Master of Research (MRes) – University of the West of Scotland
Role: Master of Research (MRes) project in collaboration with Scottish Surfing, the Governing Body for surfing and its related disciplines in Scotland.
University: University of the West of Scotland (Glasgow, UK), School of Health and Life Sciences, Division of Sport, Exercise & Health
Lead Supervisor: Dr Mykolas Kavaliauskas
Tuition Fees: Self-funded. For more details on tuition fees for research degrees
Duration: Minimum of 12 months full-time (starting 1 April 2025) to collect data and up to 18 months to submit thesis.
Application Deadline: 15 February 2025
Proposed Title: Physical and performance profiling of competitive stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) athletes in Scotland.
Project Background:
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is one of Scotland's fastest-growing sports. While most participation takes place recreationally, a growing number of athletes are competing in various disciplines, including SUP-surf, long-distance, technical, sprint and prone.
This is demonstrated by the fielding of the first ever first-ever Scottish team at the recent ISA World SUP and Paddleboard Championships. However, scientific research into the physical and performance demands of different competitive SUP disciplines is currently limited. This lack of evidence may hinder SUP athletes, coaches, clubs and governing bodies from adopting evidence-based practices, potentially impeding progress.
Project Aim:
The aim of this research project will be to carry out physical and performance profiling of SUP athletes. Key to the success of this project will be the partnership and integration with Scottish Surfing as the governing body.
The project findings will establish benchmark values, inform training programmes, and aid in creating performance pathways within future Scottish Surfing performance programmes for SUP and paddleboard athletes.
Supervisory Team:
Lead Supervisor: Dr Mykolas Kavaliauskas
Second Supervisor: Dr Antonio Dello Iacono
External Advisors:
- Dr Brendon Ferrier (Edinburgh Napier University)
- Paul Stark (Scottish Surfing)
- Alasdair Findlay (Scottish Surfing)
Academic qualifications:
- A minimum of a second-class Honours degree (or an equivalent qualification) in sport and exercise science or related subject area.
- For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course.
- General English language requirements at UWS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training) with an overall score of at least 6.5 with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Full details of the University's policy are available online.
Candidate Requirements:
- A strong academic background in sport and exercise sciences
- Practical skills in providing sport science support to a range of athletes/clients.
- A passion for water-based sports
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Good time management
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team
How to Apply:
To apply, please submit the following documents:
- A detailed CV
- A personal statement outlining your research interests and suitability for the project
- Two references (1 x academic; 1 x professional)
Further Information: For further information or informal enquiries, please contact: Dr Mykolas Kavaliauskas at Mykolas.Kavaliauskas@uws.ac.uk