Project details
Erasmus+ sport is the main sport related program of the European Union to implement its sports policy. Since 2014, Erasmus+ Sport has been promoting sport and physical activities by supporting grassroot sport organisations across Europe. It has funded a large number of small scale and larger projects organised and implemented by civil society and sport organisations.
As Erasmus+ sport reaches its first 10 years, it is time to evaluate the extent to which it has met its objectives and the extent to which it has contributed to the implementation of EU sport policy.
This PhD project seeks to identify, discuss and evaluate the barriers and facilitating factors in the design and effective implementation of projects funded by Erasmus+ Sport in the last ten years.
This PhD will undertake a review of written documents evaluating Erasmus+ sport projects since 2014, including European Commission and European Parliament official documents, as well as other documents produced by projects and project partners.
The project will also undertake qualitative research via interviews, focus groups and/or online surveys with Erasmus+ sport project partners that have participated in projects since 2014. This will include a selection of partners that participated in projects that have already concluded, as well as partners that are part of ongoing projects.
This PhD will be completed through the ‘alternative thesis’ route, consisting of three individual pieces of work that are brought together with an introduction and a conclusion. The initial proposal is that the PhD will consist of three studies:
- A study reporting on the review of written documents evaluating Erasmus +
- A study reporting on the qualitative work with project partners of finished projects
- A study reporting on the qualitative work with project partners of ongoing projects.
Alternatively, one of the three studies can focus on the EU institutions and other public authorities in EU member states and their role in Erasmus+ Sport.
It is expected that the studies will be conceptually underpinned by theories of policy-making and/or policy implementation in the European Union.
The supervisory team is open to alternative proposals that meet the research objectives and are still structured following the “alternative thesis” route. Applicants should submit a research proposal with their application explaining how they propose to meet the project objectives and which three studies they intend to complete as part of the PhD.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Borja García García
Secondary supervisor: Serhat Yilmaz
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Students should have, or expected to achieve, at least a 2:1 degree in the areas of: Political Sciences, European Studies, International Relations, Public Policy, Sport Management, or Sport and social sciences.
A postgraduate degree in the areas of European Politics, Public Policy, Political Sciences or Sport Management and Politics would be desirable.
Demonstrated understanding or knowledge of EU sport policy and Erasmus+ sport would be an advantage.
Experience of involvement with Erasmus+ sport projects will also be an advantage.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2025-26 entry
UK fee
To be confirmed Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£28,600 Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2025-26 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2025.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. Please quote the advertised reference number: SSEHS/BGSY25 in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.
The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.
