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About the project

Postgraduate research

Applied Sport Science PhD/MSc (Research)

Develop advanced expertise in real-world sport and exercise science through applied, research-led PhD study, combining interdisciplinary science with direct engagement in sport performance environments.

Our Online Application Form and Applicant Self Service will be unavailable from 08:00-14:00 (GMT) on Thursday 29 October for essential maintenance. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

• PhD: 3-4 years full-time; 5 years part-time; MSc (Research): 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time;
• MSc (Research): 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time;

Research projects

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Adaptive Light Training for Enhanced Visual-Cognitive Performance in Sport

Supervisor : Mike King

The project will adopt an interdisciplinary approach, integrating experimental psychology, neuroscience, and sports science. Methods may include controlled laboratory experiments, wearable performance tracking in applied sports settings, and neurophysiological measures (e.g., EEG, MRI and eye-tracking). Longitudinal training studies will assess adaptation over time, alongside transfer tests to real-world performance contexts.

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Developing a Multi-Level Framework for Implementing Sleep and Circadian Interventions in Applied Sport

Supervisor : Mike King and Sandy Wilson

This PhD project aims to develop and evaluate a multi-level, theory-informed framework for implementing sleep and circadian interventions in an applied setting. Drawing on multiple research areas such as behaviour change theory, sleep health models, and applied sport science, the project will adopt a mixed-methods approach to inform the co-development of an implementation framework, which will then be piloted and evaluated within a real-world sport setting. The project will provide a novel, scalable model to support the integration of sleep into athlete performance systems.

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Overview

Our PhD in Applied Sport Science at the University of Glasgow offers a distinctive opportunity to conduct research that directly impacts performance, health and human function in real-world settings.

This programme is designed for students who want to move beyond traditional laboratory-only approaches and engage with applied environments, including sport, clinical and occupational contexts.

Key features

This programme reflects a growing demand for doctoral-level expertise in applied sport and exercise science, preparing graduates for careers in academia and high-performance sport.

Applied Sport Science brings together expertise across the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences to address key challenges in sport performance.

Human Performance

Applied Performance in Real-World Settings

Also see Sport Science

• Applied, real-world focus - conduct research in collaboration with sports organisations, health partners, and performance environments.
• Interdisciplinary supervision - work with leading researchers across physiology, health, epidemiology and human performance.
• Strong pathway progression - ideal for graduates of sport and exercise science, physiology or related disciplines seeking a clear route to doctoral-level applied practice.
• Research with impact - opportunities to contribute to projects aligned with elite performance in real world environment.
• Study in Glasgow - located in one of the UK’s leading research-intensive cities with access to diverse populations, sporting infrastructure and health partnerships.
• Exercise physiology and adaptation
• Psychology interventions in sporting environments
• Fatigue, recovery, and performance optimisation
• Cardiometabolic responses to training and activity
• Athlete monitoring and performance analysis
• Translating laboratory findings into field-based practice
• Collaboration with sport and performance organisations

PhD

Individual research projects are tailored around the expertise of principal investigators.

• Duration: 3/4 years full-time; 5 years part-time

Entry requirements

Our regular standard of admission is usually a 2.1 honours degree.

Required documents Applicants should submit: Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates CV MVLS Cover Letter Two References

Required documents

• Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates
• CV
• MVLS Cover Letter
• Two References

2027/28

Prices are based on the annual fee for full-time study. Fees for part-time study are half the full-time fee.

Irish nationals who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and Internationals with Indefinite Leave to remain status can also qualify for home fee status.

• UK: To be confirmed [26/27 fee was £5,238]
• International & EU: £33,708
• Fee status and policies

Alumni discount

We offer a 15% tuition fee discount to eligible self-funded alumni starting a Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Masters or Postgraduate Research (PGR) programme in the 2027/28 academic year.

This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed a Study Abroad programme, Exchange programme, International Summer School or Erasmus programme with us. This discount can be awarded alongside most University scholarships. No additional application is required.

• Full details of our Alumni Discount

Possible additional fees

Depending on the nature of the research project, some students will be expected to pay a bench fee (also known as research support costs) to cover additional costs. The exact amount will be provided in the offer letter.

• Re-submission by a research student £540
• Submission for a higher degree by published work £1,355
• Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed £350
• Submission by staff in receipt of staff scholarship £790

Graduate School

The College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Graduate School provides a vibrant, supportive and stimulating environment for all our postgraduate students.

Our aim is to provide a research training environment that includes:

Our excellent facilities and dedicated staff will equip you with training complementary to a range of career options, and you can tailor your study pathway to the precise aspects that suit your objectives.

• provision of excellent facilities and cutting edge techniques
• training in essential research and generic skills
• excellence in supervision and mentoring
• interactive discussion groups and seminars
• an atmosphere that fosters critical cultural policy and research analysis
• synergy between research groups and areas
• extensive multidisciplinary and collaborative research
• extensive external collaborations both within and beyond the UK
• a robust generic skills programme including opportunities in social and commercial training

Identify potential supervisors

All postgraduate research students are allocated a supervisor who will act as the main source of academic support and research mentoring. You must identify a potential supervisor supervisor from the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences and contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply. Please note, even if you have spoken to an academic staff member about your proposal you still need to submit an online application form.

Supervisor search

Research projects

If you are interested in a research project listed above, please include the title on your application.

Required documents

Our Online Application Form and Applicant Self Service will be unavailable from 08:00-14:00 (GMT) on Thursday 29 October for essential maintenance. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

• Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates
• CV
• MVLS Cover Letter
• Two References

Contact us

If you require assistance before you apply: mvls-gradschool@glasgow.ac.uk

After you have submitted your application: Admissions Enquiries form

Our research environment

• Discover how we support and develop postgraduate researchers

Induction

• Getting started with PGR development: how postgraduate researchers are welcomed into our community

Postgraduate researcher blogs

• A community blog, written by and for postgraduate researchers at the University of Glasgow

Research areas