Dr Andrew Brinkley

Biography

I am a Lecturer in Exercise Psychology within the School of Sport, Rehabilitation, and Exercise Sciences at the University of Essex, a Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol), and the Programme Lead for BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology. Before my appointment, I worked as a Research Associate at Loughborough University within the NCSEM and as a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Loughborough College. Using a mixed-methods approach and across the life course, my research addresses how complex and systems-based physical activity interventions and programmes can be developed, implemented, and evaluated. I have a particular interest in systems-thinking methods and evaluation. Examples include workplace sports and exercise interventions designed to improve employee and organisational health, programmes developed to improve educational and social outcomes in young people educated within pupil referral units, and nationwide Walking Netball programmes established to improve quality of life, loneliness, and mental health. Across a variety of settings, I am interested in how real-world physical activity interventions and programmes underpinned by behaviour-change theory and systems-thinking can be effectively evaluated and translated into practice and policy. I have published my work in leading journals and presented my research at conferences and to the population, it seeks to serve through research consortiums and public engagement events.

Qualifications

• PhD Loughborough University, (2018)

• MRes Sport Science (Sports Psychology Pathway) Nottingham Trent University, (2011)

• BSc (Hons) Sport Psychology and Physical Activity and Health University of Derby, (2010)

Appointments

University of Essex

• Lecturer (Exercise Psychology), School of Sport, Rehabilitation, and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex (1/9/2021 - present)

• Programme Lead BSc Sport and Exercise Psychology, School of Sport, Rehabilitation, and Exercise Science, University of Essex (3/1/2022 - present)

• Third-Year Organiser, School of Sport, Rehabilitation, and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex (1/9/2023 - present)

Other academic

• Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Loughborough College (1/9/2017 - 1/9/2021)

• Research Associate, National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Loughborough University (1/5/2018 - 1/7/2021)