Case Study

I applied for three local universities who all offered me a place.  What stood out initially about studying BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy at the University of Sunderland was the way in which the focus of the course was put very much on the practical elements using the new state of the art facilities.  I was also impressed by the course tutors and their expertise, alongside the exceptional organisation and communication from the leadership team through Covid. Sunderland was the first to send out invitations for interviews, the first to interview me, first to communicate the process of teaching and learning as well as the first to be able to answer my questions. They also responded to many of my queries directly with a phone call, which was very refreshing, as to me it showed they care.

My previous degree I obtained at 21 had been in Computer Science, which led me to many great opportunities within the corporate world. However, over the past ten years, my real passion for health, fitness and well-being had become more of a focus and I set up a very successful business delivering dance fitness classes, and mind and body workshops. Then Covid hit and within a day my whole world turned upside down along with many others. The knowledge and expertise I had wasn’t enough to help or work in the NHS during the pandemic, but I vowed that I would use the time to invest in my knowledge and education and I commenced an online Higher Access course in Science. I haven’t looked back since!

It would be exceptionally hard to point out a favourite part of my course, as there isn’t one subject, tutor or element of learning that I don’t enjoy! I feel that learning is an absolute privilege and something I had shied away from for so long as I didn’t believe that I had the ability to do this type of degree. I love every day and absorb as much of the university life as I can. It has given a ‘freedom’ to my life that I didn’t have before, something that is mine outside of being a parent, a wife and a business owner.

My advice for prospective students is to find those that are already on the course you are interested in and chat with them. Ask them who they are, what they do and how they manage their studies. At Sunderland, everyone I have met including tutors, support staff and students are happy to help in any way they can.

After I graduate, I plan to join the NHS as a Band 5 physiotherapist on rotation, so that I can experience as many different areas as possible. Eventually, I will look to specialize, but I am uncertain which area this will be, so for now I will keep my options open! Within the next few months I plan to join the Bank as a Physio assistant, which will be the right time due to my work and life balance, as well as the knowledge I have gained from my course so far.

I knew it was the right time for myself to return to university. But I never expected it to be as good as it is! My experience so far has been superb and one of the greatest highlights of my life, and I look forward to the next eighteen months!"

Published 25 January 2023