Durham University and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation are delighted to invite applications to undertake a full time, 3-year fully funded PhD on the impact of sport-for-development programmes in the lives of girls and young women. https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/sport-exercise-sciences/postgraduate-study/funding-opportunities/
We are interested in high calibre applicants who may bring academic and/or practical experience in different areas including, but not limited to, sport-for-development, international development, anthropology, social scientific study of sport, gender studies.
Subject to eligibility and confirmation of contracts, the scholarship covers UK tuition fees and a grant towards living expenses of £15,609 per annum for three years. Funding is also in place to support the travel required for the PhD research.
International (including EU) students may apply, however students will be responsible for meeting the cost difference between UK and Overseas fees.
The PhD study will develop in-depth understanding of the impact of sport-for-development in the lives of girls and young women in different contexts. To develop this in-depth understanding, it is intended that novel research methods, drawing on socio-anthropological approaches and underpinned by commitment to equalising research-participant relationships, will be utilised in the study.
Research will be undertaken with a small number of organisations and projects, selected from those that receive support funding from the Laureus Foundation across India, Mexico, Colombia, Kenya, Brazil, or the United States of America. We expect the PhD researcher will work collaboratively with SfD practitioners and participants in the selected projects to develop mutual and contextually-relevant learning about how SfD programmes can work to empower and benefit the lives of girls and young women.
The research is intended to inform the future design and implementation of sport-for-development programmes for girls and young women, that are supported by Laureus and by other organisations across the world. Therefore, research dissemination will also be a key element of the project which will undertaken through a collaborative process between the PhD student, supervisory team, Laureus and the organisations and projects involved with the research.
Supervision and Support
The selected PhD student will benefit from supervision by an distinctive, inter-disciplinary supervisory team, consisting of Dr Iain Lindsey (Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences), Dr Michael Crawley and Professor Kate Hampshire (Department of Anthropology).
The selected student will also have developmental opportunities to engage in wider research communities across both the Departments of Sport and Exercise Sciences and Anthropology.
About the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation
Established in 2000, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation (Laureus) is a not for profit organisation that aims at using the power of sport to end violence, discrimination and disadvantage, proving that sport can change the world. Laureus targets six Social Focus Areas: Health, Education, Women & Girls, Employability, Inclusive Society and Peaceful Society, all of which are aligned with sections of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Laureus supports over 200 programs across 51 countries takes the shape of grants and technical assistance, which in combination delivers a comprehensive assistance to local partners in the communities we engage in. Furthermore, Laureus invests in impact measurement, research and knowledge-sharing to help strengthen and grow the wider sport for development sector. The selected PhD student will benefit from ongoing engagement with Laureus throughout the duration of their study.
Person Specification
Masters degree in an relevant subject area, or extensive practical experience in sport-for-development or international development
Relevant research skills and experience
Capacity to undertake overseas fieldwork independently for extended periods
Strong interpersonal skills, and preferably experience of working with partnership organisations, practitioners and community groups in different contexts.
How to apply
Applications should be made via the Durham University online application system quoting program code B6A101: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught-degrees/application-guidance/
Please state on your application under the section on Finance and Funding which scholarship you are applying for – please state ‘Laureus Studentship – Wt601338’.
Selection will be based on application documents and interview. The following application documents should be submitted:
1) A research proposal, which is no longer than 2,000 words in length (excluding bibliography). This proposal should demonstrate how the PhD research may be informed by relevant theoretical and empirical literature, identify potential methodological approaches and challenges, and indicate personal qualities and expertise that the applicant would bring to the project.
2) Current Curriculum Vitae/Resumé (no more than 2 pages).
3) Two letters of reference, at least one able to comment on academic expertise
4) Transcripts of previous degrees
5) Any applicants for whom English is not their first language will also need to submit English Language Evidence – please refer to following web page for details of accepted evidence https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Enquiries regarding the studentship should be made to Dr Iain Lindsey: iain.lindsey@durham.ac.uk. Enquiries regarding the application process should be forwarded to ses.pgradmin@durham.ac.uk
Closing Date: 26th August 2021
Interview Date: By arrangement between 3rd and 8th September
