Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Combining exercise and health: Why I chose to study this course
With a background in sports science and a passion for public health, Sasha aims to inspire others to develop a positive relationship with exercise. Here she tells us why she chose to study the course and what opportunities the course has provided her so far.
I chose to study Health and Exercise Science (previously named Physical Activity, Exercise, and Health) because it’s a subject I am passionate about. I took sports science at A Level, which focused on high-performance athletes. I was always more interested in public health and the general population, which is exactly what this degree course focuses on. I grew up as a dancer, which enhanced my interest in physical activity and exercise and the many benefits it has. Since then, I have wanted to help people gain a positive relationship with exercise and get the public active. This has led me to gain my Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification and start work in a gym, helping people get fit and gain confidence in a gym environment.
I chose Leeds Beckett because it was the only university that offered this degree. The university also offers many placement opportunities and helps you to gain access to the world of work in a practical way. I also really like the city of Leeds, it’s such a fun city to be a student in!
So far, my favourite module has been Psychology of Physical Activity and Behaviour Change. This is because the module discussed the barriers that prevent people from engaging in physical activity and how these barriers can be overcome, which is very prominent when working with the public and helping them to engage in physical activity and exercise. My favourite thing about studying at Leeds Beckett so far has been the supportive environment within my course, where I have been able to develop my understanding of a topic I am passionate about and grow overall as a student.
Within my course, I've had the opportunity to go to a cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation clinic, where they prep cancer patients for big surgeries and help them rehabilitate afterwards. I have also had the opportunity to go to observe a falls prevention exercise class for the elderly. These opportunities have helped me to see the different jobs I could go into and what they undertake. I also had the opportunity to help with an activity day for primary school children, which directly applied to the theory we were learning within the module Leadership of Physical Activity for Young People.
My career aspirations are to go into public health, helping to create policy that gets the public more active by overcoming barriers. I am specifically interested in women’s health and bridging the gap between the developments and research in men’s and women’s health. I think this degree will help me get this job because I have already had practical experience in public health. Many modules on my course relate to this topic and help me build my knowledge of the theory that underpins the subject, which will help me in the future to help people overcome barriers to physical activity.
This course is great for people who enjoy sports science and are interested in the public health.
