MRes - Sports Officiating Training & Development

The supervisors’ research focuses on a wide range of topics relating sports officiating. We are interested in hearing from applicants whose interests align to our current research related to sports officiating, including new technologies (e.g. 360 degree cameras, and AI), mental well-being, recruitment & retention, high pressure decision making, communication and psychology. The supervisors have over 40 years of practice working with sports officials and over 60 academic publications on sports officiating. The supervisors regularly work with a range of stakeholders and officials from Euroleague Basketball, Australian Rules Football, World Rugby/Netball, International Squash/Lacrosse/Cricket and more.

As a research degree student you will become a member of Edinburgh Napier University’s Doctoral College and will be based in the School of Applied Sciences. You will be supported throughout your studies with training and events hosted locally in the school and by our Research, Innovation and Enterprise events team. Bespoke training will help you develop both your research and transferable skills designed to help your practical officiating. In the School of Applied Science you will have access to a first class research environment, including our environmental performance lab, exercise physiology research lab, biomechanics lab, field-based fitness testing equipment, and a large community of researchers working on sports science, health, psychology, social sciences, and life sciences. You will join a vibrant and growing community of postgraduate research students, including access to newly refurbished offices and social areas.

We are interested in hearing from applicants whose interests align with any of our supervisors. Please explore our supervisors and their interests here in the first instance. We would advise you to contact Dr Duncan Mascarenhas before making an application via the online application system, to either collectively develop a research project idea or to discuss a specific project that you are keen to pursue. Once you have identified a potential supervisor, we will provide you with a link to lodge the application materials listed below under ‘Application checklist’.

Students wishing to being studies in our March 2027 intake should ideally apply well ahead of out interval deadline of 30th November 2026. The next intake will be October 2027, where the internal deadline is 31st May 2027.

Academic qualifications

A first degree (at least a 2.2) ideally in a discipline related to sport, exercise, or psychology with a good fundamental knowledge of the research process.

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

To apply, please contact your proposed project supervisor, and ask them to provide an application link. SAS0232

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (Found on the application process page)
• A research proposal: This should include a working title, background and rationale, a brief literature review, the aims and objectives, the methodology, data analysis, a timeline and feasibility of the research, and a reference list.
• A personal research statement (This should include (a) a brief description of your relevant experience and skills, (b) an indication of what you would uniquely bring to the project and (c) a statement of how this project fits with your future direction.)

Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

Funding Notes

This is for self-funded applicants only.