Funding providers: Swansea University's Faculty of Science and Engineering and England Rugby
Subject areas: Sport and Exercise Science
Project start date:
- 1 October 2022 (Enrolment open from mid-September)
Supervisors:
- Professor Camilla Knight
- Dr Thomas Love
- Dr Mark Waldron
Aligned programme of study: PhD in Sports Science
Mode of study: Full-time
Project description:
Increasing engagement and performance of women in sport is a priority for international and national sports organisations, including England Rugby. Moreover, there are numerous calls both from organisations and academics for more sport science research including women and adopting a multidisciplinary approach. In response to these calls, the overall aim of this project is to understand barriers and facilitators to engagement and progression in women’s rugby. Adopting an action research approach, this project will comprise three main stages. First, we will engage with girls and women across England to identify the physical, nutritional, and psychosocial factors influencing engagement in community rugby. Subsequently, interviews, focus groups, and observations will be conducted with players, coaches, and support staff within the England Rugby Women’s pathway to explore the biopsychosocial factors influencing players’ development and success. Drawing on the result of the first two stages, resources and support strategies will be developed for use by England Rugby with the intent of increasing engagement and success throughout the Women’s Rugby Pathway. These resources will be evaluated using both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Eligibility
Candidates must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Sports Science or similar relevant science discipline.
English Language requirements: If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 5.5 in each individual component) or Swansea recognised equivalent.
Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations.