Post Covid-19 Physical Activity Insight 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 PESH Staff Polo shirt, Gym and Swim Gold Membership at UEA SportsPark, CPD and Research Training. 

School of Study

Placement Host: UEA Sport Health And Education Group - Groups and Centres

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 days per week)

This unique scholarship and voluntary placement combines a research and insight role, aiming to deliver follow up surveys and consultation with the Greater Norwich public populations regarding their physical activity behaviours post the covid-19 pandemic, with completion of a masters degree. The placement will lead a focused research project building on Physical Activity and Sport Strategy - Year 3 Update - Greater Norwich Growth Board PASS survey findings, exploring exercise trends, physical activity behaviours, use of certain places and spaces to be active, which will review confidence and motivational influences around activities. The post is designed for an ambitious graduate seeking to develop both their partnership working, project management and mixed methods research skills in relation to physical activity development. It aligns to the current work of Sport England and Physical Activity and Sport Strategy - Greater Norwich Growth Board. Note; the Greater Norwich area consists of the Norwich, South Norfolk, and Broadland districts. 

The placement will be supported as part of the Sport Health And Education Group - Groups and Centres which is a vibrant community of researchers, with expertise focussed on motivational aspects of sport, community health and education, gender and sexuality in sport, behaviour change theory, coach and teacher education and finally health and physical activity. 

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 student's degree course 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 any Social Science subject area, including the Sport Science subject group, which may include but not limited to; Sports Development, Physical Education, Physical Activity and Health, Education, Sociology, Psychology, or relatable discipline at a 2:1 or above; with a minimum of 2:1 in the extended research project.  

• An understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods in social sciences with a focus on survey data 

• An understanding of barriers and enablers to physical activity participation  

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

• Experience delivering complex information in accessible presentation and written formats 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, initiative and professionalism 

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

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

• Experience in delivering community projects and/or researching the impact of covid-19 on physical activity participation 

• Experience of partnership working across professional stakeholders 

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. There is no formal requirement for weekend work.  

* schedule is an example of potential organisation of time, exact arrangements to be made with lead mentor and are very flexible.

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.

Application Deadline: Monday 27th July 2026    Interview Date: 10th or 11^th August 2026 (In person)

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. 

Terms and Conditions

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