MRes Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation

Program Overview

The MRes Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation program at the University of Leeds provides students with a solid foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical research methods. The program is designed to support students who want to pursue advanced careers in the sports, exercise, and rehabilitation sectors, whether in academia, healthcare, or industry. The MRes is a research-focused master's degree, where students engage in independent research projects that address contemporary issues in sport, exercise, and rehabilitation. Students will work alongside experts in the field and have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities to conduct their research. This program also offers the opportunity to specialize in areas such as sports injury rehabilitation, exercise physiology, and performance optimization. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to contribute to advancing knowledge and practice in sport and rehabilitation.

Curriculum: The MRes Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation curriculum combines advanced study in the physiological, psychological, and biomechanical aspects of sport and exercise with practical research methods. Core modules typically include Research Methods and Data Analysis, Exercise Physiology, Sports Injury and Rehabilitation, and Biomechanics of Movement. These courses ensure that students develop a strong understanding of how exercise affects the human body, the mechanisms behind sports injuries, and the rehabilitation processes used to restore physical function. In addition, students will engage in practical training related to the application of exercise and rehabilitation techniques in real-world settings. The final component of the program is a substantial research project, where students investigate a specific area of interest within sport, exercise, or rehabilitation, contributing new knowledge to the field. This project is typically carried out in close collaboration with academic staff and provides students with hands-on experience in conducting independent research.

Research Focus: The research focus of the MRes Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation program at Leeds is rooted in understanding the physiological, biomechanical, and psychological aspects of human performance and recovery. The program emphasizes translational research that bridges the gap between theory and practical application. Key research areas include sports injury rehabilitation, musculoskeletal disorders, exercise physiology, neuromuscular adaptations to training, psychological factors in sport and exercise, and sports performance enhancement. The University of Leeds is home to several world-leading research groups in sport and exercise science, and students benefit from their access to these groups as they conduct their research. This provides opportunities for students to contribute to ongoing projects and learn from leading experts in their fields. The program also encourages students to explore interdisciplinary research, combining knowledge from fields such as biomechanics, physiotherapy, psychology, and medicine to address complex challenges in sport and rehabilitation.

Industry Engagement: The MRes Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation program at Leeds is closely connected to the sports, healthcare, and rehabilitation industries. The university has strong links with professional organizations, including sports teams, rehabilitation clinics, and healthcare providers, allowing students to gain practical experience and exposure to the industry. Students may have the opportunity to collaborate with these organizations through internships, placements, or collaborative research projects. The program's emphasis on practical skills, combined with its strong industry links, prepares students for careers in a variety of settings, including sports medicine clinics, rehabilitation centers, sports teams, and academic research. The industry engagement also provides valuable networking opportunities, helping students build relationships with professionals in their field and enhancing their employability upon graduation.

Global Perspective: The MRes Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation program at Leeds offers students a global perspective on sport and rehabilitation by addressing universal issues such as injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimization across diverse populations. The program encourages students to explore how sport science and rehabilitation practices vary across different cultural, healthcare, and sporting contexts. With a strong emphasis on international collaboration, students may have the opportunity to engage in global research initiatives and learn from experts worldwide. The program’s global approach helps students understand the broader implications of their work, including how their research and practice can contribute to improving health outcomes, enhancing sports performance, and advancing rehabilitation techniques on a global scale.