Intro

This MRes programme is dedicated to the development of professionally based research skills in the sport for development sector.

The course focuses upon the concepts, practices, evidence and organisational knowledge in which sport is used to tackle a range of social welfare issues, and how development has come about through sport policy worldwide.

A particular focus of the course is on the evolving role of sport in the field of international development and this is brought to life by practical work with NGOs and other organisations.

It considers the conceptual and ideological dimensions of this rapidly expanding sector, and looks to evaluate those action-based interventions that aim to address inequalities and ameliorate conflict in seriously divided societies.

The course is led by Dr Thomas Carter, who is a leading authority in this area with his work on labour migration, human trafficking, and governance in sport.

Dr Carter heads a group of internationally renowned staff with a variety of research interests, including Professor John Sugden who is internationally renowned for his work in the field of sport for development and peace.

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

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.

Content will be primarily delivered by the research supervisor in the form of group and individual tutorials, research seminars and practical workshops.

You will contribute to seminar debates helping to form your knowledge through peer and interactive learning. Peer feedback and tutorials 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 also make full use of the university’s online virtual learning environment and library facilities.

Areas of study

You'll study sport and international development using a critical social science perspective whilst conducting research in partnership with a sport for development organisation.

The course is designed to maximise your opportunities to gain professional experience whilst studying.

Modules

Evidence Building in Sport for Development (20 credits)
Principles of Sport and International Development (20 credits)
Research Positioning (20 credits)
Becoming an Independent Researcher (120 credits)

You will be expected to be working with an NGO or other development organisation as part of your course work for the majority of the course. This can include working with our partners or an NGO of your choice (with course leader approval).

Your thesis will be based on research done for, or on, the organisation you work with during your studies and forms the basis of your degree course.

Professional-based learning

The course offers you an opportunity to undertake practical experience in a work environment and gain invaluable first-hand knowledge.

It is designed to help you engage with the process of planning and delivering expertise in practice, develop your research skills and knowledge and to reflect upon and take steps to improve your academic, personal and professional skills.

Our school-based Employability Hub will be on hand to assist you in securing an experience that best meets your career goals and aspirations.

Professional experience will enhance your practice and academic knowledge, and many of our students have started their careers with their placement organisation.

Features

Additional qualifications

During your studies in England you may be able to undertake Football for Peace (F4P) training which leads to a Tier 1 Trainers' qualification. The qualification will enable you to become a volunteer coach on F4P international programmes.

F4P trips are self-funded and you will therefore be expected to raise funds to cover travel costs.

It may be possible to also study for other qualifications during your course.

Networking opportunities

During your studies there may be opportunities to attend professional events and conferences and you will be encouraged to take advantage of these for networking.

It may also be possible to incorporate a period of studying abroad.

Staff profile

Dr Thomas Carter, course leader

Thomas is an internationally renowned researcher on topics directly related to sport and international development.

He directs the university’s Sport and Leisure Culture Research and Enterprise Group and is the Director of Football 4 Peace International, an NGO that currently works in Northern Ireland, The Gambia, Columbia and South Korea.

Find out more about Thomas.

Other key members of the teaching team include:

Careers

The MRes will enable you to develop your capacity for research in the growing field of sport and international development. It also allows you to progress to an MPhil or a PhD.

You’ll gain the requisite knowledge and skills for a research career with opportunities in a range of organisations including with international NGOs and other deliverers of sport and development projects.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Degree and experience

You will normally require one of the following:

A first degree in any subject, normally a minimum 2:1 classification
HND, foundation degree or equivalent in a related subject and a minimum of five years relevant work experience
a professional qualification in an appropriate discipline and a minimum of five years relevant work experience
substantial work, professional or managerial experience in a relevant industry.

English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in the written test. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

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.

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 bedroom 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.

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.

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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