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About the Opportunity
Edge Hill University (EHU), in collaboration with Wigan Athletic Football Club, invites applications for an exciting MRes opportunity focused on how academy football coaches learn with the evaluation of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and coach support, and will offer recommendations to support and enhance coach development.
About The Research Project
This research focuses on coach learning within an English football academy, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of the processes and conditions that foster or hinder professional development. The central goal is to generate evidence-based improvements to the academy’s CPD and coach support programme.
The study pursues four key objectives:
- To explore when, how, and why academy coaches experience learning.
- To evaluate the current CPD and Coach Support provisions for their effectiveness and limitations.
- To analyse how coaches' behaviours and practices relate to these support structures.
- To offer practical recommendations that enhance coach learning and development.
This research aims to contribute to the development of more effective, context-specific coaching strategies in learning environments.
Details of funding
The successful applicant will receive:
- Payment of 1-year, full-time MRes tuition fees (£5,800)
Applicant Eligibility
This opportunity is open to UK and EU based applicants only. Applicants should hold a relevant undergraduate degree at grade 2:1 or above.
The successful candidate should have excellent analytical skills to undertake this project and an interest in football coaching. Prior relevant experience will also be taken into consideration.
At Edge Hill University we value the benefits a rich and diverse workforce brings to our community and therefore welcome applications from all sections of society.
How to submit your application
In the first instance please complete the online application form via
https://qpl.edgehill.ac.uk/apex_qlive/f?p=PV_ONLINE_APP:101::::APP:APP_COURSE_INSTANCE:856605942
Once you have done this, please send the following items in one email to [email protected] quoting the project title in the subject of the email:
A clear research proposal. The proposal of the research can be up to 1000 words in length (with references as an addition to the proposal). Further guidance can be found at: https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/departments/support/graduateschool/apply/
- a downloaded copy of your application form.
- a cover letter/personal statement outlining your suitability and research interests.
- a full academic CV (maximum of three A4 pages, using size 12 font) which includes the contact details of two referees.
- a copy of your qualification certificates and passport.
Key contacts:
Please think about the support you need and contact one of the below directly:
- Research project and supervision questions: please contact Dr. Mark Partington via [email protected]
- MRes registration and qualification questions: please contact [email protected]
Deadlines and start date.
Closing date: 14th September 2025 at 23:59pm.
The successful applicant will be required to start on the 4th October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. This is for a full-time MRes position.
