Stuart Kirk – MSc Sport Science, 2018

Stuart studied BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science and MSc Sport Science at the University of Lincoln. He credits his decision to choose Lincoln due to his experience at the Open Day.

’It was one of the only open days in which I felt fully comfortable. I was asking questions and engaging with the lecturers and staff members there a lot more. It felt right, and sometimes you get those types of feelings, and it was very much I couldn’t put my finger on one reason, but comfortability was my biggest one.’

Stuart continued his study at Lincoln at a master’s level due to already knowing his lecturers and having a support network where he could specialise further and understand more about the health industry where he wanted to start his career.

After graduating, Stuart started as a Personal Trainer at Nuffield Health, working with clients to understand more about their lifestyles and improve their overall health and wellbeing. Stuart believes that the undergraduate modules that he studied have directly fed into his role within health physiology, and the practical elements and client handling skills gained through his postgraduate degree have helped his communication skills which he uses every day in his job.

Stuart finds his current role as Health and Wellbeing Physiologist at Nuffield Health particularly rewarding in knowing that he is making a difference in people’s lives. Alongside this role, Stuart is currently undertaking an Apprenticeship in Team Leadership, adding further experience, and learning to help with opportunities in clinical management.

‘One of my favourite things about being a student both as an undergraduate and a post-graduate student was independence and the ability to be able to grow in a safe environment. I was in my own accommodation, I had the chance to explore different opportunities and for me, it was very important to grow as a person.’