Externally Funded PhD with Fulham FC

About the Opportunity

This is an outstanding opportunity for a talented and motivated applicant to gain real-world industry experience by undertaking an original, applied research project within an elite football environment. Specifically, Edge Hill University (EHU), in collaboration with Fulham Football Club (FFC), invites applications for this research project aimed at enhancing the quality of information flows that inform athlete management decision-making processes within an English Premier League (EPL) academy. The successful candidate will be embedded full-time within the Academy Insights Team at Fulham Football Club’s training facility in London (KT3 6PT), with quarterly travel to Edge Hill University, Ormskirk. The project will be led by Dr Jayamini Ranaweera, Department of Sport and Physical Activity, EHU and Patrick Oxenham from the Academy Insights Team at FFC. 

 

About The Research Project

Guided by process mapping methods, this PhD project will initially focus on modelling academy decision-making processes and evaluating their alignment with strategic organisational objectives. Drawing on extensive stakeholder engagement, it seeks to identify inefficiencies, gaps, and misalignments in the information flows that underpin critical academy decisions. Using design research approaches, the project will develop minimum viable products of digital systems to address key issues identified in these information flows. Ultimately, it aims to deliver a rigorous, applied case example for modelling, assessing, and optimising the quality of information flows in an elite football academy environment, offering insights and tools with potential relevance across broader high-performance sport contexts.

Due to the applied nature of the project, applicants should ideally have prior hands-on experience in framing real-world business problems (not constrained to sports), developing corresponding solutions using informatics, analytics and/or business analysis approaches and deploying them in industry settings, along with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders.  

Details of funding

This studentship is for 3-years, and the successful applicant will:

Be awarded an annual tax-free London weighted UKRI equivalent stipend (minimum £22,780 per year).Benefit from fully paid UK-rate tuition fees.Cover expenses for the travel between the university and football club.Receive a laptop to conduct the project.

Applicant Eligibility

This opportunity is open to UK-based applicants eligible for home fees. Applicants should hold a relevant undergraduate degree at grade 2:1 or above. 

The successful candidate should have excellent data analytics, business analysis and/or informatics knowledge and skills to undertake this project, with an interest in process innovation. Prior experience in analysis-related roles within sport or related industries would be advantageous.

At Edge Hill University we value the benefits a rich and diverse workforce brings to our community and therefore welcome applications from all sections of society.

How to submit your application

Please complete the online application form via 

https://qpl.edgehill.ac.uk/apex_qlive/f?p=PV_ONLINE_APP:101::::APP:APP_COURSE_INSTANCE:906554406

Once you have done this, please send the following items in one email to [email protected] quoting the studentship reference and the project title, in the subject of the email:

a downloaded copy of your application form.a research proposal (up to 2,000 words, excluding references) outlining how you would approach this project. Further guidance can be found at:

https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/departments/support/graduateschool/apply/ 

a cover letter/personal statement outlining your suitability.a full academic CV (maximum of three A4 pages, using size 12 font) which includes the contact details of two referees.a copy of your qualification certificates and passport.

Key contacts

Please think about the support you need and contact one of the below directly:

Research project and supervision questions: please contact Dr Jayamini Ranaweera [email protected] PhD registration and qualification questions: please contact [email protected] 

Deadlines and start date

Closing date: 16th January 2026

Interviews will take place on the 23rd January 2026. These will be held online using Microsoft Teams.  

Candidates invited to interview will be required to deliver a 10-minute presentation outlining a proposed solution to a practical process innovation related task.

The successful applicant will be required to start on 16th February 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. This is a full-time PhD position. 

About Us 

At Edge Hill University we believe in the life changing opportunities knowledge can create. Since 1885, we’ve been creating access to knowledge for those who may not have had the opportunity to before. 

Today, the effect we have has a far-reaching impact, not just for those who come to study here but for those who work, invest in, and live in our local communities too. So, if you’ve ever wondered if one person can make a difference, simply speak to our alumni, students, and award-winning staff.

Because for us education isn’t about how much you take in. It’s about what you take out into the world. 

Inspiring minds and changing futures since 1885, Edge Hill University is “A great success story… an institution that improves and impresses year after year” – Times Higher Education. 

Closing Date: 16 Jan 2026

Department: Academic