From Aberystwyth to Elite Sport: How our Recent Graduates in Sport and Exercise Science are Getting Along.

An undergraduate degree can be the beginning of a long, exciting, and meaningful career, and at Aberystwyth University, our Sports and Exercise Science degrees are designed to do just that. We equip our students with the scientific knowledge, practical experience, and personal support they need to thrive in a wide range of professional roles across the sport and health industries.

We recently caught up with two of our 2023 graduates, Charlie and Ffion, whose career journeys are already inspiring. During their time at Aberystwyth, both students embraced the wide range of opportunities available to them, including hands-on sport science placements with local semi-professional football team Aberystwyth Town FC, where they supported first-team players under the guidance of academic staff.

Since graduating, Charlie has completed an MSc in Physiology and Nutrition at Loughborough University, and now works as a First Team Performance Nutritionist at Birmingham City Football Club. Ffion remained closer to home, undertaking an MSc in Strength and Conditioning at Cardiff, and is now gaining valuable experience through an internship at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College in Bristol.

Reflecting on their time at Aberystwyth, both Charlie and Ffion emphasised the value of the course's structure and the real-world readiness it provides:

Charlie: “During our time at Aber, we had a good balance of practical and theoretical learning over the entire course which developed over each year.”

Ffion: “The combination of academic and practical experiences gave me a strong technical base in exercise science, preparing me for the advanced methodologies I would encounter during my master's and internships.”

They also praised the exceptional support they received from lecturers, who encouraged them to push boundaries and aim high:

Charlie: “The support I received throughout was beyond what I could have asked for, enabling me to enhance my skillset ready for future employment.”

Ffion: “Support from lecturers that want to see you reach your full potential and go out their way to help with opportunities... I was offered all the intern roles I applied to — and more!”

One of the standout opportunities for both students was working with Aberystwyth Town FC, where they applied their skills in a live performance environment:

Charlie: “During my final year, I gained my first experience within sports performance through Aberystwyth Town FC, which was organised by my lecturer Dr Rhys Thatcher. That essentially helped to get our foot in the door, enabling me to get to where I am today.”

At Aberystwyth, our Sports and Exercise Science degrees are built on a foundation of hands-on experience, expert teaching, and strong industry connections. Whether you're aiming for elite sport, rehabilitation, education, health promotion, or performance science, you'll leave us ready to make an impact, just like Charlie and Ffion.

Explore our undergraduate degrees in Sport and Exercise Science