PhD Research Studentship – Decision-Making Skills in Premier League Soccer Players (Brentford FC & Cardiff Metropolitan University) Cardiff Metropolitan University in United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD studentship at Cardiff Metropolitan University, in partnership with Brentford Football Club, offers a unique opportunity to combine postgraduate research with practitioner-based skills development in elite football. The project, titled "How Premier League soccer players acquire and transfer decision-making skills from practice to competition," aims to establish a theoretically informed programme in sport psychology and decision-making within elite football, optimizing provision for professional players.

Successful candidates will join the Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences and work closely with Brentford FC's senior squads, with research potentially extending to younger age groups. Practitioner duties include assisting in the delivery of the club's performance strategy, data collection and management, performance testing, and interpretation and reporting of results. Attendance at games and training camps may be required, providing hands-on experience in an elite sports environment.

The studentship package includes a three-year bursary plus tuition fees at the UK rate. The stipend for 2026/27 is £21,805, with subsequent years matching RCUK rates. The role is designed to foster applied sport psychology or coaching science competencies, supporting both academic and professional development. Candidates will plan and complete a research programme suitable for a PhD, engage in applied training, and fulfill requirements associated with doctoral-level research and practitioner roles.

Applicants must have a strong academic background, holding a good BSc (Hons) in psychology, sport and exercise psychology, sports science, coaching science, or a related field. A postgraduate qualification is desirable. Experience in applied performance settings, particularly football, is highly valued. Practitioner knowledge in sport psychology, sports science, coaching science, strength and conditioning, fitness, or related elite sport experience is essential. Candidates should demonstrate activity related to gaining accreditation within a relevant professional body.

Personal attributes sought include experience conducting applied research in football or elite sports, adaptability, excellent communication skills, effective time management, teamwork, initiative, and flexibility in working hours. The application process requires submission of a CV, cover letter, and research proposal through the Brentford FC careers portal. The proposal should align with the research theme, include a brief literature review, and outline proposed studies. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and those invited to interview must provide degree certificates, transcripts, and evidence of relevant qualifications.

Informal enquiries can be directed to Ryland Morgans ([email protected]). The project is supervised by Dr Colm Murphy (academic profile). The closing date for applications is March 25, 2026, with first stage interviews likely the week commencing April 20, 2026.

This studentship is ideal for candidates passionate about sport psychology, coaching science, and performance optimization in elite football, offering both academic and practical experience in a professional club environment.