PhD

Sport and Exercise Science

Key Facts

Course Code C650

  • Qualification

    PhD

  • Course duration

    3 years

Available for September start 2025

Apply Now

The Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University offers numerous research opportunities in many areas of Sports and Exercise Science.

Staff undertake research in the sport and exercise sciences, and provides consultancy services to individuals and organisations in Wales and the rest of the U.K. Based in the Carwyn James Building, the Department’s laboratories contain state-of-the-art equipment for physiological, psychological and biomechanical assessment of sport and exercise performance.

The Department is research active, and members of staff are involved in various projects including collaborative work with other universities and organisations. The Department has particular strengths in respiratory and endurance physiology, and the role of exercise in mental health and well-being and the psychology of sport. Members of academic staff have an established record of publications of high-quality peer reviewed scientific journals, as well as contributing to book chapters, popular magazine articles and television and radio broadcasts on issues related to their work.

Typical Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2:1 Bachelors (Honours) degree in a relevant subject area or equivalent. Subject to agreement with project supervisor.

English Language Requirements IELTS 6.5 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent

Other Requirements Applicants should submit a full research proposal at the point of application

Back to the top

Course Overview

Sport and exercise science is about the scientific analysis of how the human body moves, exercises and performs sport. It is about understanding the sciences of biomechanics, physiology and psychology to provide the theoretical knowledge and it about applying this knowledge to practical situations.

Sport science is concerned with applying science to maximise the performance of an individual athlete or team, whereas exercise science is concerned with applying science to improve health and well-being through exercise. A sport scientist might design a training programme to increase a distance runners’ race speed or improve a basketball teams’ ability to increase the tempo of a game. An exercise scientist, on the other hand, might design a training programme to aid weight loss or improve muscle strength so that an individual can continue to perform daily tasks without becoming tired.