Term Time Transitions

The project

The project will explore how physical activity, physiological load, sleep, and wellbeing fluctuate across the secondary school year. This unique longitudinal project embeds the researcher within Ipswich School, a large co educational independent school with a strong culture of sport and pastoral care.

The project responds to a pressing evidence gap: schools currently lack objective, term by term data on how pupils’ physical activity and wellbeing change across the academic cycle, particularly during high pressure examination periods.

This studentship offers the opportunity to generate impactful, real world evidence that can shape curriculum design, sport provision, and wellbeing interventions in schools.

Research aims

The research will investigate:

• Variation in physical activity and physiological load across Autumn, Spring and Summer terms
• Changes in pupil wellbeing across the academic year
• Differences between year groups (Years 8 and 12)
• Relationships between: Objective physiological load (heart rate, distance travelled, activity levels); Perceived exertion (RPE); Self reported activity (IPAQ); Wellbeing outcomes; Sleep metrics.

Methods & training

You will conduct a year long longitudinal cohort study, collecting data at six time points across the school year. The project uses a mixed methods monitoring approach, including:

Objective measures

• Fitbit based monitoring (steps, distance, active minutes, calories, sleep, HR zones)
• Lesson based heart rate and distance tracking

Subjective measures

• Session RPE
• IPAQ
• Standardised wellbeing questionnaires

Training provided

• Advanced quantitative analysis (e.g., repeated measures modelling, correlational analysis, agreement analysis)
• Wearable technology data handling
• Ethical and safeguarding procedures for school-based research
• Opportunities for publication and conference presentation
• Experience embedded within a real world educational environment

Research environment

You will be jointly supported by Dr Simon Quick (Lecturer in Sport Coaching) and Dr Ben Jones (Senior Lecturer in Sport Coaching)

Ipswich School will provide full access to pupils, facilities, and a dedicated on site mentor who will act as the school’s primary project link supporting integration into the school environment.  This embedded model ensures strong engagement with staff and pupils and maximises the real world impact of the research.

Funding

The funding for this studentship is for 12 months and covers:

• Full Home tuition fees for a Master of Science by Dissertation (MSD).
• A tax-free UKRI standard stipend (£21,850 per annum in 2026/2027).

The successful candidate will also be able to access Proficio funding for professional skills development and conference attendance.

The successful applicant will be employed as a full-time Research Assistant (University of Essex Grade 6) in the School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences from 1 – 30 September and enrol on a full-time (12 month) Masters by Dissertation in October 2026.

Criteria

Applicants should:

• Hold at least a 2:1 Honours degree in sport science, strength and conditioning, or a related discipline.
• Have experience or interest in quantitative data analysis
• Be confident working in school environments
• Have strong organisational skills and the ability to manage longitudinal data collection
• Have an interest in adolescent wellbeing, physical activity, or applied research
• Experience with wearable technologies or school based research is desirable but not essential.

How to apply

You can apply for this postgraduate research opportunity online. 

You will need to upload the following documents:

• A 800-word SWOT analysis of the project that details a range of considerations based on the research project proposal and site.
• CV
• Transcripts of any undergraduate or Master’s qualifications.

Applications must be submitted by 17 April 2026.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on 24th April (9.00 - 12.00) online.

Instruction to applicants

When you apply online you will be prompted to fill out several boxes in the form:

• For "Course title" please select "MSD Sport and Exercise Science".
• For "Proposed research topic or area of research" please put the title of this studentship “Term Time Transitions”.
• For "If you have contacted a potential supervisor..." please put the name of the Essex supervisor (Dr Simon Quick).

If you have any informal queries about this opportunity please email Dr Simon Quick (s.quick@essex.ac.uk).