Maddisen E
"If you’d told me three years ago that I’d become a qualified personal trainer with a great client base, move independently to the other side of the world, travel extensively before graduating, and develop my scientific knowledge and practical skills so much, I’m not sure I’d have believed you!"
What do you like about your course and why?
I enjoy the breadth of the course, from physiology and biomechanics to nutrition and sports performance, as it allows me to explore different areas of interest and consider a range of future career paths.
I particularly value the practical elements of the course, which allow me to apply what I learn rather than just studying the theory in lectures. This has helped me understand how scientific knowledge translates into real-world situations, whether that’s improving athletic performance or supporting someone’s recovery. The course has also encouraged me to think critically, ask questions and become more confident in applying scientific evidence to practice. I’m particularly interested in understanding how the body responds to exercise, how movement can be improved, and how exercise can support rehabilitation and long-term health.
Surrey also offers a wide range of opportunities to gain practical experience and develop skills alongside my degree. As a qualified personal trainer and sports massage therapist, I’ve been able to build on my existing experience and strengthen my practical knowledge, giving me a valuable head start as I work towards my career.
What do you enjoy most about Surrey?
One of the things I enjoy most is the range of opportunities to get involved in beyond my degree. Sport has always been a big part of my life, so playing for the women’s football team has been an important part of my university experience. I’ve really enjoyed the sense of community that comes from being part of a team, meeting new people and sharing a common interest.
If you’ve completed a Professional Training placement or studied abroad, what did this involve? What were the highlights?
I spent two semesters studying abroad at the University of Wollongong in Australia as part of my degree. I studied a range of subjects, including human neuromechanics, cardiorespiratory studies, sensorimotor control of movement and exercise physiology, which broadened my understanding of exercise science and rehabilitation. Academic highlights included practical laboratory sessions using electromyography to investigate muscle activity, analysing electrocardiograms, and delivering a group presentation on Friedreich’s ataxia.
Outside the classroom, I made the most of the opportunity to experience Australian student life. I played women’s football, participated in a mixed netball team, volunteered in a medical support role with the men’s football team, and tried new sporting activities such as surfing and lawn bowls. I also represented Surrey at UOW’s Study Abroad Fair, speaking to students interested in taking part in a study abroad programme. Beyond university, I completed two half marathons, went skydiving and travelled throughout Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
The experience helped me become more independent, adaptable and confident. Living and studying in a different country challenged me both academically and personally, while giving me the opportunity to meet people from different cultures, develop new skills and gain a broader perspective on my future career (including working internationally). Overall, studying abroad was an incredibly rewarding experience that extended far beyond the classroom.
What do you want to do when you graduate?
After graduating, I’d like to pursue a career in physiotherapy, as I’m particularly interested in injury rehabilitation and clinical exercise physiology. I’m fascinated by how scientific knowledge can be applied to help people recover from injury, improve their physical performance and maintain their long-term health.
Although I started university with a broad interest in exercise and sport, learning about rehabilitation, physiology and the practical application of exercise science has helped me realise that physiotherapy is a career path I’d particularly like to pursue.
Before pursuing a master’s degree, I hope to return to Australia on a working holiday visa to gain more experience.
What advice do you have for students thinking of studying this course?
My biggest piece of advice would be to make the most of every opportunity, both within the course and beyond it. The Sport and Exercise Science BSc covers a wide range of subjects, so be curious and give yourself the chance to explore areas you might not have considered before. The practical sessions are particularly valuable, as they help you understand how scientific theory translates into real-world situations.
Don’t worry if you find certain topics challenging at first. University is about learning and developing, not knowing everything from the beginning. Ask questions, seek support when you need it and stay open to new experiences. The more you put into your degree and university life, the more you’ll get out of it.
If you’d told me three years ago that I’d become a qualified personal trainer with a great client base, move independently to the other side of the world, travel extensively before graduating, and develop my scientific knowledge and practical skills so much, I’m not sure I’d have believed you! That’s what makes my experience at Surrey so valuable. It has given me the opportunities and confidence to achieve things I wouldn’t have imagined possible.
