Dr Phillip Gray

School of Health & Society

Photo of Dr Phillip Gray

Contact Details

Current positions

Lecturer Nutrition& Exercise as Medicine

Biography

Phillip is a Lecturer on the BSc Nutrition and Exercise as Medicine. Phillip has developed and leads the delivery of the behaviour change and research methods modules on the programme. At postgraduate level, Phillip teaches on the MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology programme, specifically behaviour change. Phillip has a keen interest in research informed and innovative teaching practices. Phillip is also a Mphil and PhD supervisor.

Phillip completed a PhD in Exercise Psychology in 2016. Specifically, this investigated the promotion and maintenance of physical activity among older adults, using psychological theory and behaviour change techniques. The PhD also explored physical activity compensatory behaviours and the development and validation of a scale to measure these behaviours.

Phillip's current research focus is obesity and weight management interventions, specifically building motivation, self-efficacy, and habit formation through the application of behaviour change techniques and psychological theory. Phillip is currently involved in the development and piloting of a weight management service at the university.

Phillip has held positions as a Research Associate at the University of Manchester where he helped develop a theory-based physical activity programme for individuals with psoriasis, and as an Analyst at the Greater Manchester Sports Partnership, where he undertook research projects to promote the health and wellbeing of Greater Manchester residents. Phillip also undertakes research and data analysis for local authorities and county sports partnerships across England, helping to identify inactive cohorts and inform service delivery.

Phillip is currently accepting Mphil and PhD students in the areas outlined below, particularly those with an interest in behaviour change among a weight management population. Supervision opportunities are available for both self-funded students and those applying through the university's scholarship schemes.

Areas of Research

Behaviour change
Psychological theory
Physical activity and nutrition
Obesity and weight management

Areas of Supervision

Obesity and weight management
Behaviour change
Psychological theory
Physical activity
Nutrition
Psychological impact of exercise and nutrition

Teaching

Monitoring Health and Lifestyle Interventions in Practice (L4)
Evaluating Contemporary Developments in Applied Settings (L4)
Healthy Behaviour and Promoting Change (L5)
Developing the Researcher (L5)
Encouraging the Self-Management of Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours (L7)
Research Methods for Clinical Exercise Sciences (L7)

Qualifications and Recognitions

Qualifications
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice

    2019 - 2020
  • Exercise Psychology

    2012 - 2016
  • Physical Activity and Population Health

    2010 - 2011
  • Sport and Exercise Science

    2007 - 2010