Joint PhD Programme (Sheffield Hallam University & La Trobe University)

This joint PhD scholarship, offered by Sheffield Hallam University in partnership with La Trobe University, Australia, focuses on the BEAR Biomechanical Early Assessment of Fall Risk project. The programme is designed for candidates interested in Sport and Physical Activity, with a research emphasis on biomechanics, digital health technologies, and clinical assessment. The project aims to develop practical, community-based tools for early detection of mobility decline and fall risk in older adults, using advanced markerless motion capture systems, wearable inertial sensors (IMUs), and established clinical assessment methods.

Falls are a leading cause of injury and loss of independence among older adults in both the UK and Australia. Current screening methods often identify risk only after a fall has occurred. This research seeks to address this gap by evaluating new biomechanical technologies for proactive screening, building a longitudinal dataset that combines biomechanical and clinical data, and identifying early movement signatures associated with frailty and increased fall risk. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art motion capture and wearable sensing systems, validating these tools against laboratory-based equipment, and participating in real-world community data collection with older adults and recently discharged hospital patients.

The joint PhD programme offers enrolment at both Sheffield Hallam University and La Trobe University, providing access to research communities, networking, and professional development at both institutions. Students will spend the majority of their time at Sheffield Hallam (the home institution) and up to 12 months at La Trobe (the host institution), depending on the research programme. The scholarship covers full Home PhD tuition fees and provides a stipend at the Living Wage Foundation rate (£22,152 for 2025/26, with annual increases). International students must cover the difference between Home and International tuition fees, currently around £13,362 per year, for the 3.5-year duration. No additional funding is available for this fee gap.

Eligibility requires a 1st class or 2:1 degree in Sport Science, Data Science, Biomedical Science, Engineering, or related subjects. Quantitative skills are desirable, and training in specialist methods will be provided. Applicants must meet the mandatory English language requirement (IELTS 7 or equivalent, with at least 6.5 in all areas, taken within the last two years) unless exempt by UKVI. International applicants must confirm their ability to pay the tuition fee gap. The application process includes submitting an online form, a 1,500-word research proposal, two academic references, degree certificate, and passport. Interviews will be held on 10 July 2026, and late applications will not be accepted.

Sheffield offers a vibrant research environment, with access to the Peak District National Park and a strong science and healthcare ecosystem. The project provides training across biomechanics, digital health, clinical assessment, and data analysis, preparing graduates for careers in movement science, rehabilitation, ageing research, or health technology innovation. By integrating advanced measurement technologies with real-world clinical practice, this research aims to contribute to scalable solutions for early detection of mobility decline and reduction of fall-related harm in ageing populations.

For further information and to apply, visit the provided links or contact the Doctoral School at Sheffield Hallam University.