The difference between a Professional Doctorate and a PhD 

By Professor Barry Drust One of the most common questions that get asked by potential students who are interested in the Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Science is “what is the difference between a traditional doctorate and a more professionally focussed doctorate?”. This short conversation tries to answer this question by giving a short outline … Continue reading “The difference between a Professional Doctorate and a PhD “

The role of research to improve processes in elite environments 

By Dr Liam Anderson Research in many ways is fundamental to improving what we currently know. Although we perform tasks and make decisions daily, until it is investigated deeper it is difficult to improve. As part of Andy Kavanagh’s Professional Doctorate here at the University of Birmingham, he is investigating the processes that are leading … Continue reading “The role of research to improve processes in elite environments “

Doctorate students “stuck in a rut” or an opportunity to find the best solution

By Dr Liam Anderson Photo by Daniel Öberg on Unsplash Last year, I was lucky enough to begin supervision of Professional Doctorate students before I finished my Research Fellow role early last year and have obtained PhD students early into my Assistant Professor position in August/ September 2023. Now being part of so many exciting and influential projects … Continue reading “Doctorate students “stuck in a rut” or an opportunity to find the best solution”

The Role of Feedback in Doctorate Level Education

By Dr Liam Anderson Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash As a regular receiver and provider of feedback on work that I produce, I’ve been reflecting on the best way to provide it to Doctorate level students who are producing pieces of work. Feedback within Doctorate level education I feel is a cornerstone of growth and excellence, but … Continue reading “The Role of Feedback in Doctorate Level Education”

The end of the journey: Some reflections on finishing a doctoral thesis

By Professor Barry Drust Photo credit: Photo by C D-X on Unsplash Doctorates are long-term projects. They typically take a minimum of 3 years but for some projects the timelines can be longer. During this time it is often easy to forget when they started as the involvement in the day to day is to frequently the focus. … Continue reading “The end of the journey: Some reflections on finishing a doctoral thesis”

Initial feelings after transitioning from a PhD student to also being a full-time member of staff 

By Dean Morgan (PhD Candidate) Photo by Suzanne D. Williams on Unsplash  They say timing can be everything when making a decision, and in this case, I certainly believe that to be true. When my new position became available, the conversations were on whether it was possible to juggle a PhD, a full-time job as … Continue reading “Initial feelings after transitioning from a PhD student to also being a full-time member of staff “

Supervising applied doctorate students: an individualised approach 

By Dr Liam Anderson Photo Credit: Avel Chuklanov on Unsplash  Doctorate level supervision is a highly rewarding task where you interact and work with some outstanding people on some highly engaging projects. Over the past 18 months or so, I’ve began supervising doctorate level students on either Professional Doctorates or applied PhD’s here within the … Continue reading “Supervising applied doctorate students: an individualised approach “

 “They’re off!” Thoughts on a new cohort for the Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Sciences 

By Professor Barry Drust Photo Credit: Nicolas Holzey his month saw the start of 9 new students on the Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Birmingham. A new cohort of students and the start of a new academic cycle always brings excitement. There are new people to meet and interact with. … Continue reading “ “They’re off!” Thoughts on a new cohort for the Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Sciences “

An Applied PhD Student in Professional Football: Reflections From The 1st Month 

We have recently set up an applied PhD studentship in collaboration with Norwich City Football Club. Michael Cornes has now begun his journey on this process and has been in post for a little over 1 month. To help perspective and current students and industry partners, Mike has outlined his reflections from his 1st month … Continue reading “An Applied PhD Student in Professional Football: Reflections From The 1st Month “

The Graduate School of Sport and Professional Practice: Some insights from a personal journey 

Written by Professor Barry Drust I was lucky enough to do my PhD on the physical demands of football; a topic that I always had an interest in. I had always wanted to work within the sport and so I really hoped that the knowledge that I got from doing my PhD would provide me … Continue reading “The Graduate School of Sport and Professional Practice: Some insights from a personal journey “