Fully Funded 3-year PhD Studentship in the School of Psychology and Sport Science

Menstrual cycle symptom management in active females

Dr Sophie E Harrison

Closing date: 2^nd May 2025 

The Department of Sport Science within the School of Psychology and Sport Science at Bangor University are delighted to offer a fully funded Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) (ESRC DTP) studentship in the Sport and Exercise Science Pathway starting in October 2025.   

A major factor that impacts the health of women, girls and people who menstruate and their ability to exercise are menstrual cycle related symptoms, e.g., abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, heavy menstrual bleeding, sleep disturbance, stress, and anxiety. Despite ~80% of active females reporting menstrual cycle symptoms, there is a dearth of literature examining the effectiveness of easily accessible interventions to reduce these symptoms. As such, sports science and sports medicine practitioners are not equipped to support active females when they present with menstrual cycle symptoms.

Therefore, the aim of the PhD is to develop and evaluate interventions to manage menstrual cycle symptoms that impact the health and performance of active females.

Supervision:

Dr Sophie E Harrison, Dr Eleri Jones and Dr Natalie Brown (Swansea University). Please email informal enquiries to s.harrison@bangor.ac.uk

Entry Criteria:    

Essential requirements:

• First or upper second-class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Sport & Exercise Sciences or a related discipline.
• Experience of conducting research projects.
• Excellent personal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with support from a supervisor.

Desirable qualities:

• An M-level qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Experience of working with female athletes.
• An understanding of female physiology and the menstrual cycle and related symptoms.
• Experience in conducting research in a relevant area.

Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply.

Duration of study:   

The duration of study varies from 3.5 to 4.5 years full time (or part time equivalent).     

The duration study is dependent on prior research experience and training needs of the student which will be assessed by completing a Development Needs Analysis. We welcome applications for both full and part-time study.   

International Eligibility:   

WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.     

How to apply:   

Applications should be received no later than 2^nd May 2025 including all required documents. Due to the volume of applications received, incomplete applications will not be considered.    

All applications should be submitted via apps.bangor.ac.uk/applicant via the above ‘Apply’ button.

Please include the following documents with your application:   

• WGSSS Application Form
• Academic CV (two pages maximum) 
• 2 academic or professional references (candidates must approach referees themselves and include references with their application. The reference must detail the applicant’s research strengths). 
• Degree certificates and Transcripts (including translations if applicable)   
• If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (see institutional requirements for entry)  

Funding:   

The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend of in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £20,780) and includes access to a Research Training Support Grant.    

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.    

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