Applied Sport Science (BSc Hons) - Mockup

Exploring options

The year before I started at Moray House was an ‘inbetween’ year for me. I had finished my Highers at school but I decided to take a year out before going to university to explore my options. I knew I wanted to study something sport-related but I wasn’t entirely sure which direction to go in so I went to college to do a HNC in Fitness, Health and Exercise.

'I liked that the course was varied and explored all areas related to exercise and sport'

I have always been sporty and active, and after studying Fitness, Health and Exercise at college, I knew I wanted to learn more. I liked that the Sport Science course was varied and explored all areas related to exercise and sport, and gave me a number of routes to go down at the end of my degree.

'It felt like a great fit for me!'

The main reason I wanted to study at the University of Edinburgh was because all my friends were going to Edinburgh and it wasn’t too close from home (Glasgow). I went along to the open day and loved the city and facilities available at Moray House. It felt like a great fit for me!

I enjoyed my whole experience at Edinburgh – from studying Sport Science, joining the Hare & Hounds running club, using the amazing facilities in the gym and exploring a great city!

Hands-on and interactive

The course was very hands-on and interactive. We did a lot of team work and there were many practical lectures, which suited my learning style. The lab equipment at Moray House was great – the tutorial in the heat and cooling chamber is one I particularly enjoyed.

'My experience at Moray House helped me become the athlete I am today'

Now I am a professional runner and work part-time in Finance. I also do some running coaching around work and training!

My experience at Moray House helped me become the athlete I am today. I learned a lot from my degree on how the body adapts and trains, and I learned from the University running club different training practices and the balance between training sessions. Both of these experiences have taught me things that I apply to training and coaching today.

'If you are looking for a friendly place, amazing facilities and great lecturers then you are going to the right place!'

I would encourage anyone to apply to Moray House. If you are looking for a friendly place, amazing facilities and great lecturers then you are going to the right place! I also love Edinburgh as a city – there is so much to do but it is small enough you don’t feel lost.

The three words I would use to describe my experience are… Inspiring, Interactive, Fun.

Tom studied BSc (Hons) Applied Sport Science at Moray House, graduating in 2012. His career in Sports Journalism and PR has since gone from strength to strength, and he now works as International PR Manager for the Bundesliga.

The choice was a no-brainer

The combination of a globally-renowned course, coupled with the history and beauty of the city of Edinburgh made it a no-brainer when the time came to choosing a university. Coming from a small town, Edinburgh was the perfect blend of city life yet surrounded by nature, and I was instantly at home there. The course itself – the facilities and the opportunities to dive deeper into subjects that had long fascinated me – made it a clear number one. 

Possibilities both in the classroom and out

Studying at Edinburgh was an incredible experience, not only for the course and the chance to discover more about the advancement of elite sport and people, but also the possibilities outside of study. 

Over the course of four years, I spent time as captain of the Men’s Judo team, hosted a Fresh Air radio show, and played intra-mural football as the player-coach of multi-title winning Aston Vica’ FC. Co-founded with my flatmate and fellow alum Jimmy Paul, intra-mural was the highlight of the weekend. Compiling a really talented squad, developing spirited rivalries with longstanding teams (shout-out to Shugs Maw), and creating friends for life through a sport we all loved! 

Outside of university activities, I volunteered at Hibernian FC, and at local radio stations Forth 1 and Garrison FM (now BFBS Forces Radio).

My dissertation centred on the importance of balance in martial arts training, primarily how experienced judoka’s compared to a non-martial-arts-trained control group. Moray House gave me access to state-of-the-art equipment, and the professors from both sports psychology and physiology provided support and guidance. The skills I learned ranged greatly, from independence and the importance of budgeting, to being diligent and thorough in my work, asking critical questions, and demanding more of myself to achieve the best possible result. 

From the Superbowl to the Olympics

After graduation I joined Sky as a media researcher, hoping to work my way up to being a full-time sports journalist. I achieved that goal, starting as a multi-sport journalist before becoming NFL Editor for Skysports.com. A personal career highlight to date was travelling to Houston, Texas for Superbowl 51 – the site of Tom Brady’s New England Patriots coming back from 28-3 down to lift the Lombardi Trophy in overtime!

After five years at Sky, I moved into public relations, working for an agency that specialised in Olympic communications. There I worked with international federations and governing bodies, including the Commonwealth Games Federation, International Volleyball, and World Taekwondo. I also contributed to the corporate communications efforts from Olympic bid cities, including LA 2028.

After three years there and just days before the Coronavirus pandemic, I moved to Germany to begin working as the International PR Manager for the Bundesliga. After two years of pandemic and “ghost games”, the Bundesliga is once again one of the most exciting and most watched leagues in the world, and it is my pleasure to work with journalists and broadcasters globally to bring the best of German football to fans across the globe. 

Alumni wisdom

My time at Moray House was fundamental to my progression because of the life lessons I learned along the way. The confidence to reach out and ask for an opportunity, even if it doesn’t look like one is there, has been the making of my career so far. 

While in Edinburgh, you have to hike Arthur’s Seat for the sunrise, take every opportunity to join clubs and societies and enjoy your time with friends because you will likely never have time like that again! 

Taking a LEAP

After completing the BSc Applied Sport Science, I stayed at the University of Edinburgh to take the MSc Sport Policy, Management and International Development at Moray House. I decided to stay in Scotland after I finished my Masters, and I worked as a support worker for adults with disabilities whilst volunteering. 

I was then unemployed for about 6 months which was a choice I made so I could focus on my voluntary roles. Throughout this time I had the opportunity to be involved in UEFA’s Equal Game Conference at Wembley which has been the highlight of my time as a Youth Ambassador for the Scottish FA. This, plus my time as a volunteer with LEAP contributed to me getting the job at LEAP.

A wide, confident knowledge and skills base  

My research and presentation skills are needed day-to-day in my job. Having a wide and confident knowledge and skills base has enabled me to step outside my comfort zone and generate new ideas and approaches. The theoretical, academic knowledge of diversity and inclusion, and sport for social development, underpins my more practical approach in the workplace and aids my professional development.

The power of volunteering and sport

The outside courses and electives that I took during my undergrad really interested me and helped to shape my ideas for the specialised Masters which I chose to follow. The social science courses always appealed much more to me than the scientific ones.

Joining the EGP and Yes! Tanzania project really showed me the power of volunteering and sport as a tool for development. It’s great to have had this opportunity alongside my degree. All the friends I made at EUWAFC (hugely important to find your people) who motivated me along the way, and the soft skills I developed through off-pitch work with the club really helped prepare me for my career.

Alumni advice

Try to volunteer as much as you can during uni in the areas that you’re passionate about because the experiences and skills that you’ll take from this will help you get that first job once you graduate.

Inform yourself and read up about the work that’s going on in your area and identify who the key individuals and organisations are.

Say "yes" to everything, even if you think they’re situations in which you’ll be forced outside your comfort zone – this will usually help to build your confidence and allow you to expand your professional network.

Before Moray House

Before starting at Moray House, I was fulfilling my national service responsibilities with the Republic of Singapore Air Force. I had just graduated with a Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science from Republic Polytechnic before that.

A leading University with world-class facilities

I chose this programme because I was looking for a quality programme that would allow me to continue building on the knowledge I attained from my Diploma. The modules that were covered were the ones I was interested in and aligned with my career goals too. On top of that, the University of Edinburgh is one of the UK’s leading sports universities with world-class facilities.  

The Applied Sport Science course has consistently been ranked highly in the UK as well. Having an opportunity to meet and interact with some of the best students from all over the world was exciting as well. Finally, to be able to live in a beautiful and vibrant city like Edinburgh was definitely something that appealed to me!

An engaging and interesting learning experience

The best thing about my programme was the quality of the programme and that it was an applied course. This stood out for me as I know of other programmes that were more theoretical instead. Having the opportunity to learn from members of the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC) and external guest lecturers definitely enriched my learning.

I enjoyed being taught by academic staff who made the learning experience engaging and interesting. As an undergraduate student, I appreciated the opportunities to interact with my professors and research fellows at the University. As part of my own dissertation research, I was able to work with academic staff from a different University, which definitely value-added to my overall learning experience.

'My experience provided me with a strong foundation to build on'

I am now working as an Active Health Coach with Sport Singapore, where I support individuals in taking ownership of their health and well-being through the design and delivery of programmes and workshops. I’m also currently in the final semester of my Postgraduate studies in Sport and Exercise Studies at Nanyang Technological University, which I am completing on a part-time basis.

My experience provided me with a strong foundation to build on. The high level of transferable skills gained, such as thinking critically and analytically, and carrying out thorough and robust research has served me well in my current scope of work.

A wonderful opportunity to develop both professionally and personally

If someone was considering studying at Moray House, I would advise them to definitely make it their top choice if the programme aligns with their own career aspirations. I’m sure they will have a wonderful opportunity to develop themselves both professionally and personally and would most definitely enjoy their time there.

If I had to explain my experience in three words, I would say exciting, enriching and fulfilling.