PhD Studentship: Physical Activity and Sports Participation of Disabled Children and Young People - Understanding Current Levels and Time-trends, and How to Tackle Inequalities

Existing survey data from the Activity Alliance’s 2020 “My Active Future: Including every child” report show that 30% of disabled 5-18 year old children take part in less than 30 minutes of sport and physical activity (PA) per day during term-time (vs. 21% of non-disabled children) and only 25% of disabled children say they take part in sport and PA all of the time at school (vs. 41% of non-disabled children). However, since the Activity Alliance’s 2020 report there is no updated (e.g., post-COVID) national data on the PA and sport participation of disabled children.

Additionally, since the publication of PA guidelines specifically for disabled children and young people in 2022, there is no national data on the proportion of disabled children and young people who are aware of and meet those guidelines, or information on what would make it easier or harder for disabled children and young people to be active in order to meet those PA guidelines. This information is crucial to allow the Activity Alliance to inform policy (e.g., best ways of disseminating PA guidelines) and advocate for better opportunities and access to activities/environments to reduce the inequalities seen in health and PA/sport participation between disabled and non-disabled children in the UK.

Working directly with the Activity Alliance, this project aims to:

1. Assess the current evidence-base on levels and trends of PA/sport participation of disabled school-aged children and young people.
2. Assess the current levels and trends of PA/sport participation of disabled school-aged children and young people in the UK.
3. Investigate the existing knowledge and preferences, barriers and facilitators for regular practice of PA and (para)sport in disabled school-aged children and young people in the UK.

Addressing these aims will involve conducting a systematic review, and employing a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, for which the student will receive appropriate training and support. The PhD student will also have the opportunity to spend 2-4 weeks each year working under the Activity Alliance's supervision - this is an invaluable opportunity to have hands-on experience on how a national organisation uses research to influence policy and advocate for disabled children, and communicating research to the wider public (incl. the use of adequate inclusive imagery and language).

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Sport and Exercise Science, Public Health, or a related subject. Full details on website.

Funding information:

The studentship is for 3 years (or 6 years part-time) and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.

All applications should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select the School of Sport, Exercise, Health Sciences. Please quote the advertised reference number: SSEHS/SC25 in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

Please include a personal statement (2 pages of A4 maximum, Arial font type, minimum size 11) demonstrating your understanding of the importance of physical activity for children and young people with disabilities, and your motivation for applying for this specific PhD project.

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