BA (Hons) Sport Development and Coaching

Ben: So, I finished my university degree here at Marjon in 2016. In my time, they would work with like a lot of external partners. I did a lot of volunteering with a local council I'm still working at, as well as Active Devon, so that kind of prepared me for working with local partners, where they can kind of network in general. It gave me a lot of confidence.

Jenna: I did a foundation degree at Exeter College for two years. I then came to Marjon and did a top up degree in sports development and coaching. Having that extra year here at Marjon really helped me to get the practical skills that I needed and hands-on skills to help me go to a job on the outside world.

Josh: So, after I graduated from Marjon's, there was a school games organizer role with the Plymouth School Sports Partnership. I went for that. With my degree and my coaching experience from working for lots of coaching companies whilst at university meant I got that role, which was for full time, working for the Plymouth School Sports Partnership.

Alice: While I was at uni in my third year, I took six months at the end of the year to go and approach Active Devon and I volunteered with them. So, I did school games for six months and worked with all of the other employees as well there, just to give myself more practical experience.

Ben: Now I get to come back and I get to do guest lectures, I get to interview former students and help out with course content and course programs that they're doing at the moment, which is always really enjoyable. So, I've got a really good working relationship with Marjon going on, and I really enjoy coming back and doing work here at Marjon, as well as what I do in my day-to-day role. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time and really looking forward to carry on working with them.

Phil: We work really closely with all our students. We see our students on a daily basis, a weekly basis, so we get really good personal relationships with them. We can tailor then the offer, our advice to them on a personal basis. We've got all the facilities on site, so our students can train, play and study all on one campus. We've got brilliant links with local networks and regional networks and national networks in terms of sports organizations in schools, in coaching organizations. We can really help students to gain applied experience to develop the employability skills. They get out of the classroom. They work with real people, real institutions, and develop some excellent skills. So when it comes to them looking for a job, they've got a whole host of people they can call upon. It's not just about a lecturer's giving support. They've got a whole community of people that are trying to support them.

Luke: It was the course that really put my focus on Marjon, but then the fact that it is a sports-based university and I'm a really sporty person, it's definitely give me the nudge to pick Marjon over other unis that I had offers.

Ami: I feel you get a lot better experience in such a small environment, where you're a lot closer to your lecturer and they take the time to get to know you as a person and as a student, which goes really well then if ever you need any help. I think probably the most beneficial opportunity for me is the fact that you get a second year and third year placement. It's fantastic to be able to get the experience, the hands-on experience, as well as doing your degree. A lot of people would have to try and find time to do voluntary work outside of their studying, whereas the great thing with sports development is you get that opportunity set aside for you during your degree.

Luke: Obviously, the gym's really handy. Last year, when I was staying on campus, me and my friend would go to the gym every day. It's on your doorstep. And then obviously all the strength conditioning rooms for athletes. I mean, it's like a playground for any athlete.

Ami: I think it's great that you get the sports center, so you're not just constantly sat in a classroom being told things. You can actually get into the sports hall. You can do demonstrations and you can be taught it really hands-on.

Kes: Marjon's given me confidence, it's given me a really good skill set, and it's made me believe in myself that actually I am a good teacher and I'm doing a good job at professional tutor. I think that's from just really good support in the three years I was here, but also continued support since I've left. It's actually made me probably believe in myself a little bit more and realize that you're never too young to do something and that if you're the right person, then go for it.