Phd Studentship: The co-creation of watersports for health and wellbeing: The lived experiences of marginalised communities

The co-creation of watersports for health and wellbeing: The lived experiences of marginalised communities.

Funding amount: £18,622 maintenance grant per annum

Lead Supervisor name: Dr Ellie Gennings

Project description

Sport and leisure have been recognised as a crucial social domain, especially in relation to health, wellbeing and social interactions. In a recent scoping review, it was identified that marginalized populations may benefit more than others from sport participation; however, they frequently do not engage in such activities due to a complex interaction of individual, social, organisational, environmental and political factors (Lange et al., 2024).

Watersports combine two key elements often cited independently to support individual wellbeing: physical activity and spending time outdoors in blue spaces. Research into outdoor spaces has often focused on adult populations and overlooked disparities in access, experience, and engagement across intersecting lines of class, gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, physical ability, and legal status (Phoenix et al., 2021; Bates and Moles, 2022).

This PhD aims to address these knowledge gaps by focusing on children and young people with multiple forms of marginalization and their experiences in watersports. Through a partnership with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and the Andrew Simpson Foundation (ASF), this PhD scholarship will explore access to, feelings of safety, and experiences of wellbeing within these spaces. Central to this research will be the empowerment of children to voice their concerns and aspirations, ensuring that their thoughts, feelings, and views translate into meaningful change. Prospective candidates are encouraged to propose research that places children's agency and wellbeing at the forefront of their project.

What does the funded studentship include?

A fully-funded Studentship includes a maintenance grant of £18,622 per year to contribute towards living expenses during the course of your research, as well as a fee waiver for 36 months. Associated costs, such as for fieldwork and conference attendance, will also be met under the Studentship.

Eligibility criteria

The BU PhD and MRes Studentships are open to UK, EU and International students. Candidates for a PhD Studentship should demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 4 years and must demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic potential as measured normally by either a 1st class honours degree (or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA) or a Master’s degree with distinction or equivalent
• An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (with a minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language and this must be evidenced at point of application.

Closing date: The closing date for applications is 30 June 2024

For further information on how to apply click the ‘Apply’ button below or email pgradmissions@bournemouth.ac.uk.

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