Bedour Al-Mousawi, a sport and exercise science alum, talks about how her course set her up for the career she has today, working as an exercise scientist / clinical exercise physiologist at Aspetar, a sport and orthopaedic hospital in Qatar.

Course studied: BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science

How has your Leeds Beckett degree helped you get to where you are today?

My degree at Leeds Beckett University provided me with a strong scientific foundation in sport and exercise science, which has been instrumental in shaping my career. The practical and evidence-based approach of the programme equipped me with the knowledge and skills required to work in a high-performance clinical and research environment like I do at Aspetar. It also played a key role in building my confidence, particularly through hands-on learning and exposure to real-world applications.

What do you love about your current role?

I’m passionate about working at the intersection of science, health, and performance. I particularly enjoy applying evidence-based practices to support athletes and patients in improving their performance and overall wellbeing. The dynamic nature of my role allows me to continuously learn, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and make a meaningful impact.

Is there anything you learnt at Leeds Beckett that now helps you in your current role?

Leeds Beckett instilled in me the importance of critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and practical application. These skills are essential in my current role, where I assess, analyse, and deliver tailored interventions. Additionally, the university experience helped me develop my confidence in presenting, communicating, and working collaboratively in diverse settings.

What does your future hold? How will your Leeds Beckett degree help you achieve it?

I’m committed to continuous professional development (CPD) and expanding my expertise across different fields. Since graduating, I’ve obtained a Diploma in Performance Nutrition from the Institute Of Performance Nutrition (IOPN). I also recently completed an MSc in Project Management, which has allowed me to broaden my skill set beyond exercise science. Moving forward, I aim to take on more leadership and multidisciplinary roles, and the academic foundation I gained from Leeds Beckett will continue to support my growth and adaptability.

My LBU degree gave me…

A strong foundation, confidence, and lifelong professional growth.