PhD Scholarship in Sport & Physical Activity Research 2026

Applications are currently open for this fully funded project which investigates real-world hand and upper limb position monitoring in neonatal brachial plexus palsy

Neonatal Brachial Plexus palsy (NBPP) results from injury to the brachial plexus during birth, leading to paralysis and loss of feeling in the arm and hand. The paralysis may resolve spontaneously, but at least 1/3 of cases require extensive physiotherapy and reconstructive surgery within a multidisciplinary team. Surgery can involve nerve reconstruction which returns signals to the muscles in the arm and hand to establish some purposeful movement. Understanding the level of recovery of feeling in the arm and hand is hard to quantify in children and as the child grows the movement and use of the arm frequently deteriorates. This research will develop technology to accurately characterise arm function and range-of-motion both in clinic and during activities of daily living and monitor its change following clinical interventions. This will allow us to

1. Understand an individual’s limitations in movement patterns and ways they might be improved.

2. Help plan physiotherapy and future surgical interventions for an individual.

3. Assess the outcome of any intervention on the range of motion and function, both in clinic and during activities of daily living

Summary

1. Application Deadline: 20 Nov 2025
2. Value: Home PhD fees (~£5,006) + annual stipend £22,152 (living wage rate 2025/26)
3. Study Level: PhD
4. Sponsor: Sheffield Hallam University
5. City to Study: Sheffield
6. Course to Study: Sport and Physical Activity Research
7. Eligible Country: All countries

Eligibility Criteria for PhD Scholarship in Sport & Physical Activity Research 2026

Applicants should hold

1. A BSc (1st or 2:1) honours degree (or equivalent) in medical engineering, computer science or biomechanics, although the University will consider outstanding applications from individuals with other degrees.
2. An MSc qualification in a related area is desirable, as would be experience of working with human participants. The University are offering this as a full-time PhD scholarship. Sheffield Hallam University welcomes applications from all members of our community and are particularly encouraging those from diverse groups, such as members of the LGBTQIA+, BAME and disabled communities.

International / EU applicants

Please see the funding notes section of this advert for important fee information about our scholarships.

Sheffield Hallam has a mandatory English language requirement of IELTS 7, or equivalent language qualification, for all applicants from Countries not included in the UKVI exemption list here: https://www.gov.uk/english-language/exemptions. This qualification must have been taken within the last two-years, with a score of at least 6.5 in all test areas and may be required even if you have previous qualifications gained at UK institutions. Please do check with the Postgraduate research team: Health-pgr@shu.ac.uk prior to application.

Please note: Sheffield Hallam University are unable to consider applications from international applicants who do not meet our exemption requirement for English Language and do not provide the required English language certificates. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Benefits of PhD Scholarship in Sport & Physical Activity Research 2026

1. This PhD Scholarship is open to Home, EU and International applicants; however, the scholarship will cover the home fee only.
2. The scholarship is for three and a half years full-time study and covers home PhD fees, currently £5006, and pays an annual stipend at the living wage foundation rate of £22, 152 per year in the academic year 2025/26. This stipend payment will increase annually based on the living wage rate for the duration of the scholarship.
3. The shortfall between the home and EU/international fee, currently around £12,420 per year, must be covered by the student for the duration of the scholarship. No additional funding will be available to assist international students with this fee gap.
4. International applicants must have the resources set out above to fund their studies. Please note that the monthly stipend payments cannot be used to fund this fee gap, as they cover basic living expenses only.

How to Apply

Are you qualified and interested in this opportunity? Kindly go to Sheffield Hallam University on www.findaphd.com to apply

Please complete and submit an application form available at the following link: https://www.shu.ac.uk/courses/sport-and-physical-activity/phd-sport-and-physical-activity/full-time/2025

You must provide a detailed 1,500-word research proposal addressing the project title with your application. We do not accept proposals setting out an applicant's own research and cannot consider applications where a research proposal addressing this specific project has not been submitted. Proposals that are substantively generated by AI tools will be rejected.

When completing the application form, please add the project title within the personal statement field and ensure that all attachments have been uploaded to the application system before submission.

All applicants must provide two academic references in support of their application. We will accept applications without references to the submission deadline, but do note that they are needed prior to interview so please do contact your referees with this information. We cannot chase referees for you.

If you experience issues submitting your online application, or for general questions or enquiries please contact:Health-PGR-admissions@shu.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is 20 November 2025 at 12 noon UK time. Late applications will not be accepted.

Interviews will be held online on 04 December. Please note, we are unable to offer alternative interview slots once allocated to shortlisted candidates.

For more details, visit SHU Scholarship webpage

Application Deadline

November 20, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for PhD Scholarship in Sport & Physical Activity Research 2026