Sheffield Hallam University PhD Scholarship

Sheffield Hallam University invites applications for a fully funded PhD scholarship in the School of Sport and Physical Activity, commencing October 2026. The project, 'Menstrual Health: Towards Gender-Responsive Policy and Practice in Sport', aims to address one of the most important yet least openly discussed issues in contemporary sport—menstrual health. The scholarship covers Home PhD fees and provides a stipend at the Living Wage Foundation rate (£22,152 for 2025/26), with annual increases. International and EU applicants are welcome, but must cover the fee gap (~£13,362/year) themselves, as the bursary only covers Home fees.

As a doctoral researcher, you will join a vibrant community of around 65 PhD students, supported by a comprehensive training programme and based at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC), a world-leading hub for health innovation. Sheffield Hallam University is renowned for its applied health and wellbeing research, with 88% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 REF.

The project investigates how sporting cultures and organisations shape discourse, support, and responsibility around menstruation. It moves beyond biomedical approaches to explore gendered norms, organisational power, communication practices, and everyday sporting environments. The successful applicant will develop a qualitative, participatory research programme, likely involving interviews with athletes and stakeholders, followed by co-designed workshops to create educational, safeguarding, and policy resources. The research will generate new knowledge on menstrual health as a question of health equity and produce practical resources for sporting organisations.

Applicants are encouraged to propose research addressing: how menstruation is discussed or silenced in sport; athletes' experiences of disclosure, support, stigma, and uncertainty; responsibilities of coaches, parents, welfare staff, practitioners, and organisations; the influence of sporting cultures on communication, safeguarding, wellbeing, and participation; use of participatory methods to co-design resources; and repositioning menstrual health as an issue of equity, inclusion, and organisational responsibility.

This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in sport, gender, health, welfare, coaching, safeguarding, qualitative research, and applied social change. The research is academically original and practically meaningful, with potential to influence how sport supports menstruating athletes at all levels.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a 1st class or 2:1 degree in Sport Science, Data Science, Biomedical Science, Engineering, or related subjects. Quantitative skills are desirable; specialist training will be provided. Flexible working hours can be discussed. Applications from diverse groups (LGBTQIA+, BAME, disabled) are particularly encouraged. International applicants must meet the English language requirement (IELTS 7 or equivalent, taken within the last two years, minimum 6.5 in all areas) and have resources to cover the fee gap.

How to apply: Submit the online application form, uploading a 1,500-word research proposal addressing this project, two letters of reference or referee details, highest degree certificate, passport copy, and IELTS results (if applicable). Add the project title in the Personal Statement field and ensure all attachments are uploaded before submission. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Jack Black ([email protected]). The application deadline is 17 June 2026, 12 noon UK Time. Interviews will be held the week commencing 6 July 2026.

Sheffield offers a unique combination of natural beauty and research excellence, making it an ideal environment for academic focus and high quality of life during your PhD.