After obtaining a BSc (Hons) in Sport Science (1^st class) at the University of Leeds, Dr. Boardley continued his studies at the University of Birmingham where he obtained a PhD in Sport Psychology. On completing his PhD in 2008, he immediately secured a post at the University of Birmingham as a Lecturer in Sport Psychology and Education, was subsequently promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2016 and recently promoted to Reader in 2020.

Ian's work focusses on furthering understanding on the psychosocial processes governing moral behavior in sport and exercise, with a predominant focus on the processes that underpin use of performance enhancing substances. Dr. Boardley is internationally recognized for his work introducing the construct of moral disengagement to the field of sport and exercise psychology. A fairly unique aspect of his research is the use of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, dependent on the specific research question/s being addressed.