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In the QS World Rankings
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Course overview
Help athletes achieve greatness with MSc High Performance Sport. Created and delivered by industry experts, build the skills to excel in the ever-changing global landscape of elite sport.
Stay at the forefront of sports science as you enhance your skills working with modern hardware and software, linking to athlete training and testing. Become part of our unique learning environment as you gain insights into advanced periodization models and learn how to develop athletes in high-performance environments.
High-Performance Sport MSc will equip students with a new way to think about and use applied sports science principles when working in sport. What sets us at Birmingham apart is the chance to learn from staff who have worked in the field and external contributors at the top of their disciplines.
Course structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. Study a range of compulsory and optional modules completed with an applied-themed research dissertation. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each semester.
Autumn Term: 29 September 2025 – 12 December 2025
In term one, you will dive straight into undertaking research activities to boost your competence in knowledge generation and implementation. You will undertake a range of compulsary modules with the oppourtunity to tailor your degree to your interests. Select from our optional modules and choose to study either Theory and Practice of Leadership or Innovation in Professional Practice.
Course highlights
Become part of a world-leading research community. Our School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences is one of the longest-established European institutions and the largest facility in the UK. We are home to state of the art research labs dedicated to exercise testing and sample analysis. You will be taught by our very own industry specialists as well as our unparelled networks of external experts. Gain invaluable insights from professionals embedded in elite settings such as football, rugby, and Olympic sports. Our High Performance Sport MSc is the perfect degree if you are passionate about sports performance and already working within the industry or interested in embarking in the domain.
- Study at the UK's largest custom built Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences facility.
- Access dedicated state-of-the-art research laboratories.
- Delivered by industry specilaists.
- Be part of a world-leading research community.
- 6th
In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF)
- 6th
In the world (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- 2nd
In the UK (QS World University Rankings 2024)
Course delivery
Engage in individual and small group learning, through a variety of teaching methods, coupled with independent and peer-to-peer reflections.
- Lectures - delivered by a mixture of academic experts and professional individuals who are active within sports related organisations.
- Seminars and tutorials - led by both tutors and students to facilitate peer-to-peer learning.
- Assessments - a combination of coursework assessments, research papers, reports, reflective commentaries and oral examinations.
Our state-of-the-art research labs are dedicated to exercise testing and sample analysis across the spectrum of sport and exercise sciences. We are also home to a wide range of practical spaces for professional and vocational related research.
Module information
Study 120-credit modules completed with a 60-credit dissertation. You'll cover athlete performance, staff development, periodising and planning training, alongside considerations around physical testing and reporting.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Dissertation | 60 | Full Term |
| LM Effective Strategies for Preparation and Competition | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Evaluating Performance | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Research Methodology in Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Talent Management and Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Leading Others: From Principles to Practice | 20 | Semester 2 |
Students must choose 20 credits from the following list:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Innovation in Professional Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Theory and Practice of Leadership | 20 | Semester 1 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
You will need to obtain a 2:1 Honours degree from a UK academic institution in a discipline related to sport and exercise science.
A level of applied sports science support experience is also required and should be detailed in your application. You will need to possess a suitable knowledge base of research methods acquired through undergraduate training.
Your professional experience can, in certain situations also inform the appropriateness of the application should the above not be met.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
With the demand for highly skilled professionals in high performance sport growing, develop the skills to stand out in today’s competitive job market. This MSc develops key skills that are highly attractive to employers within the sporting industry, namely project management, critical analysis and problem-solving skills. Open doors to exciting career paths within sports organizations, professional teams, and national governing bodies. Potential positions include strength and conditioning coaches, fitness coaches and sports scientists in high-level sports organisations.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.