Our Programmes

MSc/MA by Research: One year full-time (or two years part-time) in-depth research on a specified topic, culminating in a written thesis of up to 50,000 words. If your topic is suitable and you demonstrate an aptitude for research, this programme can lead onto research at the PhD level. 

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): Three years full-time (or up to six years part-time) in which students undertake a significant piece of original research, which advances current knowledge. This culminated in a written thesis of up to 100,000 words, or in some instances, a series of peer-reviewed publications.

Career Opportunities 

Our postgraduate researchers leave the Department highly skilled in research and project management (from conceptual development, gaining ethical approval, data collection, data analysis, presenting findings). They have high levels of expertise in their research subject and discipline; superior knowledge of IT systems and relevant software; problem solving; partnership working; and communication.

Eligibility 

• Minimum entry requirements are an upper second-class honours degree (2:1) from a UK university or equivalent degree qualification from an overseas university.
• A Masters qualification is required for entry onto our PhD programme. 
• Evidence of research skills and / or experience is required.
• English language requirements (see below)

Fees, Funding and Studentships 

Many students fund their studies privately (“self-fund”). There are some opportunities for financial support from the University, from competitive scholarships, and through partnerships with external organisations. 

Find out more about Postgraduate Research funding opportunities within the Department of Sport & Exercise Sciences.

The University also provide information on a wide range of Postgraduate Scholarships, which you may be eligible for.

Find out more about Tuition Fees and Charges.

How to Apply 

1. Review our academic staff members areas of expertise.

Admissions decisions are based on the fit of your proposed research with our strategic research interests, our areas of expertise, and supervisor availability. You can find information about our academic staff members and areas of expertise here.

2. Complete an Expression of Interest form.

The Expression of Interest form provides us with initial information about you, your research interests, and preferences for postgraduate research. Upon receiving your form, we will contact you to discuss next steps, and if appropriate connect you with a potential supervisor.

3. Submit a formal application.

A formal application to study for a Postgraduate Research Degree must be submitted through our online application process, using the Durham University Postgraduate Application Portal.

You will need to provide the following documentation:

• A current Curriculum Vitae/Resumé.
• A research proposal, which is no longer than 2,000 words in length (excluding bibliography), which specifies a topic of study, aims and objectives, proposed research methods and ethical considerations. We recommend you prepare this proposal after you have been connected with a potential supervisor within the Department to discuss your ideas.
• Two letters of reference (at least one must be an academic reference).
• Transcripts of your previous degree(s), professionally translated if not in English.
• Evidence of English language requirements (if applicable).

International Students

Durham has a long and proud history of welcoming overseas students from countries across the globe. Find out more about studying at Durham University as an International student.  

English Language Requirements

To make sure you can benefit fully from the unique learning experience available at Durham it’s important that you can demonstrate competency in the English language at the level required for the course you want to study. 

If English is not your first language, the required level for direct entry onto Postgraduate Research in the Department of Sport & Exercise Sciences is Band B.

Find out about English language test exemptions for Postgraduate study.

Find our about Pre-Sessional Academic English Courses at Durham.

Applicants who cannot evidence the English language requirements at the time of application, may still be considered for a conditional offer. However, an unconditional offer is required to secure a UK Visa and many funders/scholarships also require an unconditional offer to be in place. We recommend that applicants provide English Language evidence at the point of application or as soon as possible after this.

Start Dates

Our main intake of new students takes place in October. In some circumstances, it is also possible to start your course in January or April. 

What happens after I have submitted my application?

Applications are typically processed within four to six weeks of receipt, although in some cases we do need to request further information. Candidates will receive official notification of the outcome from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office. Successful candidates should ensure that they provide us with the required supporting documentation as soon as possible. 

Visiting Postgraduate Research Students

Research Postgraduate visiting students are defined as students who attend the University and receive advice and support through supervision and use of research facilities. Such students may also join existing taught modules where this would support their research. These students will receive no credit or qualification from the University for either the research they undertake or any taught modules they join.

Applications must be made via the University Postgraduate Application Portal following contact with a suitable member academic staff, and approval from the departmental Director of Postgraduate Research.

Our standard entrance requirements apply. Visiting student applicants should be aware of  Visa requirements.

Visiting Students (Postgraduate Research) Fees and Charges:

*The maximum length of visit for a PGR is 12 months.

Operating Principles

• Visiting Undergraduate Home fees are calculated at 95% of the Full-Time Home fee. Visiting Undergraduate Overseas fees are calculated at 85% of the lower bound of the range of Full-Time fees. All fees are divided termly (36:36:28).
• Visiting Postgraduate Taught fees are calculated at 95% of the Full-Time fee, either Home or Overseas as appropriate. All fees are divided termly (36:36:28).
• The termly fee for Postgraduate Taught students remains the same regardless of the number of modules studied. No additional fees can be charged by the Department.
• Departments retain discretion to charge Visiting Postgraduate Research students additional fees to cover costs not included in the standard fee.
• Departments also retain the flexibility to waive all or part of the fee for Visiting Postgraduate Research students where a reciprocal partnership agreement is in place with the student’s parent institution, or where there is a strategic case to do so.

For any further information, please contact: ses.postgraduate@durham.ac.uk