Applications are invited for Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) PhD scholarships in the Sheffield Business School, commencing 1 October 2025.

The GTA scholarship scheme aims to develop highly skilled postgraduate researchers with further information on the University’s PhD scholarships available in the Conditions of Award document.

Sheffield Business School

Accredited by AASCB, the Business School is among the top 6% of business schools globally. Our ambition is to be a world leading applied business school. We are proud of our research impact, industry collaboration and commitment to regional development through Sheffield Hallam University's Civic University Agreement . You can learn more about research in the Business School here .

Project title: Sustainable outdoor recreation and adventure tourism

We are looking for a highly motivated and dedicated PhD candidate who is interested in examining an aspect of leadership in the context of sustainable outdoor recreation and/or adventure tourism.

Many outdoor recreation participants pursue their recreation interests (e.g., climbing, hiking, mountain biking, surfing) at home, but also away from their home environment domestically and abroad, known as adventure tourism. Adventure tourism experiences are further defined as including at least two of three elements: physical activity, the natural environment, and cultural immersion (Adventure Travel Trade Association, 2025). The specific focus of the PhD (outdoor recreation and/or adventure tourism) will be determined by the candidate, but it must consider leadership within outdoor recreation and/or adventure tourism context and align with one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For example, gender equality (SDG5) within the outdoor sector workplace (SDG8), equal access to outdoor spaces (SDG10), outdoor activity participation for enhanced well-being (SDG3), adventure philanthropy (SDG12), sustainable marketing and product design (SDG12), environmental protection of outdoor spaces (SDGs 13, 14 & 15), institutional structures and policies that promote sustainable outdoor recreation/adventure tourism (SDG16).

These research themes are broad in scope to allow for your interests to be developed in a specific area of leadership within sustainable outdoor recreation/adventure tourism that is important to your career aspirations and will provide maximum interest. We welcome proposals adopting either a qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods approach.

Supervisors: Dr Adele Doran, Dr Vicky Mellon

If you are interested in this project, and would like to discuss your ideas, please contact Dr Adele Doran ( [email protected] ).

GTA scholarships are open to Home, EU and International applicants . The scholarship is for three and a half years full-time study (pro-rata part time) and covers PhD fees and pays an annual stipend at the living wage foundation rate of £20,974 per year in the academic year 24/25.

To apply you need to meet our entry requirements and provide:

·      A complete online application form for the October 2025 intake, available here . This includes:

·      A research proposal . Maximum word count: 1,500 words.

· A personal statement . We want to learn more about you. In the personal statement you must answer these four questions. Please include the title of the project you are applying for in the Personal Statement section of the application form. We recommend no more than 200 words for each question and including specific examples from your previous experiences (academic and professional):

1.    What relevant skills and experience do you have which you feel would help you undertake this research project?

2.    How did you come up with your project proposal?

3.    What opportunities do you think the doctorate will give you?

4.    Provide an example demonstrating your approach to engaging with new experiences or ideas. This can be an example from your studies, work, or personal experiences.

· Copies of qualifications, certificates, and results transcripts (All applicants should hold a strong, relevant undergraduate degree (2.1 minimum) and/or a relevant master’s qualification (merit minimum)).

· Details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and readiness for PhD study.

· Copies of your passport and any relevant visas.

International Students

International students* will be required to demonstrate their English language proficiency through:

1. Recent academic IELTS demonstrating an overall score of 7.0 or above with no score below 6.5 in the other components or equivalent. Recent means that your IELTS results must have been awarded two years preceding your doctoral programme's start date; or

2. Educated with a UK Master's degree level (merit minimum) within two years preceding your doctoral programme's start date.

* UKVI provide a list of countries exempt from the language entry requirements. If you're a national of one of these countries, you won't need to provide evidence as listed above.

For further information regarding our entry requirements, please visit the course page .

Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University, whilst in receipt of the scholarship.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon (BST) on Wednesday 23 ^rd April 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

Interviews will take place during the week commencing 2 ^nd June.

Please e-mail [email protected] if you have any questions.