Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Most Australians are not active enough for good health and wellbeing. Active commuting - walking or wheeling to get to and from places - can contribute to daily physical activity. Active transport may be an important physical activity source because even small amounts (15 minutes) of physical activity can be life-saving. Active transport requires a supportive environment, which is largely dictated by government. The World Health Organization's Global Action Plan for Physical Activity has as one of its four objectives 'Create active environments' with a focus on strengthening integration of urban and transport planning policies, improving walking and cycling infrastructure, policy actions to improve road and personal safety, and strengthening policy, regulatory, and design guidelines and frameworks. In Australia, these 'upstream' factors are under the control of a combination of local, state, and federal government agencies. However, little is known about the status of government policies at these different levels, whether they support or hinder active transport, and what the strengths, similarities, differences and gaps are regarding active across policies within and across sectors and jurisdictions. Knowing the status of active transport policy in Australian jurisdictions is important. This knowledge could inform policy development or renewal, support intersectoral policy, strengthen policy to practice implementation, enhance scale up and ultimately help more people to be physically active for health.
This largely qualitative and applied PhD project may include some or all of the following:
- Augmentation and secondary analysis of state government active transport policy data collected in 2024 in Tasmania, NSW, WA and Queensland
- Adaptation of a World Health Organization physical activity policy audit tool for use at the local government level
- Collection of data via the adapted World Health Organization physical activity policy audit tool at the local government level
- Use of a World Health Organization physical activity policy audit tool at the national level
- In-depth interviews with stakeholders at local, state, and federal levels of government
- Development of recommendations, fact sheets and/or policy briefs
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
- High-performing students with a relevant first class Honours degree or Masters degree with a substantial research component are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have formal training in public health, health promotion, epidemiology, transport, public policy, or a related field
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- A first class Honours degree or Masters degree with a substantial research component
- Formal training and/or extensive experience in public health, health promotion, epidemiology, transport, public policy, or a related field
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Skills or experience in policy analysis, qualitative research methods, and/or mixed research methods would be advantageous
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact A/Prof. Verity Cleland to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 June 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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