PhD Studentship: Understanding the health benefits of exercise and physical activity and how physical activity can be used as a driver for change

This project provides an annual stipend of £19,237.

Project advert

Manchester is a city at the forefront of promoting physical activity, sport, leisure, and health to its people. With a diverse population, it is recognised that physical activity is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and the key to promoting physical activity is to understand the different needs and interests of all. It is of particular importance to improve population health in the most disadvantaged of our communities.

Manchester Active are a not-for-profit organisation established and overseen by Manchester City Council, which works to inspire and encourage people to lead a more active lifestyle. Their mission across the city is to “work with the whole sport, physical activity and health sector to encourage and inspire all Mancunians to move more each day.”

You will work alongside Manchester Active to interrogate their large dataset from people who have engaged with their physical activity services. The study will help to understand the demographics of the data and identify the pockets of poor provision in Manchester and understand those who are / are not engaging in rehabilitation services. This will allow us to develop new and novel methods of delivery.

Project aims and objectives

This project will work in collaboration with MCR Active to interrogate the data they hold on people engaging with community physical activity services. It will map the Greater Manchester physical activity landscape to identify pockets of poor provision and help signal the need for investment into area / boroughs of poor uptake. The overall aim will be to identify areas of poor provision and work with local communities to design and develop interventions suitable to their needs. You will work in the world-class facilities at The Institute of Sport, part of the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences.

Specific requirements of the candidate

Essential

• First or upper second class BSc honours degree in a relevant degree such as sport and exercise science, human physiology, data science.
• Experience of analysis or working with big data sets.
• Experience of undertaking an exercise intervention.
• Proficient in Microsoft office, specifically Microsoft excel.

Desirable

• MSc in clinical exercise physiology (or other relevant discipline).
• Evidence of engagement in research activities (e.g., managing a research project, publishing journal articles, conference presentations).
• Experience of using statistical and/or analytical software packages (e.g., SPSS, R, Tableau, Power BI, etc).
• Experience of coding.

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr Amy Harwood for an informal discussion.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Sport and Exercise Science (or download the PGR application form).

You should also complete the Narrative CV form addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.

Closing date: 14 October 2024. Expected start date: January 2025 for Home students. This opportunity is not available for International students.  

Please quote the reference: SciEng-2024-Benefits-Exercise

Advert information