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 Olympians. The successful candidate will join an existing UK Sport funded project on the same subject at MMU. The PhD will involve life history research into the sporting journeys of post-2000 Olympians, focusing on the key factors that led to their success, including state-sponsored support systems.
Aims and objectives
A key objective of this project is to place the Olympic athletes at the centre of research and to study the factors that led to them becoming an Olympian along their specific sporting journeys. At a time of increasing global government interest and investment in Olympic sports, there is a need to understand the people, structures and institutions behind the development of the Olympians themselves. The focus of this study is on post-2000 Olympians, their support structures, critical junctures and setbacks on the road to taking part in the Olympics. We are also interested in the post-athletic careers of Olympians. This project will interview around 30 Olympians from a variety of different sport disciplines. Olympians are often seen as role models in society, an inspiration to others and ambassadors for their sport. Yet, beyond personality traits, what makes an Olympian? 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 Olympic sports and athletes 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 the making of Olympians.
The successful applicant will play a key role in the wider UK Sport sponsored project, including being involved in organizing conferences and workshops and dissemination of findings, outreach activities and publications.
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-2018-2
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-2018-2.
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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