Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences PhD

Our research-based programmes - PhD and MSc by Research - allow you to make a significant contribution to knowledge in, and understanding of, your chosen field.

PhD

The PhD is a substantial piece of independent research which makes a contribution to the state of existing knowledge in the field.

The PhD programme is designed to take three years full-time or six years part-time. The PhD is examined by submission of a thesis of up to 100,000 words and by oral examination.

MSc by Research

We also offer an MSc by Research, taken one year full-time or two years part-time. This pure research degree consists of a sustained piece of research culminating in either a dissertation of 30,000 words or a portfolio of smaller projects*.

If you are interested in the MSc by Research Education and Sport, you can apply via our Education PhD and MScR page:

• MSc by Research Education and Sport

*(Revised 16 February 2021 to update information on MScR.)

Contact a potential supervisor

You are encouraged to contact a potential supervisor to discuss your research project before making a formal application.

Start dates

You may start your studies with us either on the 1st October or the 1st January of a year.

PhD

Students following the PhD degree are normally supported in their research by two supervisors.

The first of these will be a member of staff who has expertise in the general area of your proposed research topic and the second will be another expert in the field who may come from within the School, University or a field of practice.

Most students who are accepted begin a period of research leading to a PhD; however, the first year of this degree is probationary and progression to year two is dependent on satisfactory progress.

We offer a number of courses in research methodologies, which PhD students are encouraged to take during their first year.

PhD students work closely with their supervisors, who are recognised experts in the field. All PhD students pursue an individually tailored programme of research training agreed with their supervisors.

Our PhD programmes provide core training in the research skills necessary to flourish at doctoral level and beyond.

MSc by Research

Students following the MScR degree will be assigned one supervisor with whom they will work to plan, execute, interpret and write up their independent research project.

In between meetings, students are expected to work on their own initiative, but may of course contact their supervisor at any time. Students usually meet with their supervisor every 4 weeks*.

*(Revised 16 February 2021 to update information on MScR.)

The PhD by Distance is available to suitably qualified applicants in the same areas as our on-campus programmes.

The programme allows students who are unable to commit to basing themselves in Edinburgh full time to study for a PhD from their home country or city, however, this is not intended to be a fully online distance learning programme.

For further information on the PhD by Distance option (including criteria for eligibility, required application form and how to apply) please visit the School website:

• Moray House School of Education and Sport PhD by Distance

MSc by Research (MScR)

• A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a related subject is normally required.

PhD

• A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a related subject is normally required.

• Normally also a postgraduate degree with a 60% overall grade point average and 60% in the dissertation, or its international equivalent.

For any of the above programmes, you must also submit a research proposal that fits well with our staff expertise.

We may also consider your application if you have other qualifications or substantial experience; please contact us to check before you apply.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.

English language tests

For 2021 entry we will accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.5 in each module)
• TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 100 (at least 23 in each module). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 176 in each module)
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries.

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than three and a half years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Featured funding*

• Moray House School of Education and Sport postgraduate research funding
• Research Scholarships for international students

*(Revised 26 February 2021 to remove reference to Principal's Career Development PhD Scholarships.)

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding