Norfolk Safer Sport and Physical Activity Officer Scholarship

Scholarship and Placement Length: 2 Years

Masters Scholarship: Fully funded (UK Home Fee Value) on the following course: MSc Professional Practice in Sport (Part Time) 2026/27 | Postgraduate Course | UEA. UEA Sport Kit, Gym and Swim Gold Membership at UEA SportsPark, CPD and Training.

Placement Host: UEA Sport Performance Sport: UEASport

Additional Funding: Students may wish to access further financial support at Funding for postgraduate study - GOV.UK and Postgraduate Scholarships Finder to support living costs

Location: University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK (In person requirement 4-5 days per week)

This unique scholarship and voluntary placement combines a sports development role with academic study toward a Master’s degree in Professional Practice in Sport. The post is designed for an ambitious graduate seeking to develop both their partnership working, project management and academic understanding of community welfare, safety and safeguarding in relation to sports participation. It aligns to the current work of Active Partnerships and Sport England through their Sport Welfare Officer Network (Safeguarding & Welfare Hub - Active Norfolk).

This role will enhance the current project work for creating safer, inclusive, and supportive environments for sport and physical activity across Norfolk. Safety isn’t just a policy, it’s a shared commitment to protecting everyone, from children to adults at risk. The placement will explore how the public feel about exercise and safety including use of public spaces, transport, and engaging with clubs and organisations. The work will aim to develop further resources for stakeholders including a resource toolkit to prevent harm and promote well-being.

The experience is paired with a fully funded (UK Home Fee Value) place on the identified masters degree at the university working alongside our highly regarded academic team and making use of specialist delivery and research facilities on campus. The students research activity will be designed to directly affect the placement role in action with support of a specialist supervisor, and academic credit is awarded for close linkage of the placement role to academic reflection and exploration through the modules offered.

This scholarship and placement opportunity is open to people with the following essentials:

• Undergraduate honours degree in the Sports Science subject group; which may include but not limited to; Sports Development, Physical Education, Physical Activity and Health, or those with a wider social science degree in Education, Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, or relatable discipline with a sport interest; at a 2:2 or above.

• An understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods in social sciences

• Willingness and commitment to completion of a two-year placement and MSc study programme

• Safeguarding and/or Mental Health First Aid Qualification

• Understanding of participant safeguarding and welfare in community or elite sport environments

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, initiative and professionalism

• Ability to balance academic workload and placement commitments with a willingness to learn

• DBS check or willingness to complete one

In the instance that multiple applications for this scholarship are received we will assess the following desirable criteria;

• Experience/understanding of the challenges in organising and delivering sport and/or physical activity sessions in a range of sports, activities, fitness and health related disciplines

• Experience partnership working across professional stakeholders including public services

• First Aid Qualification

The student will commit to a 4-day working week to include all elements, the below outlines a typical’ schedule’* that includes the MSc contact study time, protected study and rest time, and an indication of contact placement hours. The role may have some occasional unsociable working hours in line with sector requirements. There is no formal requirement for weekend work.

The expected weekly academic and placement schedule is outlined in the full brochure.

*We welcome applications from a diverse range of people, including international students. In the case that the scholarship is awarded to a non-UK Home student, the applicant will be responsible for paying the difference in fees required.

Send a CV (max. 3 pages) and Cover Letter detailing how your experience meets the criteria to Julia Robathan at J.Robathan@uea.ac.uk.

The deadline for applications is Monday 27 July 2026. Interviews will be scheduled for Monday 10 or Tuesday 11 August in person.

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