PhD Study : Uncovering the biomechanical mechanisms of concussion in professional rugby league

Summary

Concussion is an issue in many contact sports. In order to guide player protection strategies in rugby league, we first must uncover the biomechanical mechanism of concussion. This PhD project aims to understand this through combining video footage, computational modelling, GPS and instrumented mouthguard (iMG) data from professional players. iMGs are equipped with accelerometers and gyroscopes to measure the linear and rotational kinematics during head impact and acceleration events.

The candidate will be based at Hull KR rugby league club (England). Thus, this PhD provides a unique opportunity for a PhD researcher to gain experience in both academia and elite-level sport.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Hull Kingston Rovers

Funded PhD - Hull Kingston Rovers, Hull College Craven Park, Hull.


• The funded scholarship will cover tuition fees and will make a maintenance allowance available (£15,609 per annum).

• UK/EU nationals and those meeting the residency requirements for UK/EU may apply


• Non-EU nationals must be ‘settled’ in the UK by the closing date of the application or have been ordinarily resident in the UK for purposes other than study for the past three years in order to be eligible for an award.


• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.