Expressions of Interest

As Australia's first private University, Bond University based at Robina, Gold Coast seeks to be recognised internationally as a leading independent university, imbued with a spirit to innovate, a commitment to influence and a dedication to inspire tomorrow's professionals who share a personalised and transformational student experience.

Call for Expressions of Interest

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Student

Bond University, Business School

Position title: Higher Degree by Research in Business (Sport Management)

Please note: Previous applicants need not apply

The Bond Business School is calling for expressions of interest from business graduates interested in undertaking a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) investigating the role of sport in Australia's higher education sector.

UniSport Australia is the governing body for sport across Australia's 43 universities (37 public; six private) and is funding this HDR scholarship. This research seeks to understand the role of sport in Australian universities and how it contributes to campus culture, sense of community and student satisfaction. The research will also uncover the enablers and inhibitors to sport making positive contributions to university life.

While considerable research into how sport contributes to university life has been conducted in North American settings, little to no research has been conducted in other countries. Given the massive cultural capital of sport in Australia, it seems remiss that such a knowledge gap persists. Ultimately, we would like to identify ways to improve campus life through sport, and across the whole of Australia's university network. The new knowledge generated can be leveraged by UniSport Australia and individual universities for sport service improvement, to improve strategic service and workforce planning, and for evaluation purposes, e.g., current large-scale projects such as the UniSport Nationals. It is envisaged that a mixed-methods approach to data collection and analyses will be adopted.

The successful applicant's research thesis will be supervised by Dr. Lisa Gowthorp, Dr. Danny O'Brien and Dr. Belinda Barton at Bond University.

Why study at Bond?

The Bond Business School (BBS) delivers a truly personalised educational experience to every student. BBS provides a unique learning environment. This setting tailors our industry-relevant learning experiences to the needs of each student, one by one. In addition, each student has unparalleled access to dedicated learning facilities, global industry connections, internationally diverse cohorts and world class academics. We demonstrate an outstanding student service ethic, offer an engaging and satisfying student experience, and prioritise student wellbeing. We engage in high quality, impactful research in niche areas of research excellence.

Our research groups include:

• Centre for Data Analytics
• Governance, Accountability and Purpose (GAP) Research Group
• Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise

Selection Criteria

Essential:

• A Bachelor of Business, Marketing, Sport Management, or related degrees in Social Science
• Excellent data analysis and academic writing skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work in teams
• Evidence of project management and organisational skills, including the ability to achieve goals and deliver outcomes within a specified time period.

Desirable:

• Experience undertaking a substantial research project (e.g. Masters thesis or Honours thesis)
• Publication in a peer-reviewed journal
• Experience with tutoring business students
• Capacity to assist with seeking external funding with support from supervisors

The successful applicant will need to meet all Bond University requirements for entry into the HDR program and achieve the milestones required by the University throughout their HDR program. It is also a requirement that the successful applicant be based full-time at the Gold Coast campus.

Candidates will receive high quality, personalised supervision and access to the full range of facilities available to Bond University students, successful applicants will be entitled to the following benefits:

• A UniSport Australia scholarship: The successful applicant will receive a Living Stipend Scholarship at Bond University, supplied by UniSport Australia. The stipend is $33,000/annum paid to the candidate over three consecutive years.
• Tuition fee waiver: The Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP) scheme provides tuition fee waivers for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents enrolled in higher degree programs such as a PhD or MPhil. The tuition waiver lasts the duration of the program.
• Employment opportunities: The successful applicant may also be provided with employment opportunities such as tutoring or research assistant work within the Bond Business School dependent upon prior experience. Employment will be subject to the conditions of the HDR program and the terms of any scholarship awarded.
• Internship opportunities: The successful applicant may have the opportunity to partner with a business or organisation in our network to conduct research, gain valuable real-world experience and make an impact. HDR Industry Internships offer a unique opportunity to apply your research expertise to real-world challenges, collaborate with industry leaders, and build a pathway toward your future career.

For all enquiries related to this position, please contact the Bond Business School on [email protected].

How to submit an expression of interest

Please submit your expression of interest via the Bond University application portal.

Your EOI must include:

• The number and title of the position you are applying for.
• A written statement (maximum of 2 pages) describing your interest in the research project and proposed research topic.
• A written statement (maximum of 2 pages) addressing the selection criteria set out above.
• A current curriculum vitae including the names of two academic referees.
• Your academic transcripts.
• An example of your written academic work (e.g. Honours thesis, peer-reviewed journal article, or academic research projects)

Expressions of interest close: 30 November 2025

Submit your EOI

30th November 2025