PhD Studentship: Intergenerational Practice in Community Sport

Advert title: Intergenerational Practice in Community Sport

Project advert

This project will investigate intergenerational practice in the field of community sport in Manchester, UK. Intergenerational practice aims to bring people together in purposeful, mutually beneficial activities which promote greater understanding and respect between generations and contribute to building more cohesive, healthy communities (Beth Johnson Foundation, 2009). 

Community sport is a distinct, often multigenerational, cultural practice, providing a hitherto untapped potential for advancing intergenerational perspectives on health and wellbeing and in turn, developing new solutions to address wider societal and political challenges on ageing populations; community cohesion; and generational divisions.

We welcome applications that focus on intergenerational approaches to community sport to examine its capacity to help build stronger, more inclusive communities that thrive across generations in Manchester – with the aim of embedding intergenerational practices across all community sport sectors, advocating for policies that bridge age-based divides, and fostering a cohesive and empathetic society.

The project will adopt a mixed methodological approach through three key objectives, focusing on generations, intergenerational practice and policymaking and programmes in community sport for development. respectively. A fourth objective package on community development will offer an overarching thematic structure to synthesise and theorise the results. 

Project aims and objectives

This doctoral project proposes a three-year investigation into the role of community sport in fostering stronger intergenerational relationships, to create opportunities for health equality, social cohesion and collective action. Using a qualitative case study approach, it will examine the community sport landscape in Manchester, UK, by analysing the capacity for local programmes and services to help bridge the generational divide, and foster connections across generations, sectors, and local government to create a more inclusive and resilient society. It will do so by investigating the interconnected dynamics of community sport (in respect of generations), intergenerational practice in community sport for development, and the wider generational challenges of major UK post-industrial, sporting cities.

Funding

Only home and international students can apply. Home tuition fees will be covered.

The student will receive a standard stipend payment for the duration of the award, which is three years. These payments are set at a level determined by the UKRI, currently £20,780 for the academic year 2025/26.

Specific requirements of the candidate

Essential

• A first degree of 2:1 or higher in sport sociology, sport development, sport management etc. 
• Ability to critique and analyse social scientific evidence, methodology and data.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organisational skills. 
• Please note, a DBS check will form a condition of the offer.

Personal qualities

• Strong work ethic with a relentless approach to achieving high standards and attention to detail.

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr Mark Turner (mturner@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Sports & Exercise Science (or download the PGR application form).

You should also include a CV and a cover letter which addresses the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have map to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

You will need to upload these documents in the supporting documents section of the University’s Admissions Portal.

Applications closing date: 5^th September 2025

Expected start date: January 2026

Please quote the reference: SciEng-MT-2025-26-Policy Programmes

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