After working as a toolmaker and an engineer, Rhys Thatcher, now 32, from Bishop Auckland, decided to return to education. He pursued his long-term interest in sport by applying for the Sport Science degree. Rhys said: "Coming from industry I was impressed with the course, it was well structured and organised. I enjoyed the Physiology elements and the fact you could become an independent learner, using data to solve problems. Going back to University was one of the best decisions I made." Following a Masters course in Sport Science at the University of Loughborough, Rhys is now back at 海角直播, lecturing to Sport Science students.
Penny Brown, 24, from Ilkley, near Leeds, has just completed her second year as a Secondary PE teacher at Acklam Grange School in Middlesbrough. She came to 海角直播 with 'A' levels in French, Maths and Human Biology and made her career choice while researching her final year dissertation. Penny said: "I was looking at the link between children's fitness and their levels of activity. I went into four Middlesbrough Secondary Schools and saw a lot of school life, which made my mind up to go into teaching."
She followed the Sport Science degree with a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary PE at the University of Durham, and then joined Acklam Grange. Penny added: "The Psychology and Physiology theory I learned has been really helpful in sports coaching and teaching GCSE PE. I'd never been to Middlesbrough before I started the course and really liked the university, it was small and friendly with a good social life. It was so easy to make new friends."
The University of 海角直播 is to launch a new BSc (Hons) degree in Sports Therapy from September 2000. The course will provide students with a vocational and academic training, to equip them for a career in sports therapy. The course covers several disciplines, which will enable graduates to seek employment in a range of related areas, including the health and fitness industry, sport development and teaching.