Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Risky recreation? Exploring perceptions of risk of recreationalists on the Ministry of Defence training estate
The Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University (LBU) and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) are looking to recruit a talented and highly motivated individual to undertake a full-time funded PhD studentship.
The successful candidate will work on an exciting new project that will inform the management of the Defence estate, supporting outdoor recreation and the health and well-being of military personnel and civilians.
The Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University is purposefully driven to make a difference to people, communities and organisations through collaborative research and knowledge exchange. Our culture is founded upon a genuine commitment and capacity to work with others on real-world applied problems, to achieve impact beyond academia.
The successful candidate will join the Responsible Outdoor Recreation Research Group (RORRG) and contribute to applied research that is helping to transform the ways outdoor recreation is managed and experienced to balance the needs of society, the environment and the economy.
The role will require travel between the field sites (Catterick garrison, in North Yorkshire, and Longmoor Camp, in Hampshire) and the Carnegie School of Sport (LS6 3QS).
Risky recreation? Exploring perceptions of risk of recreationalists on the Ministry of Defence training estate
Supervisory team: Professor Kate Dashper and Dr Jason King
The MOD is one of the largest landowners in England. The Defence estate includes sites of environmental and conservation value and has many public rights of way (PRoW), including footpaths, bridleways and byways.
The Defence estate encompasses many green and blue spaces that are important for outdoor recreation, whether that be walking, dog walking, cycling, fishing, or swimming, among other activities. However, the primary purpose of the Defence estate is to provide an environment for active, realistic military training for British forces and sometimes our allies.
Military training takes place all year round and includes live firing, heavy tanks and machinery, and other activities that have potential to cause serious harm, even death, to civilians. The MOD estate needs careful managing to try and balance the training needs of the military alongside public access rights for recreation and environmental conservation.
This balance is complex and challenging. The MOD tries to manage this through a combination of measures including signage, use of flags to indicate when live firing is happening, communications on websites and through leaflets, and through officers on the ground.
Yet incursions – people (whether civilians or military personnel) on land where they should not be – still happen and can cause costly stoppages to training operations and increased stress for defence staff. Most seriously, incursions have potential to cause serious harm, even death, to people and dogs who stray onto land they should not be on.
Under the supervision of staff from Leeds Beckett University, with support from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation Forestry, Heritage and Engagement Team at the MOD, the successful candidate will conduct a research project to begin to understand how different user groups (civilians, and military personnel and their families) perceive risk when engaging in recreation on the defence estate and how this impacts their recreational activities and choices. Fieldwork will be conducted at two major MOD sites – Catterick, in North Yorkshire and Longmoor in Hampshire. We invite candidates to submit a research proposal that meets the broad aims of the project.
The successful candidate should have a strong interest in outdoor recreation and/or the management of green spaces, as well as a passion to undertake research which has real-world application. Knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods would be beneficial but further training can be provided to the successful candidate. Strong communication skills and professionalism are essential, as the candidate will be working closely with a range of stakeholders in the MOD and with the general public.
To find this course on our portal you will need to search for a Postgraduate Research course, Spring 2025/26, Full Time and search for ‘Recreation’ as the programme title.
Application Reference Number: 2026-April-MOD/CSS-PHD
Mode of Study: Full-Time (3yrs)
Stipend value: £20,780 (Stipends are tax-free and paid pro-rata in monthly payments)
This opportunity is for UK applicants only
Type of Funding Available: Home (UK) Fees and Stipend
The successful candidates would ideally have: 2:1 or higher in a relevant undergraduate degree.
This opportunity is for UK applicants only.The PHD will be awarded to the strongest applications assessed on the applicant’s academic excellence, the strength of the research proposal and how the proposal fits with the research project.
To apply, please go to the application portal which can be found through the 'Apply Now' button.
To find this course on our portal you will need to search for a Postgraduate Research course, Spring 2025/26, Full Time and search for ‘Recreation’ as the programme title.
Please make sure that you complete the application process in full and also provide the following additional information:
1. RESEARCH PROPOSAL (include title and project reference)
Your research proposal must outline the topic of your proposed research, the questions it will address and some indication of how you will conduct your research. It is an integral part of the application process. It should be no more than 2000 words in length (not including references) and must include the research project title and reference.
The criteria listed below will be used in both selecting those applicants who will be called for interview and those who will be successful in securing a PGR award, and these should help you form your research proposal.
a) Context and significance of your research
Please outline the significance and originality of your proposed research, indicating: aims, relationship to previous research in the field, research question(s) you are seeking to answer.
b) Research design and methods
Please outline the design of your proposed research, indicating: methodology and methods, a timetable for completion of the PGR award, ethical considerations that your research may raise.
c) Dissemination and impact
Please identify: possible opportunities to disseminate your research to academic audiences during your PGR programme, the ways in which your research might be relevant outside academia.
You are strongly advised to discuss your proposal with a named Supervisor before making your application.
How applications will be assessed Your application will be considered by a Carnegie School of Sport selection panel. The panel will evaluate applications based on the quality of the proposal, preparedness of the applicant and feasibility of the research project.
2. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
This should be a maximum of 1000 words outlining: What knowledge, skills, and training would you bring to the proposed research? This may include relevant academic study, relevant experience as a professional or practitioner, and any specific training in research skills/methods. Why do you want to undertake this research in the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University. How does the proposed research relate to your career goals.
3. CV
A current CV, including your employment history or other professional experience, including internships.
- Please state clearly that you are applying for a Carnegie School of Sport studentship and include the reference - 2026-April-MOD/CSS-PHD
- The closing date for applications is midnight on 16 March 2026.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.
- We aim to hold in person interviews for shortlisted applicants on 14 and 15 April 2026.
- For queries about applying please contact Research Admissions
- We regret that we are not able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within four weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposals with Professor Kate Dashper and Dr Jason King
The start date for this PhD is 1 June 2026.
Application Deadline: 16 March 2026
Contact us
For further information please contact Professor Kate Dashper and Dr Jason King
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Dr Jason King
Senior Lecturer / Carnegie School of Sport -
Professor Kate Dashper
Professor / Carnegie School of Sport