objectives and learning outcomes of the module. Assessed work will take one or more of the following forms:

  • Research Project
  • Written assignment
  • Oral presentation
  • Formal report
  • Poster presentation
  • Job application and interview (Sport Science in Action)

Contact hours

Lectures / seminars / workshops (20%) and independent study (80%)

Research informed teaching

By daring to think differently our research is tackling real-world issues. The subjects you will study with us are informed by our research so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 100% of NTU's Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.

Staff Profiles

Caroline Sunderland

Associate Professor

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Caroline Sunderland, Associate Professor in the Department of Sport Science at Nottingham Trent University.

Stuart Jolly

Principal Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Dr Stuart Jolly is a Principal Lecturer in the sport academic team at Nottingham Trent University, with extensive experience of course development, quality assurance, course and module leadership, and teaching

John Morris

Associate Professor

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about John Morris, Associate Professor, in the Department of Sport Science at Nottingham Trent University.

How you’re assessed

Coursework (100%)

Careers and employability

Graduates of this Sport Science Masters course have pursued careers in sports marketing and management, sports injury and rehabilitation and sport psychology research.

Employers have included:

  • Manchester United FC
  • Northumbria University
  • Institute of Youth Sport
  • Kings College
  • English Institute of Sport.

This degree can provide a platform for students who are considering a PhD, and want to gain further experience and relevant qualifications before committing to a research degree.

Placements and work experience opportunities are available throughout your period of study. The University's Employability team has an enviable reputation for helping our graduates find employment and offers individual consultations. Sessions are available to all students at NTU on CV writing and interview technique. Examples of opportunities include, but are not limited to:

  • performance analysts at professional football clubs
  • sports science support with elite athletes
  • strength and conditioning work with elite athletes
  • physiological monitoring of elite athletes
  • research experience by assisting staff and PhD students
  • creativity and innovation management placements at Alton Towers resort.

Re:search Re:imagined

To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.

Find out more

NTU Enterprise

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.

Campus and facilities

Entry requirements

What are we looking for?

  • A UK honours degree (minimum 2.1) or equivalent in sport science or a relevant discipline such as psychology, biology or biochemistry
  • Other qualifications and experience are welcomed.
  • NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.

    All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

You will need:

  • A UK honours degree (minimum 2.1) or equivalent in sport science or a relevant discipline such as psychology, biology or biochemistry
  • Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Fees and funding

Course fees for September 2023 are:

Study routeUK International / EU
Full-time £9,300 £16,800
Part-time £4,650 £8,400*

* For part-time study, please check your student visa regulations.

Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.

Funding your studies

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and living costs page and our funding page will answer all your questions.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on +44 (0)115 848 2494. For scholarship help, please contact us on +44 (0)115 848 4460.

Course fees for September 2023 are:

Study routeUK International / EU
Full-time £9,300 £16,800
Part-time £4,650 £8,400*

* For part-time study, please check your student visa regulations.

Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when offered to study at NTU.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

How to apply

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the application instructions. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved and a personal statement.

Keeping up to date

After applying, we’ll send you important emails throughout the application process, so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After applying, we'll send you important emails throughout the application process, so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

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