Sarah Carter
- Course: BSc Sport and Exercise Science
- Location of year abroad: Brisbane, Australia
Why did you choose to come to Leeds University to study?
At college I studied a range of courses (mathematics, psychology, and physical education), instrumenting a range of scientific disciplines. I chose to Study Sport & Exercise Sciences as it integrated these disciplines and related them to sport. Sport has been a big part of my life from a young age and combining these two together seemed like a perfect course to endeavour in.
What do you enjoy about your course?
I enjoy my course as it offers a range of scientific disciplines; offering up-to-date research on current issues and trends. The course provides a mono and interdisciplinary approach to prevent injury or enhance performance across a range of sports. The integration of such scientific disciplines is becoming an essential element in 21st century sport; providing a full overview of the influential factors to enhance an individual’s performance.
What have been the highlights of the course so far?
Sport & Exercise Sciences at Leeds offer a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities, which allows for opportunities to test your own/ others physiological adaptations to exercise (i.e. breathing/cardiac responses, blood concentrations, and muscular alterations); as well as conduct biomechanical analysis looking at an individual’s gait patterns, ground reaction force and velocity/ acceleration data and much more. Being able to have access to such technology has allowed me to analyse and improve my own performance in sport.
What was your greatest challenge throughout your degree?
In my first and second year of the course I found it very difficult to present academic work in front of others. Confidence was a big issue for me however through my year in industry, independently travelling to Australia and becoming an academic researcher, I presented on several occasions in front of other academics and now I actually enjoy presenting!
Did you join any student societies/sports clubs at the university?
I’ve been a member of both Leeds University women’s football club (LUUWAFC) and women’s rugby union club (LUUWRUFC). I’ve had an amazing time joining these societies, they offer weekly competitions against other University clubs, organise charity events, hold evening training sessions weekly, provide discount rates on local pub food & drinks, and most importantly you can go on ‘TOUR’. Where you'll find tournaments for over 30 different sports, have epic nights out and massive headline acts; all with a group of at least 20+ individuals from the society you joined - making it one of my most memorable experiences!
What are your ambitions for the future and do you have any specific career plans?
I intend to become a performance analyst; my next goal to achieving this career path is to get a Phd Scholarship in Sport Engineering at Griffith University, Australia. While abroad I made great networks and liaised with sport national governing bodies and have established this link with some of the Leeds University Academics. We now have a partnership between Leeds University and Griffith University where students can apply for internship opportunities between establishments. I intend to keep these associations/ networks to help in my long-term success.