Sport and Exercise Sciences  MRes

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Course Summary

Our MRes in Sport and Exercise Sciences is an innovative opportunity for you to engage in a substantive individual research project with personal supervision and targeted research training. The aim is to give you a supportive environment in which to develop and utilise your existing research skills in specific areas of interest.

You will be taught and supervised by experienced, research-active staff. A large proportion of their research is internationally recognised and has direct impact with real-world practice (i.e. performance, health policy, teaching). Many staff are also engaged with external partners, including sports governing bodies, professional sports clubs and health trusts, which can provide an insight into how research is applied in practice.

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What You'll Study

Modules

This module prepares students for effective, ethical practice in sports medicine and science, focusing on essential competencies for professional support within various sub-disciplines. Students will develop interpersonal skills vital for working with diverse populations, including children and vulnerable adults, following ethical standards like the BASES guidelines. The module covers interview and case history techniques, referral processes, and reflective practice, enhancing students’ skills in patient assessment and self-improvement. Additionally, students will learn to work with data for professional presentations and explore how experimental research informs best practices through models like the scientist-practitioner approach.

This module equips students with essential research skills in sports and exercise medicine and science, from developing research questions to effectively reporting findings. Students will learn to design reliable and valid studies, exploring sampling techniques and addressing key considerations in hypothesis testing. Emphasis is placed on quantitative data analysis, covering traditional and modern statistical methods, along with common statistical flaws. Practical training includes the use of software to apply descriptive and inferential statistics, using real-world sports and exercise data. The module also highlights research ethics, including the process for ethical approval and considerations of current controversies within sports and exercise medicine and science research.

Based on the research-related knowledge and skills acquired in prior taught modules, you will go on to conduct an independent research study in sport and exercise sciences. This will be conducted with appropriate supervision from an expert member of staff. where you will collect appropriate data to answer your research question, before conducting advanced analysis suitable for research. Your assessments will allow you to develop a critical understanding of the research area, before presenting your research findings via means appropriate to the discipline.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

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Postgraduate Sports Video

Who You’ll Learn From

Dr Edd Thomson

Senior Lecturer
Dr Edd Thomson

Professor Jamie Highton

Professor
Professor Jamie Highton

Ed Gray

Senior Lecturer
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How You'll Learn

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Teaching is via research skills seminars and individual supervision

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Assessment is via coursework and a dissertation

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This course is designed around in-person study

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There may be some online learning activities

Entry Requirements

2:1 honours degree

A minimum 2:1 honours degree in a relevant discipline, or substantive professional experience, is required. Consideration will be given to those who hold a lower classification who can demonstrate they are capable of performing at the level required to complete the course successfully. 

2:1 honours degree

A minimum 2:1 honours degree in a relevant discipline, or substantive professional experience, is required. Consideration will be given to those who hold a lower classification who can demonstrate they are capable of performing at the level required to complete the course successfully. 

English Language Requirements

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Where You'll Study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Fitness facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Student Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Fees and Funding

£5,006per year full time (2025/26)

The tuition fees for home students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes in the academic year 2025/26 are £5,006 per year full time.

£15,084per year full time (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes (Classroom) in the academic year 2025/26 are £15,084 per year.

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate Research Programmes (Laboratory) in the academic year 2025/26 are £19,133 per year.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.

Your future Career

Job prospects

Graduates have gone on to roles in applied sport science, teaching and further postgraduate study (i.e. PhD).  

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs .

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