Sport and Exercise Science BSc
It’s very rewarding, helping to improve people’s quality of life so they can do things you might take for granted, such as walking up stairs or shopping.
I live locally and had studied Sports Science at Mid Kent College, which meant we visited the University so I was familiar with it. The staff and the facilities seemed very good, so it was the perfect way to continue my studies.
Brilliant! Of course it depends on what you put into it as well – but if you were willing to learn the lecturers were always keen to support and encourage you. There was a good selection of modules on the course, and through studying some of these different options – particularly health promotion and the referral pathway for rehabilitation – I discovered I was more interested in the health side of things; helping patients with their rehabilitation appealed to me far more than working with athletes.
I’m working in the NHS, in pulmonary rehabilitation – working with patients who have lung conditions. A lot of the work involves running exercise classes and educating people on looking after themselves, so talking about diet and nutrition too. I take groups of about 15 people twice a week for six weeks; you get to know them so it’s lovely when you can see them progress. After the six weeks, if they wish, I can set up one-to-one classes to continue the work. It’s very rewarding, helping to improve people’s quality of life so they can do things you might take for granted, such as walking up stairs or shopping.
As well as the knowledge gained from my degree, I did volunteer work with one of the lecturers who ran cardiac rehabilitation sessions; I ended up doing this for two years and got to work one-to-one with patients as well as running classes, and that gave me an immense amount of experience. It meant I not only knew the theory, but learnt how to talk to people and communicate information to them even when they might not be feeling well. I was also able to complete a personal training course while studying, which has helped me too.
For now I’ll continue working full-time in the NHS but I’m running a weekly exercise class for stroke patients too. The University also runs clinics where students can work alongside professionals, and I’m assisting on one of those. I like working on my own, but it’s good being part of a team too – you get more experience, and I enjoy my current work so would like to progress within the NHS. Eventually I think I’d like to work in physiotherapy, which would mean doing a Masters.
Rather than just relying gaining skills through your degree, go out and experience things hands-on by volunteering. The University can help you get practical experience so grab the opportunity.
