Behavioural and Psychological Approaches to Physical Activity and Health Promotion

This PhD will focus on understanding and promoting physical activity to improve the health and wellbeing of diverse populations. Becoming more active is one of the most frequently adopted health goals, however most people who intend to become active fail to do so, and among those that do start being active the majority either stop after a short period or struggle to maintain their activity levels. While there are clear recommendations for physical activity, and most of the population has knowledge of the benefits of being active most adults and youth do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity that is essential to achieve the physical and mental health benefits.

In this project, students will have the ability to shape the project to their own interests while aligning with the key supervisor’s (Dr Alison Divine) primary research interests.

We are particularly interested in students wishing to focus on the behavioural and psychological aspects of physical activity and population health with an applied interest in physical activity promotion in a variety of diverse populations.

Our research aims to understand the determinants of physical activity, as well as identifying the most effective ways to promote physical activity in different populations. Research approaches could include understanding and intervening on key determinants around physical activity behaviour, such as the role of automatic process on physical activity (e.g., affect and enjoyment, habits and habit formation, identity), as well as motivational approaches that underpin behaviour. Applied research approaches could focus on interventions to increase physical activity behaviour through using behaviour change theories and techniques, including imagery, for instance. In addition, co-production participatory research could be used to engage with local community members, to develop interventions that meet the communities’ local needs and challenges to improve their health and wellbeing through increases in physical activity. Working with local communities can lead to scalability of interventions to similar communities both Nationally and Internationally.

This project aligns with the Universities research on  Physical Activity and Public Health that draws on a multidisciplinary framework and evaluates population-level approaches for the promotion of active living and translates this evidence into strategies capable of providing clear public health advice and action. The opportunity is open to candidates who have the means to self-fund their studies or who have a sponsor that will cover the costs.

How to apply

To apply for this project opportunity applicants should complete an online application form and attach the following documentation to support their application. 

• a full academic CV
• degree certificate and transcripts of marks
• Evidence that you meet the University’s minimum English language requirements (if applicable)

To help us identify that you are applying for this project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;

• Select PhD in Biology as your programme of study
• Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University’s minimum English language requirements (below).

As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Within the we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+; and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability. 

Entry requirements 

Applicants to this scholarship in the School of Biology should normally have an Undergraduate degree of 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject area. A Master’s degree is desirable, but not essential. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Admissions Team prior to making an application.

English language requirements

The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the School of Biology is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.