PhD Studentship – Assessment of Gait Characteristics using Video‑based Skeletal Tracking Data
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester, United Kingdom
This fully funded PhD studentship invites a highly motivated researcher to join an exciting interdisciplinary programme that pushes the boundaries of biomechanical analysis through cutting‑edge video‑based skeletal tracking technologies. Situated within Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Sport and developed in partnership with FIFA’s Innovation Department, this project explores a transformational approach to quantifying human movement on the football pitch and beyond. The research will tackle critical questions around the accuracy and utility of FIFA‑approved skeletal tracking systems in deriving gait parameters — from walking through to maximal sprinting — and comparing these with data from established gold‑standard methods. A major focus lies in developing and validating algorithms to auto‑detect key gait events such as foot contact and toe‑off, as well as mapping joint kinematics against established 3D motion‑capture systems. Ultimately, the student will analyse match‑level motion data to produce in‑depth gait analysis reports, pioneering one of the first real‑world applications of video‑based biomechanical tracking for sport‑related movement science and paving the way for broader applications in performance analysis and athlete monitoring.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should hold or be on track to achieve a first‑class or upper second class (2:1) undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a sport‑related discipline. An active interest in sports performance analysis and an eagerness to work with novel technologies are essential.
Required Expertise, Skills
The ideal candidate will demonstrate competency in using biomechanical technologies for movement analysis and have experience or strong interest in software‑based data processing and coding. The ability to undertake rigorous quantitative research and strong interpersonal and organisational skills are also key to success in this collaborative research environment.
Salary Details
The studentship covers full tuition fees for Home students and provides a standard UKRI‑aligned stipend currently set at £20,780 per year (2025/26 rates), supporting the student throughout the three‑year award.
Application Deadline
Applications for this studentship are open until 5 January 2026.