Embedding disability rights in sport participation frameworks (VC2237)

About the project

The University of the West of Scotland’s Institute of Clinical Exercise and Health Science has

been recognized as the highest ranked Sport Science research institute in Scotland within the

Shanghai Ranking. The Centre for Culture, Sport and Events (CCSE) has been at the forefront of disability sport research since 2014 and our expertise has been sought after by the International Paralympic Committee, Commonwealth Games Federation, Japanese policy forums, and Scottish and Canadian government agencies. Conducting your research at UWS, you will have the opportunity to work alongside leading academics in the field in addition to receiving support from our Doctoral College. The successful candidate will spend a period of time (between 2-6 months across 1 or more blocks of travel) in Canada, working closely with our colleagues at Western University, Ontario, contributing to the EU-funded EventRights project led in Scotland by CCSE.

Project Details

Data from the Scottish Health Survey 2018 shows that disability results in a significant reduction in sport participation for both young and adult age groups. However, this indicates only a small element of the complexities associated with participation in sport and physical activity for people with a disability. This project aims to develop a framework for increasing participation with the human rights of individuals fully embedded. It is anticipated that the project will adopt a qualitative approach to engage with the lived experience of individuals

in Scotland and Canada focused on three key objectives:

1.    To conduct a global desk-based literature review of academic and grey literatures exploring the differential conceptualisations of disability including the medical model, social model, theory of ableism and the bio-psychological model of disability.

2.    To conduct a comparative study of the lived experience of persons with disabilities who want to participate in sport in Scotland (Glasgow) and Canada (Ontario).

3.    To develop a framework for introducing a rights-based model of sport participation for persons with disabilities drawing on their lived experiences.

The successful candidate will have experience in conducting qualitative research, in developing novel research approaches to data collection including an understanding of the lived experience as a research approach. They will also understand the UN SDG goals within which the research is set. They will also have a suitable Masters qualification in social sciences, sport or disability studies.

 Additional Funding Notes

This PhD project is supplemented by mobility funding from an EU research project, EventsRights, which will support the successful candidate to visit our partner institution, Western University, in Canada for a period of time (between 2 and 6 months across 1 or more blocks of time) in 2023. Flights and accommodation costs are covered by the mobility funding with additional funding available for accessibility support if required.

How to Apply 

All applications should be completed through the online application system of UWS: https://www.uws.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/admissions-application/postgraduate-research-application-guide/. 

Applications should include the following: 

·             Updated CV 

·             Cover letter 

·             Degree transcripts to date 

·             A statement of purpose (1000 words maximum) detailing your suitability for the project

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Liz Carlin ([Email Address Removed]) 

 This project is for a 1st February 2023 start