Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences MPhil

About the course

Research students are welcomed to Brunel as valued members of our thriving, research-intensive community. A research degree provides the opportunity to investigate a topic in depth, and contribute new knowledge to your discipline.

MPhil degree option
An MPhil involves the exploration of a research topic and is typically studied over a shorter period of 1 year for a full-time student and 2 years for a part-time student. MPhil students are required to demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights informed by the forefront of their discipline, field of study or professional practice.

Research profile

Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences at Brunel hosts a vibrant community of researchers with expertise in both natural and social sciences.

Natural science research focuses on integrative aspects of human physiology, biomechanics and psychology of sport and exercise. A primary aim is to further our fundamental understanding of the regulation and adaptation of the cardiovascular, respiratory and neuromuscular systems to exercise and training, as well as the physiological, biomechanical and psychological limitations to human sport performance and exercise tolerance.

Social science research focuses on the role of sport, health and wellbeing in contemporary society and their relevance to policy and practice. Work spans a wide remit, from analysis of healthy lifestyles and recreational sport participation, to research into elite sport systems and performers.

More about research in this area

The Division’s natural science researchers are members of the College Research Centres Centre for Human Performance, Exercise and Rehabilitation (CHPER) and Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience (CCN).

The Division’s social science researchers are members of the Welfare, Health and Wellbeing Theme in the Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, where they form a specialist group for sport, health and wellbeing research. The Theme is led by Professor Tess Kay, Professor of Sport and Social Sciences.

Potential research projects

Our research is highly regarded and offers talented researchers the opportunity to:

Join an internationally recognised environment for research excellence – Brunel is ranked #3 and #5 in the UK for sport and exercise research in terms of research intensity and power, respectively (REF2014), and highest for sport and exercise research in London.
Be part of an expert community that publishes world-leading research addressing priority challenges in sport and exercise, health and wellbeing.
Benefit from our excellent relationships with sport performance and health organisations in the public, private and third sector, including policymakers, health professionals, professional sport, and local delivery partners in health, sport development and education.
Enjoy being part of a well-resourced, collegial research environment - all our research students are based in our dedicated postgraduate study rooms alongside academic staff offices and play a full part in the activities of the Division.

Employability
Careers and your future

Paid work available to research students

Undertaking teaching and learning support duties represents an important professional and career development opportunity for postgraduate research students. Brunel offers two levels of paid work available to Postgraduate Research students. The first level post is as a Demonstrator and the second level post is as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA). Teaching and learning support duties will vary between Departments and research students should not rely on such opportunities being available.