MRes Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences Heriot-Watt University

Overview

The MRes Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Heriot-Watt University provides a dedicated pathway for students to develop high-level expertise in conducting original research within the fields of sports engineering, human health, and exercise science. This programme is designed to allow for significant customisation, enabling you to align your academic investigations with your specific professional aspirations and personal research interests. By working closely with expert supervisors, you will contribute to the department’s research agenda while developing evidence-based solutions for real-world challenges.

Why MRes Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Heriot-Watt University?

Students benefit from an exceptional learning environment that includes access to specialist research facilities such as biomechanics, physiology, and brand-new human tissue laboratories. These spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including markerless motion capture cameras, metabolic carts, and biochemical analysers. A significant advantage of studying here is the close relationship with Oriam, Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre, which provides a world-class platform for innovation and collaboration.

The academic team consists of research-active experts from the Institute of Life and Earth Sciences who have published extensively in disciplines like exercise physiology and sports engineering. This expertise is supplemented by practitioners from Oriam’s performance and wellbeing teams, who bring experience from working with elite athletes and the general public. Furthermore, the university maintains strong links with industry partners such as Scottish Rugby, the NHS, and the sportscotland institute of sport, facilitating research with genuine impact.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: GBP 26296 per year
• National fee: GBP 5151 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

This research-focused programme does not require the completion of taught, credit-bearing courses. Instead, students undertake specialised research training and complete an extensive independent project. Modules and research areas may include:

• Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Engineering
• Human Movement
• Athlete-Equipment Interaction
• Physical Activity and Health
• Dietary Interventions for Performance
• Measurement Technologies

Careers with MRes Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences

Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of high-level roles across the sports and health sectors. Many choose to progress to doctoral study through PhD programmes, while others enter the industry as professional sport scientists, exercise physiologists, or sports biomechanists. The analytical and technical skills gained also support careers as sports engineers, strength and conditioning coaches, or rehabilitation specialists.

Additional opportunities exist within the public sector and healthcare, including roles as clinical scientists or physiologists within the NHS. Graduates may also find employment as lifestyle and public health advisors or work within elite sporting organisations and private industry labs. The focus on evidence-based practice ensures that alumni are highly valued by employers seeking experts who can address complex challenges in human performance and health.