Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
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Deans Prize winner and Physical Activity, Exercise and Health student offers words of wisdom: Embrace every chance, maintain attendance and engage with industry experts
Deciding to study at Leeds Beckett seems like a perfect fit for Emily, after seeing the academic expertise and facilities on offer: “I chose Beckett because I absolutely loved the campus, and the staff seemed very interested in their subject areas,” she says. “I was proved right; I have loved the course and the staff have been so supportive.”
Emily began her employment at Active Northumberland, a company that run sports centres and leisure provision across the county, during her second year. She initially started casually as a gym and swim instructor, however, now her responsibilities include overseeing the ‘Mams on the Move’ Programme, a scheme to help pre- and post-natal women participate in sport. Emily is soon beginning work on the GP referrals scheme, whereby individuals are referred to take part in a certain number of physical activity sessions. She cites specific modules on the university course in helping to prepare her for the working world.
“All the modules I studied have helped with this role (psychology, nutrition, physiology), from developing interventions to evaluating them.” She explains, “The Exercise for Referred Populations (optional unit) has aided with the delivery of my gym classes as well as my Level 3 pre- and post-natal course.”
To any current or prospective Physical Activity, Exercise and Health students, Emily insists on making the most of what’s on offer, and then some: “Take every opportunity thrown at you, attend all sessions and speak to people who come in from the outside,” she says. “All the extra qualifications help so much, both with university and postgrad.”
After graduation, the Dean's Prize recipient wants to continue progressing in Leisure, Health and Fitness, striving to improve the provisions in Active Northumberland. On her award, she says,
“I’m in shock. It’s such a privilege, but I worked so hard to get to where I was so it’s really nice to be recognised by this achievement.”
Overall, Emily's reflects on her university experience incredibly positively: “I’m not sure of my defining moment at Leeds Beckett,” she says, “because I enjoyed every moment of being there."
Learn more about the Physical Activity, Exercise and Health course at the Carnegie School of Sport.