Postgraduate Guide

PhD and research degrees

By choosing to study one of our research degrees, you’ll have access to highly qualified and professionally respected staff. You will also be part of a research network that includes opportunities for you to work with industry on significant and real-world issues. You'll be part of a vibrant community which is supporting and aspirational. This is your opportunity to undertake practical research designed to make Impact driven research We’re blazing a trail for animal welfare and pushing boundaries in sport performance. Our students work on pioneering research projects to drive change within our specialist industries. Led by research-active lecturers, they collaborate with businesses and professional bodies to find practical solutions to real-life issues. We’re setting the bar high for industry best practice. Recently, we’ve been investigating deadly bacteria in dog bowls, the use of dogs to save hedgehogs, drumming and autism, physical education in primary schools, audio books for dogs, resistance training in youth football, equine water treadmill use, whips in equestrian sport, soil quality and crop yield. Our research findings are already having a big impact across the globe. a positive difference to people, organisations and communities.

Research Case Study ALICE CLINE PHD STUDENT | SPORT ARENA

“My research is focused on childhood obesity, physical activity and motor skill development. In 2018, Sport England found that just 16% of children aged between 7 and 11 in Gloucestershire were meeting the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day. At this age, a child’s central nervous system develops quickly, allowing for accelerated skill acquisition. I am working closely with primary schools across Gloucestershire to improve the movement, physical activity and general health of their pupils.”

Research Case Study CELESTE WILKINS PHD STUDENT | EQUINE RIDER PERFORMANCE

“I’m a PhD student studying the biomechanics and physiology of equestrian rider technique. Every day is different, but I spend a lot of time reading, writing and carrying out various data collection sessions for my study. This includes using the facilities in the Margaret Giffen Rider Performance Centre, like the Racewood Event Simulator and Qualisys motion capture cameras to collect quantitative data on how riders move. When I’m ready to test my hypotheses with real horses, I’ll be able to use the Hartpury Arena and the new Human Performance Lab to conduct gold-standard exercise physiology research in riders.”

At Hartpury you’ll be part of a research network that includes opportunities to work with industry on significant and real-world issues.