International PhD Programme in Science and Health in Football
A multidisciplinary PhD programme at Saarland University focusing on health, performance, and medical advancements in football science.
Best for:Best for researchers with a background in sports science, medicine, exercise physiology, or human biology seeking a multidisciplinary PhD with international collaboration opportunities in football-related health and performance research.
Overview
This international PhD programme at Saarland University’s Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine explores the intersection of sports science, medicine, exercise physiology, and human biology to advance football-related health and performance research. Funded by the German Football Federation (DFB), the programme collaborates with leading institutions in Australia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. PhD candidates conduct original research, earn a PhD from Saarland University, and may obtain a joint degree from partner universities. The programme includes structured training in research methods, teaching, and practical healthcare applications, with opportunities for international collaboration and publication.
What you'll do
- Conduct original research in sports science, medicine, exercise physiology, or human biology with a focus on football-related health and performance.
- Develop and implement a PhD research project proposal, collect and analyze data, and publish findings in academic journals or conferences.
- Participate in structured training in research methods, knowledge transfer, and teaching as part of the PhD programme requirements.
- Teach the course 'Science and Health in Football' during the German summer semester, including lectures and seminars.
- Engage in practical work in patient healthcare and physical performance testing under supervision.
- Collaborate with international partners, including universities in Australia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, for joint research and degree opportunities.
- Acquire a minimum of 35 credit points through workshops, journal clubs, conferences, language courses, and transferable skills training.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree or equivalent in medicine, sports science, exercise physiology, human biology, or a closely related field. In rare cases, excellent candidates with a Bachelor's degree may be considered.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English proficiency (assessed via test or interview); no minimum score required. Basic German skills are recommended but not mandatory.
Instruction: English
- Proven academic background in sports science, medicine, exercise physiology, or human biology.
- Experience in conducting research, including data collection, analysis, and publication.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Basic proficiency in English for academic communication and research.
- No nationality restrictions, but visa requirements for international applicants apply.
- Applicants must have completed or be near completion of a Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
- No age restrictions, but prior research experience is strongly preferred.
- No prior experience caps, but candidates with clinical or sports research experience are prioritized.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
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- Teaching language
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- Taught / research mode
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- Study mode
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- Campus
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- Prerequisites
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- Application instructions
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- Tuition
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- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Applicants must submit their application via email to sabrina.forster@uni-saarland.de. Required documents include a CV, academic transcripts, degree certificates (translated if necessary), a summary of research experience, an abstract of the graduation thesis, two letters of recommendation, a letter of motivation, and a research proposal (preferable but not mandatory). Scanned PDFs are accepted initially, with certified transcripts required later in the process.
- CV
- Transcripts of academic records
- Certificates of degrees (translated if not in English or German)
- Summary of research experience (published papers, conference attendance, etc.)
- Abstract of graduation thesis in English
- Two letters of recommendation from academics or practitioners in sports science/sports medicine
- Letter of motivation
- Research proposal (preferable but not mandatory)
Contact
Sabrina Forster· Application Contact
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