PhD Research Project: Physical activity and health in homeless young people

Homelessness is an alarming problem in the UK and costs the economy in excess of £1 billion each year. Young people aged 16 to 25 years make up over 30% of the homeless statistic, and experience significant physical and mental health problems as a result of their unstable and stressful living situation. Physical activity can help to address the health inequalities of youth homelessness by tackling the associated physical, mental, and social health problems.

This PhD studentship will investigate patterns of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in homeless young people aged 16 to 25 years, and the relationships between these behaviours and markers of physical and mental health. Studies will be conducted to also explore the psychosocial factors underpinning these behaviours and identify innovative approaches for increasing activity levels in this vulnerable group.

Academic Requirements:
- You should hold (or expect to receive) a good honours degree at first or upper second class level in sport and exercise sciences or a related subject
- If applying for an award without an undergraduate degree, you may be accepted for doctoral funding if you have achieved a Master’s degree
- An English qualification (e.g., GCSE, IELTS, TOEFL etc.)
- Excellent research and communication skills, including experience in mixed methods research designs (minimum established competency in either qualitative and/or quantitative methods)

Desirable:
- An interest and/or experience in working with vulnerable young people
- A valid DBS check

How to apply:

Complete an applicationt to study for a PhD in Sport and Exercise Sciences (Part or Full-time Research – 2017-2018). Click on “apply for this course” on http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/research/sport-exercise/sport-exercise-sciences.aspx. Locate the course on the list, and then click “Apply Now”. This will take you to the University’s online portal. Guidance notes on how to complete the online portal is available here: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/apply-pg/application-guidance-notes.aspx

Your application with all supporting document must be received by 16th December 2016.

The School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences is one of the longest established in Europe for scientific research into sport, exercise, health and rehabilitation. Thanks to a £16.4 million investment, the School is one of the largest custom built Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences facility in the UK. Facilities include teaching and research laboratories for physiology, biochemistry, psychophysiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, motor skills, immunology, muscle mechanics and the neurophysiology of movement. Research conducted in the school uses sport, physical activity, health and rehabilitation from a range of perspectives that address current issues in the field through our three research themes: 1) Sport Performance, Policy, and Education 2) Exercise, Medicine and Health, 3) Human Movement and Rehabilitation. This research was recognised in the last Research Excellence Framework (REF; 2014), with 90 per cent if its research classified as world leading or internationally excellent.

Funding Notes

Residential eligibility

1. Home (UK) students are eligible for a full award from the ESRC
2. EU students who have lived in the UK continuously for the three years prior to the start date of the award (i.e. 1 October 2016) are eligible for a full award
3. EU students who have not lived in the UK for the three years prior to the start date of the award are eligible for fees only funding (i.e. no maintenance stipend)