STUDENTSHIP: Olympic Sport and the Local Community: A Sociological Study of Stratford, London

SCHOOL OF SPORT, EXERCISE & HEALTH SCIENCES

PhD Research Studentship: Olympic Sport and the Local Community: A Sociological Study of Stratford, London

Applications are invited for the above studentship in the highly acclaimed School of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences. The 2012 Olympics will largely take place in the Stratford area of the London Borough of Newham. Substantial redevelopment and regeneration projects are underway in Stratford, most obviously through the construction of many new Olympic sport facilities, the Athletes Village, the Westfield shopping mall, and the Stratford International rail station. This studentship will support the sociological study of the social impacts and legacies of the Olympics in the Stratford area, with particular reference to the experiences and perspectives of the host communities. An important research focus will be on community perspectives on, and engagements with, the various Olympic sports facilities and infrastructure. In terms of social context, Stratford and Newham are marked by high levels of poverty and unemployment; Newham is also one of England’s youngest and most ethnically diverse boroughs. The research will significantly enhance wider understanding of how global sport mega-even ts are experienced by their host communities. Applicants should have a good first degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Geography, Politics, Sport Studies or another relevant discipline. An MA/MSc in Research Methods, Sociology, or another relevant discipline is also highly desirable. A research proposal is required as part of the application.

The studentship provides a stipend of £13,590 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate for up to three years. Informal enquiries about the project should be made to Professor Richard Giulianotti (r.giulianotti@lboro.ac.uk). Information about the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and details about the application process can be found at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/ssehs/postgraduate-research/studentships.html The closing date for applications is Friday 27 April 2012.