Postgraduate Supervision

All our staff are research active and welcome applications for postgraduate supervision. The following are a list of topic areas that are of particular interest. We welcome self-funded students or those supported by their workplace or industry. We also welcome organisations who wish to fund a postgraduate student to conduct a bespoke piece of research to enhance their service, evaluate their programme(s) or to develop new knowledge in a related area.

To find information on fees and costs to fund a PGR student, visit the page RGS Research fees. Advice on stipends to support the living costs of a postgraduate research student if you are a sponsor can be found at UK Research and Innovation

The School of Sport, Psychology and Social Science also offers a range of taught Masters courses

Suggested topic areas

Research area: The links between physical activity, sport, health and mental wellbeing
Supervisor: Dr Angel Chater

Evidence confirms that physical activity can have a significant positive impact on both physical and psychological health, to include anxiety and depression. It can also manage emotional responses such as aggression and delinquency in young people. We are building research in the area of physical activity, health and mental wellbeing and interested in the supervision of projects that aim to understand the benefits of physical activity to both young people and adults. This could be through team sport or individualised physical activity. We are also interested in the unmet mental health needs of those involved in elite sports, particularly during and after a period of injury and potential interventions to address relevant issues identified.

 

Research area: The effects of breakfast consumption and omission on energy balance and metabolic health in children and adolescents
Supervisor: Dr Julia Zakrzewski-Fruer

A large body of evidence has demonstrated that regular breakfast consumption is associated with a variety of nutritional and lifestyle-related health outcomes in large diverse samples of young people, which may prevent weight gain and reduce risk factors for chronic disease. However, this evidence is largely cross-sectional and does not allow us to establish cause and effect. The advertised opportunity will focus on conducting experimental research to identify whether breakfast consumption can help to prevent weight gain, increase physical activity levels and improve metabolic health in children and adolescents. This research can be conducted in the form of a three-year PhD or a one-year MSc by Research. The specific nature of the project is open for discussion, particularly for those applicants interested in the PhD opportunity. To discuss this opportunity, please contact Dr Julia Zakrzewski-Fruer by email julia.fruer@beds.ac.uk

 

Research Area: SHE RUNS: Studying Harassment Experiences in women's Running, Understanding Narratives of Safety

Supervisor: Dr Joanne Hill

Despite social awareness related to women’s safety and harassment, there is little research to evidence the extent to which public harassment impacts on the physical activity levels, experiences, and choices of women, and especially lacking is international collaboration to understand the political and cultural influences in multiple contexts. Knowing more about comparative women’s perspectives and actions in relation to running, safety, and risk of harassment across geographical, political and cultural regions will guide relevant organisations that can influence meaningful change. These findings can inform local, national and international campaigns and policies and provide data for resources for relevant stakeholders on a local and national level. This qualitative research aims to generate detailed narratives about women’s experiences, perceptions and decisions related to risk and safety when running in public space (e.g. parks or streets) for leisure time physical activity, exercise, or training. It will provide evidence about the structural, environmental and interpersonal factors that affect women’s physical activity levels and experiences. To discuss this opportunity, please contact Dr Joanne Hill by email joanne.hill@beds.ac.uk

 

Health and planetary outcomes of nature-based physical activity or active travel among children adolescents. Primary contact: Julia.Fruer@beds.ac.uk

Physical education curriculum and pedagogy to support meaningful engagement or social justice and equity in PE and school sport. Primary contact: Joanne.Hill@beds.ac.uk

The role of physical activity for the prevention and treatment of long-term conditions and/or mental health concerns. Primary contact: Angel.chater@beds.ac.uk  

Behaviour change, health and well-being in the context of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sport. Primary contact: Angel.chater@beds.ac.uk  

Understanding the needs of policy makers and governments to use and embed behavioural science. Primary contact: Angel.chater@beds.ac.uk  

Movement as behavioural medicine in the context of bereavement. Primary contact: Angel.chater@beds.ac.uk