Transforming Lives PhD Scholarship: Physical Activity, Inclusive Growth, and Integration with Health, Employment, and Public Services

Sheffield Hallam University invites applications for the Transforming Lives PhD Scholarship, commencing May 2026, at the School of Health and Social Care. This fully funded opportunity covers home PhD fees and provides a generous annual stipend at the living wage foundation rate (£22,152 for 2025/26, increasing annually). The scholarship is open to UK, EU, and international applicants, though international students must self-fund the fee shortfall (currently around £12,700 per year). The PhD project, 'Exploring how physical activity may drive inclusive growth and integrates with health, employment, and public services across mayoral combined authorities,' addresses pressing health challenges in the UK, including preventable illness, health inequalities, and the strain on health and care services. The research aims to shift focus from reactive care models to preventative approaches, emphasizing the conditions in which people live, work, and move. Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) play a pivotal role in devolution, with powers spanning skills, transport, planning, economic development, employment support, and public service reform. This makes MCAs ideal for mainstreaming physical activity into local growth strategies and anchor-institution policies aligned with human and social capital. Evidence demonstrates that physical activity improves health, supports mental wellbeing, and fosters social connectivity, all of which enhance labour market participation and productivity—key elements of inclusive growth agendas. The precise research question and methodology will be developed collaboratively by the successful candidate, the supervisory team, and key stakeholders, including MCAs and Sport England. Likely areas of investigation include mechanisms, outcomes, and integration levers for physical activity in inclusive growth policy and practice, with a particular focus on lower-income and underserved groups. The project is closely aligned with large-scale, place-based systemic approaches to tackling physical activity inequalities, funded by Sport England and regional agencies, offering exceptional access to local partnerships and senior stakeholders. The supervisory team comprises Dr Katie Shearn (Principal Investigator for Sport England’s National Evaluation and Learning Partnership and Research Theme Lead for Transforming Places at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre), Dr Richard Crisp (Associate Professor at the Centre for Regional, Economic and Social Research, specializing in inclusive and sustainable economies), and Professor Girish Ramchandani (Professor of Applied Sport Management and leader of the Sport Industry Research Group, with expertise in the economic and social value of sport and physical activity). Applicants should hold a BSc (1st or 2:1 honours) degree or equivalent in public health, economics, politics, sports development, or a related discipline, or have relevant equivalent experience. An MSc in a related area and experience working with human participants are desirable. The university encourages applications from all backgrounds, especially those from diverse groups such as LGBTQIA+, BAME, and disabled communities. International/EU applicants must meet the English language requirement (IELTS 7 overall, minimum 6.5 in all areas, taken within the last two years) unless exempt per UKVI guidelines. To apply, submit the online application form, including a detailed 1,500-word research proposal addressing the project title, two academic references dated within the last two years, your highest degree certificate, passport, and IELTS results (if applicable). Ensure all documents are uploaded before submission. The application deadline is 16 February 2026 at 12 noon UK time. Interviews will be held online in early March. For further information, contact Dr Katie Shearn ([email protected]) or the Health-PGR admissions team ([email protected]). This scholarship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful research at the intersection of public health, economic development, and social policy, with access to leading experts and strategic partners in the field.