Movement skills as a pathway for children's health

About the Project

This is a PhD within the Coventry University (UK),- Stellenbosch University (South Africa) Cotutelle programme. Primarily based at Coventry University this PhD will have a focus on Children's motor development, physical activity, health and educational outcomes.

Introduction

Globally, there is an increased prevalence of physical inactivity among children. Physical inactivity is a catalyst for a variety of health, developmental and cognitive problems among children. As children transition from pre-primary to primary school, they face many challenges and are often not adequately prepared for formal schooling.

School-based physical activity is often associated with physical education, however, research has shown that purposeful movement inside the classroom have many physical and academic benefits. Movement can be combined with learning activities based on the curriculum. By combining the two elements it allows for time to invest in both academic activities and physical activity.

Project details

The PhD's main purpose will be to implement a sustainable, integrative, and easily accessible programme for all preschool learners, focusing on learning through movement. Every so often, children, especially from less-privileged communities, are not adequately prepared for school, resulting in a delay in their education and overall development. There is a need to restructure the curriculum content to assist learners in learning more effectively. Teachers have also indicated that they lack the proper training and resources to efficiently implement the curriculum. The study, therefore, aims to develop a movement-based programme with a specific focus on learning through movement that can be integrated as part of the normal school curriculum to enhance children's overall physical development as well as executive functioning. The following variables are of particular interest; physical activity patterns, gross motor skills, body composition, executive functioning, visual-motor integration.

Additional requirements

This PhD is a cotutelle PhD between Coventry University (UK) and Stellenbosch University (South Africa). The successful candidate will primarily be based in Coventry, but will be required to undertake a significant period of study in South Africa as a requirement of the PhD.

Entry requirements

• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
• PLUS
• a Masters Degree in a relevant subject area will be considered as an equivalent.The Masters must have been attained with minimum overall marks at merit level (60%)*. In addition, the dissertation or equivalent element in the Masters must also have been attained with a minimum mark of merit level (60%).
• The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 4 years.
• A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).

How to apply

To find out more about the project, please contact Prof Michael Duncan - aa8396@coventry.ac.uk

All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2000 word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.

Funding Notes

Tuition Fees and Stipend