Flinders and St Peter’s College Industry PhD Scholarship: Athletic Development

Change lives and change the world with impactful PhD research co-funded by Flinders and St Peter’s College.

• Receive a $33,000 per annum scholarship tax free, for up to 3.5 years.
• Apply your research skills during an internship with St Peter’s College

Flinders University and St Peter’s College are offering an Industry PhD Scholarship to undertake innovative research into the effect of integrated Athletic Development programs on the physical development of school-aged students.

The College of Education, Psychology and Social Work and St Peter’s College, are collaborating on this research project to investigate the effect of Athletic Development programs on the physical literacy of St Peter’s College students as compared to students who do not participate in such programs.  Bringing significant industry experience to the project, St Peter’s College has an unwavering commitment to the education of boys and our vision is to be an exceptional community of learning.  Our values of Truth, Respect and Service are a strong and constant part of school life.  Today, and for more than 170 years, our most important work is shaping the character of the boys and young men at Saints – developing a sense of service, courage, commitment, and integrity.  An integral component to this learning is the inclusion of athletic development programs within the school’s curriculum.  This is reflected in a graduated approach to athletic development across the students’ schooling journey. Flinders University is also committed to the development of athletic development programs for physical and personal development in school and sports settings and has complimentary research strengths in the field of Sport and Exercise Science through the Sport, Health, Activity, Performance and Exercise Research Centre (SHAPE) to support this exciting Industry PhD opportunity.  Together we are seeking innovative solutions to this challenging area of research through this PhD project. 

This inspiring project involves:

The student will be embedded within the St Peter’s Athletic Development Program throughout their candidature. The students will need to formalise an agreement with St Peter’s and Flinders on the acceptable level of hours expected across teaching weeks (up to 15 hours per week) aligned to school terms. During the PhD candidature:

• Undertake a full-time PhD and meet all key candidature milestones for timely completion as per the university guidelines.
• Translate academic knowledge into practice that maximises knowledge translation and education practices for St Peter’s College.
• Practically apply academic skills to practical outcomes that bolster the practice and performance of the athletic development program at St Peter’s College.
• Communicate research-related behaviours, proposals, and research results to both lay and academic audiences across both parties.
• Assist Industry Partner and Flinders University with various coaching or educational-related engagements that are aligned with the objectives of the research project.
• Proactively seek external opportunities to communicate, educate and translate research findings to external sporting, education, or research bodies to bolster the field of knowledge through knowledge translation and communication.

The Flinders Industry PhD Scholarship also includes an internship of at least 60 full-time equivalent days, agreed to in written form within 18 months of candidature, undertaken and completed prior to completion of the PhD, during which you will be embedded with the industry partner team, developing your network, and gaining insight into the everyday research practices of an industry-leading/service driven organisation. Once the internship is completed, the candidate is required to remain embedded in the St Peter’s Athletic Development Program undertaking an acceptable level of hours of support for 3 years after commencing their candidature.

This Scholarship offers:

• $33,000 (2023 full-time rate, indexed annually) per annum tax free, for up to 3.5 years
• An industry internship allowing you to apply your research into practice during candidature.
• Access to academic and industry expertise through joint supervision
• A supportive environment to learn leading-edge research methods and become an expert in your area.
• The opportunity to manage a complex research project and respond innovatively to challenges.
• A collaborative research community where you can enhance your skills and build your network to progress your research career. 

To be eligible for the Scholarship you will need:

• To be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or have, or are eligible to apply for, a relevant international visa; and
• Meet Flinders University PhD admission requirements – an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), or evidence of equivalent research experiences, such as refereed publications or significant experience as a lead researcher; and
• Scholarship recipients are expected to take up their studies as soon as practicable within a timeframe specified by the Office of Graduate Research in consultation with the industry partner, up to a maximum of 3 months from the time of acceptance of the scholarship.  In exceptional circumstances and with the approval of the industry partner and the University, this time may be extended to 6 months.
• Completed undergraduate study with Honours (1 or 2A) with a research component of at least 18 units in Sport and Exercise Science, Physical Education or related discipline or Postgraduate study (Graduate Diploma of Research Methods or Masters degree by coursework with a research component of at least 18 units, with an average GPA of at least 6 in the research component) in Sport and Exercise Science, Physical Education or related discipline.
• Currently hold or willing to undertake a National Police Criminal History Check, Working with Children Check and Complete the Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education and Care (RRHAN)-EC Training.

It is desirable for applicants to also have:

• Exposure to Strength and Conditioning Coaching in a school or sporting setting.
• Actively hold a Level 1 (or higher) Australian Strength and Conditioning Association Accreditation