This is a funded MbyRes, including a generous stipend and tuition fees, with well-resourced circumstances for a successful scholarship.
Here is an exciting opportunity to study an important research topic within the area of physical activity, health and well-being, which could lead to a new approach to tackling health inequality within deprived communities.
The selected candidate will apply their research knowledge, skills and ambition to an under-researched and important area. This project will allow the student to develop transferable knowledge and skills in this most exciting and active field of research in physical activity, health and well-being.
This Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarship (KESS) project will be held in the Faculty Life Sciences and Education at the University of South Wales. KESS is a programme funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) awarded by the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO) in the Welsh Government. The project will focus on an exploration of the social, psychological and physical health benefits of Walking Football using a mixed methods approach.
The project is backed by The Coalfields Regeneration Trust who have the key aim of addressing health inequalities seen within some of our South Wales communities. This Trust has been successful in promoting Walking Football within South Wales and beyond, and this current project aims to investigate the social, psychological and physical health benefits that arise as a consequence of participating in this activity. Furthermore, Walking Football is suitable to be played by a range of individuals, such as those with health problems and a lack of mobility. Therefore the project has the potential to improve the health and well-being of the neediest within the community.
Programme of research:
The general aim of the proposed study is to explore the social, psychological and physical health benefits of Walking Football using a mixed methods approach, i.e., quantitative and qualitative data will be collected. Participants will be anybody who begins participating in Walking Football during the recruitment phase of the study, with baseline and follow up data being collected over a select time period. There are three key research themes within this project; 1) To investigate the social benefits of participating in Walking Football. For example, will it facilitate friendship forming and reduce loneliness and isolation? 2) To investigate the psychological benefits of participating in Walking Football. For example, will it reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance mood and feelings of well-being? 3) To investigate the perceived physical health benefits of participating in Walking Football. For example, will participants feel physically healthier after engaging with the activity? A range of psychometric measures will be used to answer these questions, as well as interviews to gather rich qualitative data on participant’s experiences.
Studentship:
The studentship will cover the fees for a full-time MbyRes programme and pay a stipend of circa £11.8k p.a. There is also around £3k project support costs available for consumables, travel, minor equipment, training (including the KESS Grad School) and conference attendance.
The position is available from July 2022.
Eligibility of Student:
To be eligible to hold a KESS studentship, you must:
- have a home address in West Wales & the Valleys area (details below)* at the time of registration.
- have the right to take up paid work in the Convergence area* on completion of the scholarship.
- must have the right to work in the region on qualification
- satisfy University of South Wales’s admissions criteria: see below, qualifications and experience and application process
* The Convergence area covers West Wales and the Valleys, and is made up of the following 15 local authorities: Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen.*
Qualifications and experience:
Eligible applicants will:
- Have a degree (2i or higher) in an appropriate Psychology or related discipline
- Possess a reasonable understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods
- Be highly self-motivated, with capacity to learn and develop techniques of data analysis
- Have well-developed and positively collaborative interpersonal skills
- Have an ability to deliver technical reports and communicate findings
- Be willing to travel and work in community support settings
- Be able to engage in Walking Football sessions
Application Process:
To download an application package, please visit: Participant Application Package
For any queries on eligibility, please contact: KESS Team at Research and Innovation Services, University of South Wales: [Email Address Removed] Tel: 01443 482578
For informal enquiries or further programme information, please contact: Dr Philip Tyson ([Email Address Removed]).
Closing date for applications: midnight Wednesday 18th May 2022
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