MScR Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences Heriot-Watt University

The Master of Science by Research (MSc by Research) in Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences will provide you an opportunity to develop expertise in conducting high-quality research in the fields of sport and exercise science, sports engineering, and human health sciences.

The programme will allow you to tailor your learning to your individual research interests and career aspirations. You’ll work closely with your supervisor, who will be identified and allocated to you based on their expertise in your chosen research area. Your supervisor will ensure that your research project aligns with your academic, professional, and personal goals, as well as the department’s research agenda. This will ensure that you work at the forefront of research in sport, exercise, and health sciences.

By building your skills in research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, your research will develop novel findings in your chosen area and lead to real-world impact. Whether you choose to investigate new approaches to sports performance, athlete-equipment interaction, exercise and chronic health conditions, or physical activity interventions for public health challenges, you will learn how to develop new knowledge that can make real-world differences to sport and society. You will develop a robust foundation in scientific research, with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in academic, industry, and other fields, in which evidence-based solutions to sport, exercise, and health challenges are critical.

The MSc by Research programme provides a distinct and valuable pathway for you to pursue a research-focussed career. By emphasising independent research, a collaborative research environment, and by providing training in advanced methodologies, the programme is designed to develop the next generation of experts who will address key challenges in sport, exercise, and human health. The MSc by Research in Sport, Exercise, and Health Science would significantly benefit recent graduates in the area of sport science, sport technology, exercise science, and human health, as well as industry specialists and applied practitioners, seeking to expand their knowledge and expertise.

Entry requirements

A minimum of 2.1 honours degree in a relevant subject. Listed subjects are:

• Sport and Exercise Science
• Physical Activity and Health
• Strength and Conditioning
• Sports Coaching
• Human Physiology
• Human Health
• Biological Sciences
• Biomedical Sciences
• Pharmacology
• Data Science (relevant to human health/performance)