Job Description
Fully Funded MRes Studentship
Birmingham City Football Club × University of Birmingham
Invisible Monitoring of Football Players Across Varying Microcycle Structures
Birmingham City Football Club (BCFC), in collaboration with the University of Birmingham, is pleased to offer a fully funded MRes studentship in applied performance science within an elite football environment.
This opportunity combines postgraduate research with hands‑on applied experience, supporting the delivery of the performance science programme at Birmingham City FC. Applied duties will be primarily undertaken with the Men’s First‑Team squad, with research also potentially involving Academy Professional Development Phase (PDP) players.
The studentship is funded for one academic year, subject to satisfactory performance in both the MRes programme and the applied role. UK home‑rate tuition fees (£5,500) will be fully covered.
Role Overview
The purpose of this role is to deliver high‑quality applied research that supports the optimisation of monitoring and performance provision for elite football players. The findings will contribute to the development of an evidence‑based, data‑informed performance programme within professional football.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be required to:
- Plan, conduct, and complete an MRes research programme focused on the invisible monitoring of football players across varying microcycle structures
- Engage in a structured personal development programme aligned with the competencies required to deliver elite performance support in professional football
- Assist in the delivery of the BCFC performance science system, including:
- Performance testing
- Data collection, management, and administration
- Delivery of performance development sessions
- Attend selected training sessions, matches, and training camps where required
- Fulfil all academic, professional, and personal requirements associated with:
- MRes‑level research
- The role of a trainee practitioner within an elite football environment
The Candidate
Knowledge & Experience
- Strong theoretical understanding, evidenced by a good academic record
- Background in sports science, strength and conditioning, or a related discipline
- Practical experience working with athletes in a performance environment
- Experience within professional or academy football is highly desirable
Education & Qualifications
- BSc (Hons) in Sports Science, Strength & Conditioning, or a related field (essential)
Personal Attributes
- Strong work ethic with excellent interpersonal skills
- Adaptable and resilient, with a positive approach to challenge
- Excellent time‑management skills to balance applied and academic demands
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Self‑motivated and committed to high professional standards
- Passionate about delivering high‑quality performance support in elite football
Birmingham City Football Club values the talents and abilities of our staff and seeks to foster an open, cooperative, and dynamic environment in which staff and the Club alike can flourish. The Club provides an Open Door Policy in which staff are encouraged to be innovative and strive for continuous improvements to the Club and it’s services.
Birmingham City Football Club endeavours to provide a staff-friendly environment in which goal-oriented individuals thrive as they achieve ever more demanding challenges. The policies and procedures at the Club, provide for a work environment in which both customer and staff interests are served.