Sports opportunities, outcomes, and needs for children and young people with an amputation (HHS-2026-17)

About the Project

While disability sport has received growing scholarly attention, there is a notable lack of research focused specifically on children and young people with an amputation. Consequently, little is known about the range and nature of sporting opportunities available to this group, how they navigate participation, or what outcomes they experience. Furthermore, the perspectives of families, sports providers, and rehabilitation professionals regarding current provision remain underexplored.

This PhD aims to address these gaps by generating new empirical evidence on sport participation among children and/or young people with amputation. The study will explore young people’s lived experiences of sport, existing formal and informal sporting opportunities, and priorities for improving access, quality, and inclusion. By incorporating the voices of young people, families, and professionals, the research seeks to inform practice across education, community sport, and healthcare contexts.

The successful candidate will have flexibility to adopt a qualitative or mixed‑methods design aligned with their interests and expertise. Potential phases include mapping sporting provision within a defined geographical area; ethnographic exploration of inclusive and exclusionary practices; interviews or focus groups with young people, families, and rehabilitation professionals; and participatory workshops to co‑develop recommendations for improvement. The project offers a unique opportunity to contribute original, practice‑relevant research with meaningful impact for policy, service delivery, and the everyday lives of young people with amputation.

For subject specific enquiries please contact: e.e.heavey@hud.ac.uk

How to Apply

You must submit your application in full by Friday 19th June 2026, including the following documents:

• A motivational email as to why you wish to apply for the scholarship, stating which project you are applying for.
• A 2,000-word research proposal outlining how you plan to undertake for the research topic you are applying for. For further guidance on writing a research proposal, please refer to the following webpage: https://www.hud.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/writing-a-research-proposal/
• Full CV
• Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications.
• Provide references from two individuals – (at least one to be an academic reference) please contact your referees and ask them to send your references directly to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk from their work email address. (references can be submitted late but must be received by 29th June 2026).
• Proof of eligibility – e.g. scan of passport photo page
• Please state the research topic number and title in the subject area of the email

Please email pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk with queries regarding eligibility and submitting documents. Informal enquiries about individual projects should be directed to the lead supervisor listed for each project.

Type of Award: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Eligibility: Applications are welcome from UK applicants only; ideally with an MSc in a relevant subject area, applicants with a First-Class Honours degree may also be considered.

Location: Huddersfield/Online

Funding: Fee waiver

Duration: 3 years full-time / 6 years part-time