Sport in Society - Research

Research in sport and exercise science is conducted through the Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute (SESRI), and is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team of staff and postgraduate PhD researchers. Given the applied nature of the research conducted by SESRI, we have developed a range of research collaborations at international, national and local levels involving governing bodies of sport, hospitals and medical facilities and practitioners, local and national government and other key stakeholders in sport, exercise and physical activity.



Research Facilities:

Research centres housed in SESRI carry out high quality research, and promote a vibrant culture of research and scholarship in partnership with health providers, sports governing bodies and other centres of excellence. In the recent national assessment of research quality (REF2021), 89% of our research and 100% of the environment for sports related research at Ulster University was ranked as internationally excellent or world leading. The impact of our research locally and internationally was also acknowledged by REF 2021 with 100% of our impact rated as internationally excellent and world leading.



The Centre for Sport in Society brings together colleagues from across Ulster University who conduct research on sport from a range of disciplinary perspectives in the social sciences.



This research explores themes and issues associated with the cultural, political, social, economic and historical import of sport in a variety of local, national and international contexts including Ireland, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the United States.



Since 2005, Centre members have secured research funding from a range of prestigious sources including the Economic and Social Research Council, UK Research and Innovation, the European Union, Special Olympics, the British Academy, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), UNICEF UK and the Higher Education Authority.



Our work is also impactful and applied and has involved research conducted with a range of governing bodies and key stakeholders in sport including the Irish Football Association, UEFA, the Gaelic Athletic Association, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, World Rally Championship, Special Olympics Ireland, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the English Premier League, UNICEF UK and the Centre for Sport and Human Rights.



There has been considerable media interest in our research leading to its dissemination in a wide range of local, national and international media outlets.

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.

All applications are made online and applicants are advised to discuss their application prior to submission with relevant staff in order to develop an appropriate research proposal (see "Application Date Weblink").

Careers and opportunities

PhD graduates are recognised by employers to hold valuable transferrable skills, as the nature of the degree trains candidates in creativity, critical inquiry, problem solving, negotiation skills, professionalism and confidence.



The most recent Ulster survey of PhD graduates found that 92% had secured employment within the first year since graduation (HESA Destination of Leavers Survey 2015), and while two thirds end up in the Higher Education or Research sectors, the range of skills acquired equips the remainder for employment in a wide range of contexts.