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Students in the teaching gym

Sport and Exercise Science MRes

  • Intro
  • Course
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  • Careers
  • Entry
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Intro

This new course offers a unique opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills and expertise within sport and exercise science at MRes level in the UK.

On our MRes course, you will join one of our vibrant and internationally renowned sport and exercise-based research groups to study current research topics.

You will have full access to our teaching laboratories which are accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and will be able to register on the BASES Supervised Experience Scheme to achieve personal accreditation.

You will work with a committed team of lecturers and researchers in a supportive, lively, highly interactive and nurturing learning environment to foster a positive learning experience.

Students on our long-standing postgraduate taught programmes report extremely high levels of satisfaction.

On completion of the MRes you will have a comprehensive foundation for further postgraduate study at doctoral level and high-level research-based and research-informed practice.

Find out about postgraduate events

Key facts

Location Eastbourne

Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2–6 years

Apply online

Please review the entry requirements carefully and if you have any questions do get in touch with us.

Apply now for your place

In sport and exercise sciences, leisure and tourism, 100% of our research impact is assessed as outstanding or very considerable in terms of its reach and significance in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Course content

Course structure 

The programme is designed for both full-time and part-time students with a flexible framework that can fit it with your professional and personal commitments.

A third of the course consists of three modules. For full-time students these may be completed in one semester depending on your option module choice. 

The remaining two thirds of the MRes will be primarily delivered by your research supervisor in the form of group and individual tutorials, research seminars and practical workshops.

The research experience-based module will help you design and carry out a sizeable project that may lead to your first research publication. Part-time students may take this module in year 2.

The course is mainly delivered via laboratory workshops and seminars with opportunities for formative assessment which may include presentations to the group with peer and tutor feedback. Individual tutorials will provide opportunities for more dedicated individual formative feedback.

In addition to attending taught sessions, you will be expected to sustain a high level of independent study supported by your supervisor. You will make full use of the university’s online virtual learning environment and library facilities.

Reading data from a student's chest in the sports lab

Areas of study

You will study three 20-credit modules and one 120-credit module. One of your 20-credit modules will be chosen from two options. 

Core modules 

  • Science in Practice (20 credits)
  • Research Positioning (20 credits)
  • Becoming an Independent Researcher (120 credits)

Options

  • Applied Environmental Physiology (20 credits)
  • Exercise Tolerance (Integrative Physiology) (20 credits)
students using the BodPod

Professional experience 

The Becoming and Independent Researcher module is a year-long module where you will be immersed into the working life of a dynamic and active research group, gaining invaluable professional experience. 

You’ll become a member of one of our research laboratories within the Sport and Exercise Science and Sports Medicine Research and Enterprise Group where you will have opportunities to converse with lecturers, MRes, MSc and PhD students about research in sport and exercise science.

This will include researching in academia versus industry, types of research, topical debates, research plan development and recent publications in the form of a journal club. 

A group taking readings from a student on a bicycle

Facilities

Our sport and exercise laboratories, which are all accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), include:

  • a molecular genetics laboratory with biobanking
  • a biomechanics laboratory with motion analysis equipment, various EMG systems, and immersive screen
  • two exercise physiology-focussed laboratories where aerobic / anaerobic endurance, power, strength, neuromuscular assessments, assessment of body composition, cardiac and pulmonary screening can be carried out
  • an environmental laboratory with a purpose-built environment chamber where we can simulate different climates by controlling the temperature (-20 to +50°C) and relative humidity (20 to 95%), and a 1.13m x 1.13m x 1.5m water immersion tank
  • a research-based laboratory with an oxygen-controlled chamber to simulate altitude (hypoxia).

Find out more about the facilities available to our sport and exercise students.

The new strength and conditioning suite

Click image to view a virtual tour of our new teaching and research gym

Student using VR for sports

Click image to view a virtual tour of our BASES-accredited labs.


Meet the team

Dr Neil Maxwell

Dr Neil Maxwell is a Reader of Environmental Physiology at the University of Brighton.

Through his research and innovation, Neil aims to inspire health, occupational and sporting communities to engage in safe and effective exercise in environmental extremes and reduce the incidence of illness. He leads the Environmental Extremes Laboratory, where his research focus is towards heat sensitivity during exercise and evaluating practical heat alleviation methods (e.g. heat acclimation, pre and per cooling and hydration manoeuvres) and determining altitude tolerance.

He believes that his experience in education has engendered an empathy when working with the different needs of students and he is prepared to try unorthodox teaching methods in the context of sport and exercise science, and particularly physiology, to stimulate their interest and make learning enjoyable.

Read Neil's full profile.

Other key members of the MRes team include:

  • Dr Jeanne Dekerle
  • Dr Alan Richardson
  • Dr Mark Hayes
  • Dr Peter Watt
Neil Maxwell in the labs

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you’ll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports Scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about Sport Scholarships.

Frisbee

Our sports-related courses are joint 9th in the UK and in the top 100 globally, QS World University Rankings® 2022

Careers

An MRes in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Brighton will help you to stand out in today's competitive job market. It will equip you with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful career in research and is also ideal preparation for continuing your study at MPhil or PhD level.

Research positions our MSc graduates have secured include:

  • Full-time PhD studentship at Loughborough University
  • Full-time PhD studentship at Leeds Beckett
  • Full-time PhD studentship at Northumbria University
  • Graduate Teaching Assistant: Studentship Scheme – four-year studentship with PhD at Sheffield Hallam University
  • Graduate Teaching Assistant and PhD student, Health-Kinesiology-Recreation, University of Utah
  • Test Coordinator, Anti-Doping Agency, Sport Manager
  • Research Support Officer (Health and Performance in British Army Recruits) at Liverpool John Moores University
  • Sport and Exercise Scientist, Surrey Human Performance Institute
  • Laboratory Technician at University of Brighton.
Taking heat readings from a body

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Degree and experience
You will normally require a first degree, minimum 2:1, in sport and exercise science, or a relevant science-based degree such as medicine, biomedical sciences, physiology, biological science, or health science. Equivalent overseas qualifications will be accepted. 

If you do not have the minimum qualifications you may be considered if you can demonstrate appropriate background and foundation knowledge by other means. In these circumstances you may be interviewed so we can evidence:

  • sustained and substantial work in a field cognate to the degree at an appropriate level
  • your ability to undertake, write up and present at honours level research study
  • an appropriate level of understanding of research methods
  • your ability for effective independent study and effective communication.

English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, evidence of having achieved at least a 6.5 IELTS score with 6.5 in the written test.

Other information
Claims for recognition of prior learning will also be considered; both prior experiential learning and prior certificated learning.

All UK applicants, and where practical overseas applicants, will be invited to an informal discussion about the course. 

Students returning to academia after a break of five years or more, will be asked to meet the course leader shortly after acceptance of an unconditional offer. This session will be used to formulate an individual support plan and receive directions for further readings, such as recently published materials in the field of sport and exercise science and masters level study skills.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time)8,100 GBP

International (full-time) 14,300 GBP

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Sport and Health Sciences in the 2022–23 academic year are listed here.

  • Where health course includes a placement
    • UK students – travel costs which are over and above your daily journey to university and dual accommodation costs may be reimbursed by the NHS learning support fund.
    • Overseas students are not covered by the NHS scheme, this means that any additional travel or accommodation costs for this course will be your responsibility. Travel to placement may be up to 90 mins each way/ travel on public transport at peak time cost, and you may incur additional accommodation and living costs if staying away from your usual home base for the length of your placement.
  • An initial set of specialist clothing and uniforms, where required, are included in the course fees.
  • DBS checks and occupational health checks, where required, are included in the fees.
  • Course books are available from the university but you may wish to budget up to £100 if buying your own copies.
  • In sport courses, UK-based field trips are available in some option modules in the final year. You do not have to take these option modules to complete the degree programme. Where a field trip is present costs are covered but you are expected to make a contribution towards food. Typically this is £50.
  • For sports courses which require a placement, you’ll be expected to pay for your living costs and travel. Physical Education (QTS teacher training) students can claim travel costs to their school placement.
  • The school runs a number of day trips which students do not pay for. There may be some food and drink costs and you should budget around £30 per year.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2023–24.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Eastbourne campus

Our campus is within 15 minutes' walk of the beach, South Downs National Park and the Eastbourne's busy town centre.

Campus learning facilities include the Queenwood library, computer rooms, a media centre and a learning and technology suite. Welkin halls are also on campus.

Eastbourne Student Centre provides services including careers, volunteering, counselling and wellbeing, student advice, disability and dyslexia support and chaplaincy.

Queenwood Library at Eastbourne

Accommodation

Eastbourne

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Welkin halls
Located in the Meads area of Eastbourne, right next to the Students' Union and Student Services, Welkin halls are a short walk or bike ride to other areas of the campus.

  • Ensuite halls with a choice of room and flat sizes.
  • All rooms are self-catered with access to shared, fully equipped kitchen facilities.
  • Rent includes all utilities, 24/7 security and support, contents insurance and cleaning of communal areas.

Private renting
Eastbourne offers good choice when it comes to student accommodation.

There’s a good supply of affordable, high quality private rented accommodation and plenty of support and advice from us if you choose this option. Every summer we provide online events and resources, as well as other advice services, for students looking for a place to live and people to share with.

Student accommodation in Eastbourne

Student accommodation in Eastbourne

Welkin bedroom

Student bedroom in Welkin halls

Modern kitchen in Welkin Halls

Modern kitchen in Welkin Halls

Local area

Easy-going Eastbourne

The South Downs National Park, the bustling town centre and the beach with the pier, prom and bandstand are all within a 15-minute walk of our Eastbourne campus. Officially the sunniest place in the UK, Eastbourne has loads on offer: a year-round calendar of sporting events, the independent shops and cafes of Little Chelsea, music and arts festivals, theatres, galleries, great restaurants and high street shopping.

Every June, leading tennis players descend on Eastbourne for one of the main warm-up tournaments for Wimbledon. One of the UK's biggest free extreme sports festivals, Beach Life, takes place on the seafront in July, bringing hi-octane action on land and sea. The international airshow Airbourne is another summer highlight.

Every autumn our students and staff participate in and support the Beachy Head Marathon, one of the UK's largest off-road marathons with challenging climbs and descents along the Seven Sisters.

The beach and the South Downs provide sports opportunities including horse riding, mountain biking, paragliding, sailing, canoeing, body boarding, kayaking, windsurfing and kite surfing.

The Towner Art Gallery has world-class exhibitions of modern and contemporary art and entry is free. Eastbourne also has four theatres, two cinemas and hosts a varied programme of arts and music events throughout the year.

It's only 90 minutes by train from Eastbourne to central London and less than 40 minutes to Brighton. There are also daily direct trains to Ashford International and Gatwick Airport.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Enjoying sport above Eastbourne

Maps

Eastbourne campus map

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

Students talking in a social area

Stay in touch

Find out about postgraduate events

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

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