What appealed to you about Northumbria University / studying in Newcastle?
I am from a very rural area in the East Midlands so wanted to go to a city, especially one I had never really visited before. As soon as I went to the Northumbria open day I fell in love with the University and with the city.
What was it about the course that particularly appealed?
I enjoy most aspects of sport but still have no idea what I want to do for a career. This course is in no way restrictive to a certain career path so all my options are still open.
What qualifications did you have?
I completed my A levels, obtaining; A in PE, B in Psychology, C in Biology and D in General Studies. Northumbria was my first choice and my results were enough to be accepted. I also have various coaching qualifications and experience.
How did you feel during your first week at Northumbria?
I was very nervous but excited! I was very keen to talk to everyone I met and to make a good first impression. I was initially a bit sceptical about whether the course was right for me, but soon realised that it was.
What do you like most about the course?
I enjoy the seminars as the group I am with are brilliant and we all work really well together. The content of most of the modules is enjoyable and it’s interesting being able to apply what we learn to a real life situation e.g. the Olympics.
Can you give an example of a piece of work you’ve been involved with recently?
We recently completed group posters on delivery systems within the sport industry. We used a variety of resources including websites, academic journals and books. For this assessment we had to present the posters to our lecturers for the module and explain the content. The course has been challenging, however it is fundamental that you keep up-to-date with reading and assignments otherwise I can imagine completing tasks and understanding the content of lectures can be a struggle.
How do you get on with your tutors?
i get on fairly well with the tutors. They are generally very welcoming and happy to help if we have a problem. But they are restricted to what they can help us with so a lot of the time we have to go and research the problem ourselves.
Do you have the opportunity for any work placements during your course?
We have a six week placement in the second year which has to be relevant to sport development in some way. I am very keen to go abroad for mine!
What do you do when you’re not studying?
am on the swimming team so I need to keep fit for competitions so I go to training sessions and the gym regularly. I also love socialising with my friends, whether that’s shopping in the city centre, going out for tea or going to one of the many bars!
What’s your accommodation like?
I was in Halls for my first year. It was nice but fairly basic but it was great to have an en-suite! It was very close to the University too which was a huge bonus.
What would you like to do when you graduate?
I still do not have a clue what I want to do as a career. I am currently planning on possibly taking a year or so out and travelling (typical student answer, I know!), but I really want to see the world and not the tourist destinations.
Do you have any advice for anyone applying for your course, or for university in general?
Definitely get on top of your workload asap! Also don’t leave assignments until the last minute, and plan them. I would also really suggest that you join a club/sports team of some sort, it gets you meeting more people and making more friends, which can ultimately open up so many more opportunities.
What three words would you use to describe your time at Northumbria?
Sociable, Fun, Life changing.
