Manchester Metropolitan University
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PhD Studentship: Operationalising Artificial Intelligence in Elite Sport Organisations: Readiness, Governance and Integration Pathways Manchester Metropolitan University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Sports Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Feb 28, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
Manchester Metropolitan University
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About this position
This PhD studentship at Manchester Metropolitan University examines how elite sport organisations can operationalise artificial intelligence through effective readiness, governance and integration pathways. The project focuses on football, cricket and basketball, including women’s professional sport, and is designed to investigate how clubs move from experimenting with AI to embedding it within everyday practice.
The research asks a timely question: readiness for AI depends not only on funding, staff capability and data, but also on an organisation’s relationships with technology suppliers, regulators and peers. Using a comparative multiple case study approach, the project will explore how clubs adopt and govern technology, and how current governance arrangements may reduce or widen inequalities in resources and performance between organisations.
Fieldwork will combine semi-structured interviews with senior decision makers and social network analysis of relationships among clubs, technology providers, leagues and governing bodies. The project will also explore how data quality, interoperability, conflicting standards, legacy systems, outsourced infrastructures and technical debt shape AI deployment and long-term capability building.
The successful candidate will receive training in case study design, qualitative interviewing and analysis, and network methods including data collection, measurement and modelling. The project is intended to generate a practical diagnostic tool for the sport sector and feed directly into policy discussions with partners in the field.
Funding: This is a funded PhD studentship open to home and international applicants. Home and international tuition fees are covered for the full 3-year award, and the student will receive a standard stipend set at the UKRI rate, currently £21,805 for 2026/27.
Eligibility highlights: Applicants should have experience working or studying in, or with, sports organisations, governing bodies or sport technology providers, and should understand AI regulation. The application does not require a research proposal at the portal stage.
Application deadline: 28 February 2027.
How to apply: Submit the online PhD application, complete the Doctoral Project Applicant Form, and provide a CV and covering letter demonstrating fit with the project. Documents can be uploaded through the university admissions portal or emailed to [email protected].
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should have experience working or studying in, or with, sports organisations, governing bodies, or sport technology providers, and an understanding of AI regulation. The post is for a full-time PhD in Operations & Technology; a research proposal is not required at application stage. A CV and covering letter are required to show how skills and experience match the project aims and objectives.
How to apply
Complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Operations & Technology. Complete the Doctoral Project Applicant Form and upload your CV and covering letter in the supporting documents section, or email them to [email protected]. Quote reference FoBL-TM-2027-28-AI Governance and Integration.
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the provider.