​​Implementation and evaluation of the feasibility of a musculoskeletal (MSK) injury toolkit for schools' rugby and other team sports ​

Apply and key information  

This project is funded by:

    • Department for the Economy (DfE)
    • Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Summary

This exciting project will build on innovative and ground-breaking research conducted by researchers at Ulster University into the phenomena of injury and awareness of sports related musculoskeletal injury management in adolescent / schools rugby in Northern Ireland among schools’ rugby coaches, school teachers, players and parents.

​You will develop and conduct a feasibility study to evaluate the delivery and implementation of an education focused musculoskeletal injury toolkit for schools rugby players.

​Aims:

  1. ​Evaluation of the toolkit
  1. ​Recommendations for implementation of the toolkit at local level
  1. ​Examine the opportunity to extend the scope of the toolkit beyond schools rugby

Objectives:

  1. ​Working with designated local schools, roll out the toolkit for one calendar year of schools rugby
  1. ​Evaluate the use of the toolkit from all stakeholders (pupils, coaches, parents) perspectives
  1. ​Engage with coaches and pupils from other schools to evaluate the value of the toolkit for other sporting activities

​Methods:

  1. ​From a group of schools already identified through the previous research prepare the toolkit for dissemination and work with the stakeholders to implement the toolkit for one school calendar year.  This will include training in the use of the toolkit and support in the implementation at local level
  1. ​Carry out both qualitative and quantitative activities including surveys, focus groups and one-to-one interviews to determine the feasiblity of implementing the toolkit in the schools
  1. ​Using existing networks, engage with new stakeholders to examine the opportunity for rolling out the toolkit to other schools sports.  Deliver a townhall event to capture the views of stakeholders with follow-up qualitative research to address particular nuances for other sports

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

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.

  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • Masters at 65%
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

  • Department for the Economy (DfE)
  • Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

Recommended reading

​​Anderson, D.S., Cathcart, J., Wilson, I., Hides, J., Leung, F., Kerr, D. (2020).  Lower limb MSK injuries among school aged rugby and football players: a systematic review.  BMJ Open SEM, 6, 1.

​Anderson, D., Cathcart, J., Kerr, D., Moore, I., Hislop, M., Wilson, I. (2022).  An investigation of coaches’ awareness of injury in elite adolescent rugby union in Northern Irish schools – A qualitative study.  Phys Ther in Sport, 57, 17-25.

​Anderson, D., Wilson, I., Cathcart, J., Kerr, D.  (2023).  Players’ and parents’ perceptions of injury in elite Northern Irish schools rugby – A qualitative study.  Phys Ther in Sport, 61, 172-178.

​Hughes, T., O’Hara, J., Burton, A., London, N., & Emmonds, S. (2023).  Evaluating the impact of injury prevention interventions in child and adolescent sports using the RE-AIM framework and CERT: A systematic review.  Plos One, 18(7), e0289065.

​King, J., Burgess, T. L., Hendricks, C., & Carson, F. (2023).  The coach’s role during an athlete’s rehabilitation following sports injury: A scoping review.  International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, (18)3, 928-944.

​McCrory, P., Meeuwisse, W., Dvorak, J. et al. (2016).  Consensus statement on concussion in sport – the 5th International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Berlin, October 2016.  Br J Sports Med, 51, 838-847.

​Palermi, S., Vittadini, F., Vecchiato, M., et al. (2023). Managing lower limb muscle reinjuries in athletes: from risk factors to return to play strategies.  Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, (8)4, 155.

​Sheehan, N., Summersby, R, Bleakley, C., et al. (2024).  Adolescents’ experience with sports-related pain and injury: A systematic review of qualitative literature.  Physical Therapy in Sport, 68, 7-21.  ​

Teahan, C., Whyte, E. F., & O’Connor, S. (2023).  Gaelic games players’ awareness and use of, and attitudes towards injury prevention exercise programmes.  Physical Therapy in Sport, 64, 17-26.

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 3 February 2025
04:00PM

Interview Date
Week beginning 31st March 2025

Preferred student start date
15th September 2025

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Professor Daniel Kerr

Other supervisors