A Thai university has joined forces with another in the UK to offer a dual PhD course in sports science.

The alliance is between Mahidol University's College of Sports Science and Technology (CSST) and the School of Sport and Exercise Science at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). The first students are expected to begin the three-year course in October.

LJMU is ranked equal first in the UK for sport-related research and its School of Sport and Exercise Science is rated among the best in the world.

Nigel Weatherill, vice-chancellor and chief executive of LJMU, discussed the new programme.

"One of our key strategies is to deliver our education around the world. That's why we're here in Thailand to work with Mahidol University in the field of sports science research," he said.

"Students will study at Mahidol University for 18 months and LJMU for a further 18 months. At the end of the course they will be awarded a dual doctorate," he said.

Sports science is becoming increasingly popular, he said, "so this programme will be of interest to anyone who's interested in studying people's physical and psychological well-being."

A key part of the course, Mr Weatherill said, is about finding ways to improve people's general well-being, and developing ways to encourage children to live healthy lives from an early age.

Arth Nana, dean of CSST, said that at least five students would start the dual PhD programme.

The curriculum is not just about excellence in sports, but also increasing the knowledge pool within Thailand to help improve the well-being of ordinary Thai people, he said.

About 2,000 people a year complete degrees in sports science, but very few study the subject at PhD level, he said.

Reports Bangkok Post.