PhD Studentship - From Fan to Father: Exploring the Role of Football Fan Communities in Supporting New Fatherhood

Overview

This funded PhD project examines how football fan communities support men transitioning into first-time fatherhood. The research addresses a common issue where men experience exclusion from traditional parenting support that tends to focus on mothers, investigating whether the social bonds and belonging found in football fandom can serve as support networks during early fatherhood. The project is organized around three main strands of inquiry focusing on identity transformation, social support, and masculinity and belonging. Qualitative research methods will be utilized to study how these communities can impact parenting roles and practices, with the potential to inform future practices within sports clubs and governing bodies.

Who can apply

The studentship is available to both home and international applicants. Eligible candidates must hold an undergraduate degree with a UK first or upper-second class honours, or an equivalent qualification, or a Masters degree in sport management, marketing, sociology, or related disciplines. Applicants must also demonstrate an interest in issues related to parenthood, sport, and fandom.

What you get

Successful candidates receive a three-year award that covers both home and international tuition fees for the full duration of the program. In addition to fee coverage, students receive a standard stipend payment determined by the UKRI, set at £21,805 per annum for the academic year 2026/27.

Requirements

Applicants are required to submit several documents including a completed Doctoral Project Applicant Form, a CV, and a covering letter that outlines how their skills and experience align with the aims and objectives of the project, the research area, and why this topic is important and of interest. Candidates must also complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Marketing while quoting the reference FoBL-LG-2027-28-Fandom and Fatherhood, though a research proposal is not required through the portal.

How to apply

Applications and supporting documents can be uploaded directly to the supporting documents section of the University Admissions Portal, or they can be submitted via email to the university admissions address. Enquiries regarding the project can be directed to the proposed Principal Supervisor, Dr. Leah Gillooly. Following an initial review stage by project supervisors, selected candidates will be invited to a second-round interview where final funding decisions are determined.

Key dates

The application closing date is 2027-02-02. The expected start date for the project is October 2027.