The University of Hull, in partnership with Hull FC Rugby League Club, is pleased to invite applications for three MSc (Research) Sport, Health and Exercise Science studentships commencing in September 2026.
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The University of Hull, in partnership with Hull FC Rugby League Club, is inviting applications for three studentships in MSc (Research) Sport, Health and Exercise Science, commencing in September 2026.
These exciting opportunities offer graduates the chance to undertake applied research within an elite professional rugby league environment, working alongside leading academics from the University of Hull and practitioners from Hull FC.
Successful candidates will contribute to research addressing key contemporary challenges in player health, performance, and athlete development, while gaining valuable experience of working in high-performance sport.
One of three fully funded MSc Research Studentships. (Equivalent to Home fee)
Home and International postgraduate students
Students studying MSc by Research Sport, Health and Exercise Science, with a BSc in related subject area – 2:1 and above
This project will investigate the relationship between nutritional practices and injury incidence in
professional rugby league players. The successful candidate will explore factors such as energy
availability, dietary intake, and recovery nutrition to better understand their influence on injury
risk, recovery, and player availability throughout a competitive season.
Acceleration and deceleration are fundamental components of rugby league performance and
may influence both athletic performance and injury risk. This project will examine the mechanical
characteristics underpinning these movement patterns using advanced kinematic and kinetic
analysis techniques. Findings will contribute to a greater understanding of movement efficiency
and inform training and injury mitigation strategies in elite athletes.
Mental fatigue and cognitive demands are increasingly recognised as important factors affecting
athletic performance, decision-making, and recovery. This project will adopt a psychophysiological
approach to investigate the interaction between cognitive load, mental fatigue, and physical
performance in professional rugby league players. The findings will help inform evidence-based
strategies to optimise player preparation, performance, and wellbeing.
You will need to supply a personal statement when applying for this scholarship position.
Find out more about writing a personal statement. Please also ensure you include the
following information:
Successful applicants will receive a tuition fee waiver for one MSc programme. For the 2026/27 academic year, the fee waiver is valued at £5,238, which is equivalent to the Home tuition fee. Any additional tuition fees or other costs must be met by the student.
International students will therefore be responsible for paying the difference between the Home fee and the International fee. Applicants must provide evidence that they have sufficient funds available to cover this balance.
Full-time students only. Applicants should have a minimum 2:1 degree in Sports Science, Sports Nutrition, Sports Rehab, Strength and Conditioning or a closely related subject. For more details on our entry requirements please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage.
Applications close on Friday 14th August.