Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
The Doctor of Sport (DSport) at Northumbria is designed to train skilled researcher-practitioners who bridge the gap between academia and the complex realities of sports and exercise professions. This unique course is embedded in industry, such that your research is inseparable from, and informed by, your experiences in practice. Crucially, your experience will enable you to adopt a demand-driven approach to research and position you at the nexus between scholarship and industry in ways that drives knowledge generation and knowledge mobilisation.
Throughout the studies, you'll design research that addresses workplace opportunities, solves complex problems, generates novel understanding, and promotes ethical, professional practice. You'll refine your research skills and learn to critically evaluate and apply your findings to inform change and produce tangible impact. By the end, you'll not only develop advanced expertise but also contribute original, evidence-based scholarship that benefit your professional practice, your organisation, and the broader field.
The heart of the course is a doctoral thesis tailored to your career goals. This work reflects your growth as a researcher and practitioner, offering insights that drive meaningful change and enhance the systems where you work. It's a journey of growth, innovation, and practical impact!
This course is also available as full-time study.
Applicants should normally have:
A Master's degree in a relevant sport and/or exercise subject area . Other relevant science or health related subjects may be considered on an individual basis.
Additional requirements
Please note that acceptance is also subject to available supervisor expertise in the department to support your area of Research
International qualifications:
Students who have studied a non-UK qualification, can see how their qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that they received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry?
Approval of international qualifications must be sought and attained from the British Psychological Society.
English language requirements:
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
UK Fee in Year 1: £4,969
International Fee in Year 1: £17,980
Please note, the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme is not eligible for the Doctoral Loan. Further information can be found on the Government website.
Click here for UK and International Scholarship, Fees and Funding information.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
There are no Additional Costs
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
SP7029 -
Planning Professional Practice & Research (Core,30 Credits)
The taught module delivers learning on critiquing professional development practices, contextualising research within professional practice, developing and planning applied research, structured reflection for self-assessment, and the general planning of training and development.
More informationThe following alternative study options are available for this course:
Oct start
To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.
The doctorate is designed to help you grow as a skilled researcher-practitioner, blending academic research with real-world application. It also opens pathways to potential academic careers if desired.
You’ll develop practical skills like problem-solving, ethical decision-making, creative thinking, and advanced research techniques, all tailored to address real challenges in your field. The doctorate emphasises impactful, high-quality research, helping you design effective, ethical solutions for complex problems in your professional practice.
Throughout your studies, you'll have access to the Graduate Futures Team, who offer personalised career advice, resources, and opportunities like volunteering, internships, and work experience to support your career growth.
We have a fantastic service for students' to use to gain advice and tips on furthering careers and enhancing their employability.
Careers and Employment Services
The tutors involved in this course are highly experienced, research-active staff.
Supervisors are normally allocated, where possible, to reflect both your research interests and the expertise of the university’s staff.
These research areas may include:
As a DSport student at Northumbria, you may have access to facilities related to your chosen specialism and research type, be that qualitative, quantitative, or both
As well as this, postgraduate students may also have access to our The Research Commons on City Campus. This is a dedicated space designed to foster interdisciplinary networking, collaboration, and digital scholarship for postgraduate research students and academic staff.
Facilities include individual study areas with PCs, Macs, and dual-screen monitors, as well as collaborative spaces and consultation rooms, and a central hub with soft seating, a research reference collection. Drop-in sessions with library staff may provide expert support on topics like copyright, scholarly communication, and reference tools.
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy
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northumbria.ac.uk/complaints
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