The PhD course Sport, Innovation and Social Change will provide PhD students with in-depth knowledge about social scientific approaches to the study of sports, with particular focus on contemporary challenges and technological innovations, as well as ethical and methodological issues. The course covers the following topics and lectures: Innovation and technology in sport, governance and social change, interdisciplinary methods and critical inquiry, innovative and creative research dissemination. The course adopts a cross-disciplinary, social scientific approach to explore new frontiers of sport organisations and research areas within sport. It features contributions from multiple experts across various fields, including sociology, sport management, history, innovation and organisational studies. The course promotes international collaboration and innovative, creative approaches to the social scientific study of sport.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
The participanr will have:
- relevant knowledge of the development and adoption of new and emerging technologies in sport
- knowledge of cutting-edge research within the field of technology, innovation and social change in sport.
- knowledge of key research needs and challenges related to technology, innovation and social change in sport.
Skills
By the end of the course, the participants can:
- apply their knowledge and skills from the course in order to identify, explore and solve complex problems and issues in relation to sport and sport organisations.
- use creative, logical and intuitive thinking and particular methods and tools of research
- carry out research dissemination in innovative and creative ways using digital tools and platforms
Competence
By the end of the course, the participants can:
- identify relevant methodological and ethical issues in their own research
- participate in public and academic debates on sport and sport organisations
Practical Information
- Dates: 17–21 November 2025
- Location: Nord University, Bodø Campus, Norway
- Credits: 5 ECTS
- Language: English
- Fees:
- Internal PhD candidates: FREE
- External applicants: NOK 1,000
- Capacity: 20 seats (minimum 5 participants)
Examination
Portfolio (Pass/Fail). Your portfolio comprises two elements:
- Research Dissemination Project
- Choose one format: opinion piece, blog post, vodcast/podcast, social-media post/carousel or reel
- Produce a public-facing piece that showcases or critiques your own research
- Course Paper (4 500–6 000 words, incl. references)
- Select a theme tied to your PhD project or your dissemination piece
- Engage with course literature, key theoretical debates and methodological reflections
- Demonstrate analytical depth and situate your topic within broader societal and organisational contexts
- Research Dissemination Project
Admission & Selection
If demand exceeds capacity, applicants are ranked by category:
- Current PhD students
- Master’s degree holders (120 ECTS or equivalent)
- Postdoctoral researchers
Registration
Opens August 2025.
For enquiries or to express interest in a spot, contact Professor Anne Tjønndal <anne.tjonndal@nord.no>
For tentative program, click here!
