Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £14,895 per year
February 2023
May 2023
Course summary
- Become trained in research methods and complete a high level research project
- Study for a higher degree by research in one of our well-respected sport and physical activity research centres.
- Research key themes including sports engineering, physical activity and nutritional innovations for health, sports economics, and sociologies of sport and health.
Study for a higher degree by research in one of our well-respected centres. Across our Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sport Industry Research Centre, Centre for Sport and Exercise Science and Centre for Sports Engineering Research, we focus on cutting-edge applied research in sport and physical activity.
How you learn
On this course you are part of a vibrant community of postgraduates, working closely with experienced academics to develop your knowledge and expertise. We support a wide range of research opportunities and help you work towards your research degree by offering
- supervision by active researchers in your chosen area
- access to excellent facilities and learning resources
- part-time teaching and tutorial work to broaden your experience
- lively debate and discussion with your peers
Course leaders and tutors

Dr Simon Choppin
Associate ProfessorDr Simon Choppin is an Associate Professor in advanced human measurement in the Sports Engineering Research Group
Applied learning
Networking opportunities
In addition to well respected research profiles, many members of our academic team have extensive experience of applied work as consultants with elite sports, governing bodies and healthcare organisations in the UK and internationally.
A number of the team also have honorary academic appointments with universities in several European countries, and we have extensive collaborations with universities in Europe, North American, Australia, East Asia and the Middle East.
Future careers
Research degrees are a vital qualification for most academic careers, and for professional specialisation and development in an existing or planned career.
Where will I study?
You study at Collegiate Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
Collegiate campus
Collegiate Campus can be found just off Ecclesall Road, a bustling student district.
Collegiate Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus

Collegiate library
Collegiate Library can be found just off Ecclesall Road. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
You will join the vibrant community of sports doctoral students, located together with health students In a shared office space which supports collaboration and networking across the doctoral community. You will have access to the specialist laboratory and sports spaces of the centers.
Learn more about your department
Find out about the Sports and Physical Activity subject area at Sheffield Hallam University.
Entry requirements
All students
All applicants should hold a strong undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant masters qualification (or expectation of the same).
All applicants must submit a completed postgraduate application form including a 1500 word research proposal.
You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their current research to inform the development of your research proposal and to ensure it aligns with our research themes. Before submitting your proposal, please contact the member(s) of staff listed against the relevant research theme.
Applicants are required to give a short 10–15 minute presentation followed by an interview. Interview panel members will include the head of research degrees for the relevant research area or centre, a local postgraduate research tutor and a prospective director of studies.
Where English is not your first language, you must show evidence of English language ability to the following minimum level of proficiency: an overall IELTS score of 7.0 or above, with at least 6.5 in each component or an accepted equivalent. Please note that your test score must be current, i.e. within the last two years.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page. You can also watch a video guide on how to apply.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £4,596 per year. An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities. Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute, and will be confirmed in your offer letter.
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £14,895 per year. An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities. Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute, and will be confirmed in your offer letter.

Doctoral student loans
Up to £25,700 available to help you while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Sport and physical activity courses (PDF, 255.9KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.