Early in the course you will take a taught module, choosing from a menu of options related to Strength and Conditioning or Clinical Exercise Physiology. You will then select a project to work on, related to the existing work of the department's research groups. This prepares you for the main part of the course, which is the design and implementation of a study of your choice for your thesis.

At the end of the course you could follow the usual route of progressing to doctoral level. Equally, you will have the appropriate skills to start a career in any aspect of professional research or exercise science.

The course will provide you with an excellent foundation in research methods. It can act as the perfect stepping stone to a doctorate, and will give you a real taste of PhD life. Not only will you gain this fantastic experience but you will gain an MRes Exercise Science master's degree, which is an extremely valuable qualification in it's own right.

Given the intensity and complexity of study, the MRes qualification demonstrates your ability to go beyond undergraduate skills. In order to achieve the Exercise Science MRes you will enhance your research professionalism, communication skills and evaluative abilities. You will show that you are capable of making decisions in complex situations, and that you possess a thirst for independent learning.

Northumbria has an unrivalled reputation for sport and exercise science research power in the North East. Making full use of our sport science labs, we adopt an interdisciplinary approach to our three main themes:

• Relation of, adaptation to, and recovery from exercise
• Clinical exercise physiology and nutrition in promoting healthy living
• Education and development of coaches' and athletes' performance

Sport and exercise science graduate jobs can include roles across a range of organisations in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. You can expect to be prepared for roles such as: exercise physiologist, fitness centre manager, personal trainer, secondary school teacher, sports administrator, sports development officer and sports therapist.

Given the intensity and complexity of study, the MRes qualification demonstrates your ability to go beyond undergraduate skills. In order to achieve the MRes you will enhance your research professionalism, communication skills and evaluative abilities. You will show that you are capable of making decisions in complex situations, and that you possess a thirst for independent learning.

In addition to these personal attributes, the MRes demonstrates a high-level awareness of current research and scholarship. This will facilitate your ability to thrive in research settings related to exercise science as well as a variety of other professional fields.

If your next step is a PhD then we will offer you support with your applications.

If you decide not to progress to a PhD, the MRes will demonstrate your ability to fit into any research-based setting. You will have the skills necessary to meet the needs of employers with interests in public policy, professional research and project evaluation.