Sarah Laythorpe

What appealed to you about Northumbria University?

Northumbria has an excellent reputation for sport, in particular sports degrees so I had no hesitation applying to study for my Masters here.

How did you feel during your first week at Northumbria?

I was pretty nervous, but the induction to the course was really interesting and also quite challenging, it helped people on the course bond as a group which helped everyone relax and enjoy themselves.

What do you like most about the course?

The course is applied to a business environment, but with a sporting emphasis. It’s very practical-based and interactive. The more you contribute to lectures, the more you get out of it. The people involved in the course, both students and lecturers, make studying so much more enjoyable and interesting. The international students provide an opportunity to learn about sport in different cultures.

What do you do when you’re not studying?

I play netball for a local club and I’m also a keen runner training for 10k events. I try to keep my passion for Sunderland AFC quiet as it provokes some friendly banter! The course social life is also pretty good, from Halloween fancy dress to watching the Newcastle Falcons play, we all get involved in anything that’s going on. We set up a Facebook event site and anyone who has an idea posts it on the wall and the next event is arranged.

What three words would you use to describe your time at Northumbria?

Exciting, intensive, challenging.