Helen Scott
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Distance Learning) student, Sprint Tandem Pilot, GB Cycling Team
What sparked your interest to study Sport and Exercise Science?
My interest in studying Sport and Exercise Science came from my time as part of the Great Britain Cycling Team as a pilot for the para-cycling programme. I completed a cycling coaching qualification a few years into joining the team and exploring sport from a coaching angle spared my interest in my training and why we did certain sessions or exercises.
I began to discuss my training with the practitioners on the team and it was my strength and conditioning coach at the time, Martin Evans, who encouraged me to take a Sport and Exercise Science degree.
I love the impact that Sport and Exercise Science has on sports today. I have seen first hand how interventions underpinned by science can be game-changing in the world of sport.
What do you enjoy about your course?
It was a no-brainer for me to choose to study at Manchester Met. Being able to study in my own time has been invaluable, enabling me to strike a manageable balance between my training schedule and University schedule. I also live in Manchester, so it’s nice to be affiliated with the University in my adopted city.
I love the depth and challenge that BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Distance Learning) offers. It has made me delve deep into my experiences as an athlete and hopeful practitioner.
The lecturers are second-to-none and the residentials have been fantastic. I’ve genuinely met some friends for life during this course. It’s been so nice to meet like-minded people with such interesting backgrounds.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering studying this course?
My advice would be to get organised! If you plan your study schedule and stick to it, you’ll be absolutely fine. Make sure you commit yourself to the residential weeks. They are tough, but the things you learn during them will stay with you forever.
What are your greatest achievements so far?
It’s been a rollercoaster since I started studying. I’m hopefully about to attend my second Paralympic Games while studying, so to come this far after so many years of juggling my sporting career and degree (thanks to Damian and Georgina) is something I’m very proud of!
What does diversity in Sports and Exercise Science mean to you?
Increased diversity in our industry would be game-changing. The impact of bringing so many different ideas and views from people with different life experiences would create something really special.
What are your plans for the future?
After completing my degree and my sporting career, I hope to enter back into the elite sporting world as a coach or researcher. I am passionate about women in sport and would love to be involved in some ground-breaking research that impacts the way women train and compete.