Amelia Cassidy

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Technical Instructor, NHS

I chose Sport and Exercise Science at Newcastle University as the course appeared varied and interesting; as well as Newcastle being a Russell Group University. There was a good mixture of practical and theory, which I thought would advance my skillset and allow me to apply the knowledge I acquired during lectures. The assessment methods were different, meaning there were some that I knew I would thrive in, and some I knew may be more challenging, which appealed to me. It definitely helped that all of the staff and technicians were approachable and helpful. There was a really good staff-student relationship which enabled myself and my peers to gain additional guidance, and clear answers to any questions we had. To enrich my university experience, I took part in fitness testing on the Rugby Union team. This involved a mixture of cognitive and physical fitness tests being performed on the team during their pre-season. This gave me the chance to practice some of the techniques that we had learnt about during our practicals and lectures. Additionally, I was a member of the Sport Science Society, running the stall at the fresher's fair and helping to plan social events.  This degree helped me to realise I was interested in the physiological side of sport, and I applied for an MSc in Clinical Exercise Physiology, in which I gained a first class honours. I knew I wanted to work within this field and my current role is a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Technical Instructor, working within the NHS on the Newcastle 'Healthy Lungs' programme. I take patients with a lung disease through their rehabilitation programme, in the form of teaching them exercise, nutrition and overall well being. I often implement some of the topics covered in the Sport and Exercise Science course in my educational talks with patients, showing that this degree was one of the best decisions I made!