Sheffield Hallam University - Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) Scholarship in the Sheffield Business School: The role of small-scale sporting events in reducing inequalities for host community well-being Sheffield Hallam University in United Kingdom

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

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Project: The role of small-scale sporting events in reducing inequalities for host community well-being

The interrelationships between active living and active travelling have powerful economic and social impact on societies globally, playing a pivotal role in sustainability of nations (Gibson et al., 2012). Sport England (2024) estimate £15.6 billion more annual social value would be created by sport and physical activity, if the wider adult population, including those with one or two characteristics of inequality, were as active as those with zero characteristics. Inequality is defined as “the disproportionate and/or unfair allocation of opportunities and resources among individuals within and across social groups” (Ashik et al., 2025, p.1). The complex interplay of internal and external factors causing inequality often leads researchers to study this phenomenon generically, not focusing on a specific type of inequality, making targeted interventions for specific manifestations of inequality difficult (Ashik et al., 2025).

Sport events attract local, regional and international visitors and are typically categorised as major sporting events (e.g., Olympic Games, Wimbledon) and small-scale sporting events (SSSEs). SSSEs, often held annually, attract little national media interest and limited economic activity compared to major events. SSSEs have multiple tourism, economic, social and environmental outcomes for the destination where they take place (Polyakova et al., 2024). These SSSE benefits offer strong potential to contribute to host community well-being. Collective well-being (including host community well-being), which involves the social, mental and physiological health of the group’s members (Rahmani et al., 2018) remains underresearched (Pomfret & Varley, 2019). Yet, events can enhance well-being for destination communities through facilitating community belonging, cultural pride and interpersonal relationships between locals and visitors that foster new ways of thinking. They can stimulate community curiosity, self-determination, purpose and meaning, which encourages participation in these activities (Brymer & Houge Mackenzie, 2015). It is therefore important, that local authorities prioritise residents’ well-being through strategic event planning to minimise negative impacts of SSSEs and maximise the benefits (Wang et al., 2023). These actions can reduce “socio-spatial segregation, inequality and social conflicts” (Sanchez & Broudehoux, 2013, p.132).

The project aims to investigate the role of SSSEs in reducing inequalities for host community well-being. It will:

-         establish what constitutes host community well-being (linking to SSSEs)

-         explore what inequalities exist in the context of SSSEs and how SSSEs can resolve these, with focus on specific types of inequalities

-         investigate drivers for engagement in SSSEs, the constraints and negotiation of these for participating host communities.

A mixed methods approach could be employed to investigate the nature of host community well-being and interplay of inequalities within them in the context of SSSEs.

Supervisors: Dr Olga Polyakova, Dr Gill Pomfret

If you are interested in this project, and would like to discuss your ideas, please contact Dr Olga Polyakova ( [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 2024/25.

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.