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The Master of Research (MRes) allows you to develop specialised research methods in Sport, Exercise and Health Science within a professional research setting. This master's course is excellent preparation for PhD study.

Throughout the programme, you will learn advanced research techniques and skills that will be utilised when leading and conducting collaborative and individual pieces of research. Assignments are designed to reflect the modern multi-cultural world, and you will be encouraged to develop an understanding of, and respect for, the diverse needs of participants and clients from different clinical groups and cultural backgrounds.

Within this programme, you will have the opportunity to ‘tailor’ your qualification to focus on your area of interest within Sport, Exercise and Health Science. Your programme will be built from a variety of disciplines, including Clinical Exercise Physiology, Sport and Exercise Nutrition, Strength and Conditioningand Sport Performance and Analysis. You will be equipped with the essential skills to pursue a career in research within sport and exercise science, as well as health research within different clinical populations.

You will also learn advanced professional skills. Such as reviewing literature, writing original research, presenting, media awareness and time management, all of which are required for getting started in any aspect of professional research. These skills will provide you with a solid foundation for future research qualifications as well as a desirable skill-set for employers.

Research training modules and your dissertation will be guided by highly experienced and active researchers from a range of disciplines (Strength and Conditioning, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Sport and Exercise Nutrition, Exercise Science and Physiotherapy). Furthermore, you will have access to the specialist research facilities which include a sprint track, nutrition laboratory, body composition laboratory, neurophysiology laboratory, exercise physiology laboratory, biomechanics laboratory, clinical gait laboratory, and strength and conditioning suite.

Northumbria has an unrivalled reputation for sport and exercise science research power in the North East. 

Findout more about studying an MRes at Northumbria University here.

Course Information

Level of Study
Postgraduate

Mode of Study
1 Year Full-Time

Department
Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2024

Fee Information

Module Information

Funding and Scholarships

Discover the funding options available to you

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Entry Requirements 2024/25

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree in sports science, or a related subject including anatomy and physiology. Applicants with appropriate work experience and/or a relevant professional qualification will be considered.

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

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*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS.  You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Fees and Funding 2024/25 Entry

Full UK Fee: £10,460

Full EU Fee: £19,750

Full International Fee: £19,750



Scholarships and Discounts

Click here for UK, EU and International scholarship, fees, and funding information.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

There are no Additional Costs

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

How to Apply

Please use the Apply Now button at the top of this page to submit your application.

Certain applications may need to be submitted via an external application system, such as UCAS, Lawcabs or DfE Apply.

The Apply Now button will redirect you to the relevant website if this is the case.

You can find further application advice, such as what to include in your application and what happens after you apply, on our Admissions Hub Admissions | Northumbria University



Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

SP7000 -

Sport Research Methods (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn a range of research approaches and data analysis methods applicable to your subject of study as well as a critical understanding of their relative strengths and weaknesses. You will learn how these approaches can be applied in the planning of a methodologically-rigorous and ethically-sound research study.

More information

SP7001 -

Cardiovascular Conditions (Optional,20 Credits)

On this module you will explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of cardiovascular conditions and learn how to safely assess and prescribe exercise for people living with these conditions. You will critically appraise the literature related to exercise intolerance, physical activity promotion and exercise as a treatment to manage these conditions. You will also develop an understanding of good clinical practice for the assessment of patients and evaluate and interpret patient’s physical health, using physiological tests, such as blood pressure and ECG assessment.

More information

SP7002 -

Principles of Exercise Prescription and Assessment (Optional,20 Credits)

This practical focussed module will provide the foundations of exercise assessment, prescription and physical activity promotion. You will critically appraise the evidence base and guidelines related to exercise assessment, prescription, and physical activity promotion. You will cover important principles in relation to the frequency, intensity, type, time, volume and progression of exercise in the context of strength, aerobic fitness, balance, flexibility and mobility. You will also consider the needs and preferences of the patient or client in your exercise prescription. The core principles learned on this module can be applied within the condition specific modules on the programme, where you will learn how to tailor them to different conditions.

More information

SP7004 -

Respiratory, Cancer and Neurological conditions (Optional,20 Credits)

On this module you will explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of respiratory, cancer and neurological conditions and learn how to safely assess and prescribe exercise for people living with these conditions. You will critically appraise the literature related to exercise intolerance, physical activity promotion and exercise as a treatment to manage these conditions. You will also develop an understanding of good clinical practice for the assessment of patients and evaluate and interpret patient’s physical capacity, using physiological tests, such as lung function assessment.

More information

SP7005 -

Ageing, Musculoskeletal and Metabolic Conditions (Optional,20 Credits)

On this module you will explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of ageing, musculoskeletal and metabolic conditions and learn how to safely assess and prescribe exercise for people living with these conditions. You will critically appraise the literature related to exercise intolerance, physical activity promotion and exercise as a treatment to manage these conditions. You will also develop an understanding of good clinical practice for the assessment of patients and evaluate and interpret patient’s physical health, using physiological tests, such as strength assessment and gait analysis.

More information

SP7007 -

Applied Strength & Conditioning (Optional,20 Credits)

On Applied Strength and Conditioning you will critically engage with the scientific underpinning to a range of training modalities and interventions that are routinely used in the athletic development process. This will include study of the physiology and biomechanics underpinning training and adaptation in resistance training, plyometrics, multidirectional speed and agility training, endurance training and others. You will apply this knowledge to the athletic development process through engagement with the prescription and coaching of key aspects of each training mode/intervention, with a specific emphasis on the coaching of the key technical aspects.

More information

SP7008 -

Strategic Interactions in Performance Sport (Optional,20 Credits)

This module focuses on the complex social and interactional nature of sports work across a range of professional roles (e.g., sport coach, video analyst, strength and conditioning specialist, sport scientist etc.). You will explore key challenges and opportunities facing sport professionals who are tasked with leading, influencing and supporting diverse webs of stakeholders that span highly dynamic organisational contexts. This module will help you to critically reflect upon and develop the intrapersonal, interpersonal and analytical skills necessary to negotiate the demands and dilemmas inherent in contemporary sports work. You will engage in inquiry, interpretation and explanation of your own strategic interactions and those of other people, as well as their complex situated interrelationships, and you will learn to locate and apply your knowledge through socio-pedagogical theorising at the forefront of academic and professional practice in sport.

More information

SP7010 -

Physiology of Sport Performance (Optional,20 Credits)

You will critically engage with contemporary issues relating to the physiology of sport performance and will apply this knowledge to conduct an assessment and report for a real athlete/client. You will study the physiology of training from an assessment and adaptation perspective, in order to understand how exercise interventions can be designed to target specific physiological adaptation, and how these adaptations can be quantified through appropriate physiological assessment. You will also study the long-term planning process and how knowledge of adaptation can be applied to the prescription of training.

More information

SP7011 -

Exercise Metabolism (Optional,20 Credits)

This module provides you with an understanding of the biochemical principles of exercise metabolism. You will first gain advanced knowledge of the pathways involved in energy metabolism at rest, as well as during and post exercise. Building on this knowledge, you will gain an appreciation of how manipulating variables within exercise and nutrition can alter metabolism and how this can subsequently influence adaptation to such changes. The module will also cover nutritional trends and contemporary topics from a biochemical standpoint. During the module you will use the skills of using biochemical concepts to critique scientific articles as well as mainstream media articles. You will also utilise these skills to form coherent arguments within the context of contemporary topics.

More information

SP7012 -

Practical Skills for Sport and Exercise Nutritionists (Optional,20 Credits)

In this module you will gain advanced skills and understanding of the practical requirements needed for a career in nutrition. The module will cover a critical overview of the assessment of energy balance and provide new insights to alternative techniques. You will also learn advanced knowledge of the tools and techniques used to assess body composition, and gain an understanding of how to identify potential issues and troubleshoot such issues. The module will also give you an understanding of key laboratory skills and techniques that is beneficial for both applied nutrition and nutritional research.

More information

SP7013 -

Applied Sport Nutrition (Optional,20 Credits)

The focus of this module will be on sport and exercise nutrition interventions that aim to improve athlete performance and wellbeing. You will learn what the current guidelines are, and critically review the underlying evidence base for these guidelines. Then you will apply your knowledge to adapt the recommendations for different situational (e.g. time of season, competition schedule, environment, and travelling) or personal contexts (e.g. demographic, other lifestyle commitments, special dietary requirements, and ethical and cultural beliefs). The module will take a food first approach but discuss ergogenic aids and supplements for individual needs where appropriate in the context of current anti-doping advice.

More information

SP7018 -

Performance Analysis and Data Analytics (Optional,20 Credits)

On this module you will develop an in-depth understanding of the importance of performance analysis in sport and gain experience in designing, analysing and presenting sports performance reports. The module will cover topics such as; opponent analysis, data mining and player performance. The principles behind these processes and the techniques used to investigate these areas will be covered. You will get hands on experience using a range of technologies to understand the process behind analysis of performance and data analytics. You will learn what it is like to work in the applied performance analysis field with guest lectures from current performance analysts at a range of sporting organisations. You will be able to, by the end of the module, understand how to collect, analyse and present objective and reliable performance analysis data which can then be used to infer about individual’s and teams’ sporting performances.

More information

SP7019 -

Working with Elite Performers (Optional,20 Credits)

The module “Working with elite performers” aims to support coaches and practitioners who aspire to or already work with athletes of high potential to reach their goals. This module connects the latest in research and theoretical developments with applied practice and reflection and is designed to dovetail harmoniously with your current coaching and applied sports science practice. You can shape the module to suit your current or aspirational needs and will enjoy the benefits of accessing our world class learning facilities throughout your degree. Your learning will be supported by academics who are active researchers and practitioners in this area, alongside tutors, who are, or have been active Coaches, Coach Educators and Trainers for National and International federations. You will undertake research yourselves to develop key skills and deepen your overall learning experiences. These skills can then be applied in your own context to support the performance improvements which are desired.

More information

SP7021 -

Research in Practice (Core,20 Credits)

This module provides you with the opportunity to participate in a research project within one of the research groups present in the Department, to appraise your own skills and training needs in relation to the project and to reflect of your contribution and involvement. Your involvement will provide you with the practical skills and knowledge associated with running a research project in a research group setting. The primary intention is that you are given a ‘hands-on’ experience in the skills that underpin scientific research in exercise science.

More information

SP7022 -

SER MRes PG Project (Core,100 Credits)

This module provides you with the opportunity for independent study in an area of relevance to exercise science. You are expected to use skills and knowledge acquired in modules as the basis for an in depth investigation of specific issues in the discipline. The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to carry out an extensive, empirical investigation related to a topic of your own choice, where you will develop skills in communication, critical thinking and independent enquiry.

More information

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

SP7000 -

Sport Research Methods (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn a range of research approaches and data analysis methods applicable to your subject of study as well as a critical understanding of their relative strengths and weaknesses. You will learn how these approaches can be applied in the planning of a methodologically-rigorous and ethically-sound research study.

More information

SP7001 -

Cardiovascular Conditions (Optional,20 Credits)

On this module you will explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of cardiovascular conditions and learn how to safely assess and prescribe exercise for people living with these conditions. You will critically appraise the literature related to exercise intolerance, physical activity promotion and exercise as a treatment to manage these conditions. You will also develop an understanding of good clinical practice for the assessment of patients and evaluate and interpret patient’s physical health, using physiological tests, such as blood pressure and ECG assessment.

More information

SP7002 -

Principles of Exercise Prescription and Assessment (Optional,20 Credits)

This practical focussed module will provide the foundations of exercise assessment, prescription and physical activity promotion. You will critically appraise the evidence base and guidelines related to exercise assessment, prescription, and physical activity promotion. You will cover important principles in relation to the frequency, intensity, type, time, volume and progression of exercise in the context of strength, aerobic fitness, balance, flexibility and mobility. You will also consider the needs and preferences of the patient or client in your exercise prescription. The core principles learned on this module can be applied within the condition specific modules on the programme, where you will learn how to tailor them to different conditions.

More information

SP7004 -

Respiratory, Cancer and Neurological conditions (Optional,20 Credits)

On this module you will explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of respiratory, cancer and neurological conditions and learn how to safely assess and prescribe exercise for people living with these conditions. You will critically appraise the literature related to exercise intolerance, physical activity promotion and exercise as a treatment to manage these conditions. You will also develop an understanding of good clinical practice for the assessment of patients and evaluate and interpret patient’s physical capacity, using physiological tests, such as lung function assessment.

More information

SP7005 -

Ageing, Musculoskeletal and Metabolic Conditions (Optional,20 Credits)

On this module you will explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of ageing, musculoskeletal and metabolic conditions and learn how to safely assess and prescribe exercise for people living with these conditions. You will critically appraise the literature related to exercise intolerance, physical activity promotion and exercise as a treatment to manage these conditions. You will also develop an understanding of good clinical practice for the assessment of patients and evaluate and interpret patient’s physical health, using physiological tests, such as strength assessment and gait analysis.

More information

SP7007 -

Applied Strength & Conditioning (Optional,20 Credits)

On Applied Strength and Conditioning you will critically engage with the scientific underpinning to a range of training modalities and interventions that are routinely used in the athletic development process. This will include study of the physiology and biomechanics underpinning training and adaptation in resistance training, plyometrics, multidirectional speed and agility training, endurance training and others. You will apply this knowledge to the athletic development process through engagement with the prescription and coaching of key aspects of each training mode/intervention, with a specific emphasis on the coaching of the key technical aspects.

More information

SP7008 -

Strategic Interactions in Performance Sport (Optional,20 Credits)

This module focuses on the complex social and interactional nature of sports work across a range of professional roles (e.g., sport coach, video analyst, strength and conditioning specialist, sport scientist etc.). You will explore key challenges and opportunities facing sport professionals who are tasked with leading, influencing and supporting diverse webs of stakeholders that span highly dynamic organisational contexts. This module will help you to critically reflect upon and develop the intrapersonal, interpersonal and analytical skills necessary to negotiate the demands and dilemmas inherent in contemporary sports work. You will engage in inquiry, interpretation and explanation of your own strategic interactions and those of other people, as well as their complex situated interrelationships, and you will learn to locate and apply your knowledge through socio-pedagogical theorising at the forefront of academic and professional practice in sport.

More information

SP7010 -

Physiology of Sport Performance (Optional,20 Credits)

You will critically engage with contemporary issues relating to the physiology of sport performance and will apply this knowledge to conduct an assessment and report for a real athlete/client. You will study the physiology of training from an assessment and adaptation perspective, in order to understand how exercise interventions can be designed to target specific physiological adaptation, and how these adaptations can be quantified through appropriate physiological assessment. You will also study the long-term planning process and how knowledge of adaptation can be applied to the prescription of training.

More information

SP7011 -

Exercise Metabolism (Optional,20 Credits)

This module provides you with an understanding of the biochemical principles of exercise metabolism. You will first gain advanced knowledge of the pathways involved in energy metabolism at rest, as well as during and post exercise. Building on this knowledge, you will gain an appreciation of how manipulating variables within exercise and nutrition can alter metabolism and how this can subsequently influence adaptation to such changes. The module will also cover nutritional trends and contemporary topics from a biochemical standpoint. During the module you will use the skills of using biochemical concepts to critique scientific articles as well as mainstream media articles. You will also utilise these skills to form coherent arguments within the context of contemporary topics.

More information

SP7012 -

Practical Skills for Sport and Exercise Nutritionists (Optional,20 Credits)

In this module you will gain advanced skills and understanding of the practical requirements needed for a career in nutrition. The module will cover a critical overview of the assessment of energy balance and provide new insights to alternative techniques. You will also learn advanced knowledge of the tools and techniques used to assess body composition, and gain an understanding of how to identify potential issues and troubleshoot such issues. The module will also give you an understanding of key laboratory skills and techniques that is beneficial for both applied nutrition and nutritional research.

More information

SP7013 -

Applied Sport Nutrition (Optional,20 Credits)

The focus of this module will be on sport and exercise nutrition interventions that aim to improve athlete performance and wellbeing. You will learn what the current guidelines are, and critically review the underlying evidence base for these guidelines. Then you will apply your knowledge to adapt the recommendations for different situational (e.g. time of season, competition schedule, environment, and travelling) or personal contexts (e.g. demographic, other lifestyle commitments, special dietary requirements, and ethical and cultural beliefs). The module will take a food first approach but discuss ergogenic aids and supplements for individual needs where appropriate in the context of current anti-doping advice.

More information

SP7018 -

Performance Analysis and Data Analytics (Optional,20 Credits)

On this module you will develop an in-depth understanding of the importance of performance analysis in sport and gain experience in designing, analysing and presenting sports performance reports. The module will cover topics such as; opponent analysis, data mining and player performance. The principles behind these processes and the techniques used to investigate these areas will be covered. You will get hands on experience using a range of technologies to understand the process behind analysis of performance and data analytics. You will learn what it is like to work in the applied performance analysis field with guest lectures from current performance analysts at a range of sporting organisations. You will be able to, by the end of the module, understand how to collect, analyse and present objective and reliable performance analysis data which can then be used to infer about individual’s and teams’ sporting performances.

More information

SP7019 -

Working with Elite Performers (Optional,20 Credits)

The module “Working with elite performers” aims to support coaches and practitioners who aspire to or already work with athletes of high potential to reach their goals. This module connects the latest in research and theoretical developments with applied practice and reflection and is designed to dovetail harmoniously with your current coaching and applied sports science practice. You can shape the module to suit your current or aspirational needs and will enjoy the benefits of accessing our world class learning facilities throughout your degree. Your learning will be supported by academics who are active researchers and practitioners in this area, alongside tutors, who are, or have been active Coaches, Coach Educators and Trainers for National and International federations. You will undertake research yourselves to develop key skills and deepen your overall learning experiences. These skills can then be applied in your own context to support the performance improvements which are desired.

More information

SP7021 -

Research in Practice (Core,20 Credits)

This module provides you with the opportunity to participate in a research project within one of the research groups present in the Department, to appraise your own skills and training needs in relation to the project and to reflect of your contribution and involvement. Your involvement will provide you with the practical skills and knowledge associated with running a research project in a research group setting. The primary intention is that you are given a ‘hands-on’ experience in the skills that underpin scientific research in exercise science.

More information

SP7022 -

SER MRes PG Project (Core,100 Credits)

This module provides you with the opportunity for independent study in an area of relevance to exercise science. You are expected to use skills and knowledge acquired in modules as the basis for an in depth investigation of specific issues in the discipline. The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to carry out an extensive, empirical investigation related to a topic of your own choice, where you will develop skills in communication, critical thinking and independent enquiry.

More information

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.



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Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support




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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* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

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