Applied Mres Football Data at Notts County Fc X Uni Of Nottingham
Job Description
The University of Nottingham and Notts County FC are offering a fully funded, one-year applied Master of Research (MRes) combining postgraduate research with an embedded placement within the Notts County FC First Team environment.
This is a particularly strong opportunity for an aspiring practitioner-researcher interested in sports science, physical performance and applied football data, providing simultaneous experience within an elite football environment and a research-intensive university.
The successful candidate will spend approximately 20 hours per week embedded within the Notts County First Team, working around training, matches and data-collection requirements. This may include weekday, evening and occasional weekend commitments.
The student will support the collection and analysis of performance data, including:
GPS | Gym Testing | Wellness | Player Loading | Physical Preparation
They will also support staff with the delivery of physical preparation to the First Team squad.
Performance data collected within the First Team environment will provide the basis for the student's MRes thesis.
The research will address an internally agreed elite-performance question while contributing to the wider partnership between Notts County FC and the University of Nottingham.
Applicants are required to propose a research question that could be investigated using available player-loading and physical-preparation data, such as GPS, gym testing and wellness information. The proposal should consider data collection, methodology and expected outcomes.
The successful applicant will complete the MRes Life Sciences at the University of Nottingham alongside their club placement.
Students will receive academic supervision and structured postgraduate research training, with opportunities for professional development and conference participation subject to funding availability.
The nominated supervisors for this project are:
Dr Andrew Butterworth
Dr Yasmin Nasir Ajanah
There is a two-stage application process, and applicants must complete both stages to be considered.
Stage 1 – University Application
Apply for the MRes Life Sciences programme through the University of Nottingham postgraduate application portal.
Select:
Campus: UK
Level: Postgraduate Research
Mode: Full-time
Programme: MRes Life Sciences
Start: October 2026
Applicants must also submit a research proposal focused on an applied question relating to player loading and physical preparation.
Stage 2 – Applied Placement Application
Following submission of the University application, candidates must email:
andrew.butterworth@nottingham.ac.uk
The email should confirm completion of the MRes application and include:
- The exact applied opportunity and partner organisation.
- A current CV.
- A 500-word cover letter explaining suitability for the applied research position.
Both stages must be completed for the application to be valid. Shortlisted applicants will subsequently be invited to interview.
Application deadline: Friday 18 September 2026
Applied placement begins: October 2026
MRes begins: October 2026 and runs for 12 months
Applied MRes Football Data | Notts County FC x Uni of Nottingham (Jobs in Football Analysis TheASPA)