About the Project
The newly created department of Economics, Policy and International Business (EPIB), located with the Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, has recently made significant investment in the academic study and research of sport. In order to complement the university’s drive towards the production of world-class sports research, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an individual to undertake a funded (fees only) PhD on the making of professional footballers to run parallel with an existing project on the making of Olympians at MMU. The PhD will involve life history research into the sporting journey of English professional footballers and the key factors that allowed them to play at the highest level.
Aims and objectives
A key objective of this project is to place the professional footballer at the centre of research and to study the factors that led to them becoming a top player along their specific sporting journeys. At a time of increasing global interest in ‘the beautiful game’, there is a need to understand the people, structures and institutions behind the development of professional footballers. The focus of this study is on professional footballers in the English Premier League, one of the most popular in the world. Professional footballers are often revered, and in some cases seek to inspire others and act as ambassadors for their sport. Yet, beyond personality traits, what makes an British professional footballer? What are the key factors that assist them along their sporting journeys? Through a narrative approach involving life history-type interviews, the aim is to see whether universal similarities exist across different footballers from different socio-economic backgrounds. Such an approach will not only shed light on an under-researched area, but seeks to highlight the key ingredients in developing footballers of the future.
Specific requirements of the project
Applicants should be at least qualified to BA/BSc level (at first or upper second class level) in a relevant discipline (sport studies, politics, governance, sociology, business/management, psychology). However, preference will be given to those who also hold a Master’s degree in a related subject.
Student eligibility
This opportunity is open to UK, EU and International applicants
Contacts
Informal enquiries can be made to:
For application related queries, contact [Email Address Removed]
Please quote the reference EPIB-JG-2018-1.
In the Application link (below), you will be brought to the 'Economics, Policy and International Business' subject area application form - please ensure that you choose the ‘PhD’ option
How to Apply
The quickest and most efficient way to apply for this course is to apply online. This way, you can also track your application at each stage of the process.
Apply online: https://my.mmu.ac.uk/Prospectus/Course/Details/R0002
Please quote the reference: EPIB-JG-2018-1.
Please complete the additional Postgraduate Research Degree Supplementary Information document and upload it to the Student documents section of your online application. This collects important information about your research application and there may be delays if you do not submit this document.
Before you apply, we recommend that you:
- Contact the relevant Research Degrees Co-ordinator within your chosen area of interest to discuss the project or your ideas.
- Ensure that you have gathered the necessary supporting documents required and submit them along with your application where possible: references, passport copy, qualification transcripts and certificates, English language proficiency evidence where relevant.
Next Stages of Your Application
We will contact you to let you know the initial outcome of your application, and invite you to attend an interview where appropriate.
Once the university is satisfied with the following, we will send you an offer letter informing you that you have been offered a place of study:
Your research proposal
The entry requirements have been met
You have satisfactory references
We have the expertise and resources to be able to supervise you
And you have had a successful interview
Some offers may be conditional upon achieving certain grades in your examinations, or successfully completing a particular programme. You must satisfy these conditions before we can confirm your unconditional place.
This opportunity will cover the fees for the successful applicant.
Closing date
30 September 2018
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