PhD Studentship - (Re)claiming and (Re)shaping Place: The Economics and Geography of Women’s Football Stadiums

Overview

Manchester Metropolitan University offers a funded PhD studentship within the Faculty of Business and Law focusing on the economics and geography of women’s football stadiums. The research uses comparative case studies and mixed methods to investigate how stadium infrastructure arrangements affect the development of women's football, supporter attachment, identity, legitimacy, attendance, and economic outcomes.

What you get

The award covers both home and international tuition fees for the duration of the three-year award. In addition, the successful student receives a standard stipend payment set at the UKRI level, which is £21,805 per annum.

Requirements

Applicants should be intellectually curious, proactive, organised, and comfortable working across disciplinary boundaries. Candidates need quantitative and analytical capabilities, along with qualitative research capabilities in areas such as semi-structured interviews, qualitative data analysis, and documentary analysis. An academic background in human geography, sport management, sports economics, or a closely related discipline is ideal, and knowledge of women's football, professional football structures, or the commercial development of women's sport is considered an asset.

How to apply

Interested individuals must complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in People and Performance without submitting a research proposal. Applicants are required to fill out the Doctoral Project Applicant Form and include a CV and covering letter addressing the project aims, objectives, and research area. These documents must be uploaded to the University's Admissions Portal or emailed directly to the admissions address, ensuring the reference number FoBL-MV-2027-28-Women’s football stadiums is quoted.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 2 February 2027. The expected start date for the position is October 2027.