Advancing Physical Activity Policies and Strategies in the Global South (Ref: SSESH/SC24)

According to international agencies such as WHO and UNESCO, there is an urgent need to increase levels of physical activity to protect global health and wellbeing. This is especially important in low- and middle-income countries (the ‘global South’), where levels of physical inactivity are rapidly rising.

To tackle this problem, innovative and effective national policies and strategies, which fit with different social and cultural contexts, are required. 

The focus of this PhD project will be on how these national physical activity policies and strategies may be developed and implemented in the global South.

Key questions here may include:

• What are the particular needs or challenges that are faced by specific nations in regard to physical activity levels?
• Which population groups have particular needs in regard to physical activity, and how might they be reached through new policies and strategies?
• How can these policies and strategies draw on local and national cultural traditions, such as in sport, dance, games, and wider body culture, to increase physical activity levels?

Answering these types of question will help to advance understanding of physical activity needs in the global South, and enhance the effectiveness of policies and strategies in response. 

The successful candidate will join our UNESCO Chair team: a large, vibrant, world-class community of academics, doctoral researchers, and students with multidisciplinary expertise in the contributions of sport, physical activity, and physical education to development.

You will also become a full member of our unique Loughborough-UNESCO Student Network, and work within a research culture and environment that reflects our #1 rating for Sport-Related Research in the QS World University Rankings. 

The UNESCO Chair and Loughborough University have an applied research culture. In REF 2021, 94% of the work submitted by the University was judged to be ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

We are a community based on mutual support and collaboration. Through our Doctoral College, you will have continual opportunities for building important research skills and networks among your peers and research academics. You will be located within the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, which has an exceptional, worldwide track-record for the career development and skills training of sport-related researchers.

94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

Supervisors

Primary supervisor: Silvia Costa

Secondary supervisor: Richard Giulianotti

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

Students should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 at undergraduate level.

How to apply

All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. Please quote the advertised reference number: SSEHS/SC24 in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

Apply now