From Campus to Career See where a sport degree from Winchester could take you Meet sport graduates who turned their university experiences, placements and practical learning into rewarding careers.
From Winchester to a career in the NHS
Building a career in professional football
Louie
Nicole
Senior Assistant Respiratory Physiologist, NHS BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science graduate
Head Coach, West Ham U21 Women’s Team Sport Development graduate (now BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching and PE)
Having completed a triple BTEC in Sport, Louie decided to pursue his love of sport at degree level, commuting to Winchester to study and graduating in 2024.
After studying sport, biology and business at A-level, Nicole took advantage of various work experience opportunities in sport during her degree to help kickstart her career in professional football.
I gained a lot of skills throughout my time at university. I became more independent, punctual and confident, while also developing my skills in using specific software, giving me hands-on experience with tests that I now conduct independently in my own lab.
During my studies I took opportunities for work experience through East Hampshire Cycling Group, part-time football coaching, and Camp America as part of the land sports leadership staff. All of this increased my variety of work experience during my studies.
One of the most valuable opportunities was completing two weeks’ work experience on a hospital ward supporting physiotherapy practice. It gave me real, hands-on experience within a hospital and significantly enhanced my employability, giving me a competitive advantage when applying for my current role. I now conduct a range of breathing tests for patients with respiratory conditions and have been given the independence and responsibility to carry these out on a daily basis. I’ve also secured funding to complete the ARTP Level 3 qualification, which will further develop my knowledge and professional skills.
Studying at Winchester gave me the tools to communicate confidently and present ideas with clear, professional messaging. The course encouraged creativity, allowing me to explore different ideas and not be afraid to consider alternative viewpoints. Although the course was challenging, it gave me the opportunity to develop and accelerate in my chosen career of sports coaching. It left me well prepared for the demands of the working world and proud of what I had accomplished. Progressing with top football clubs across both the male and female game has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud of the development I’ve achieved within such high performance environments and to now be working in the professional top game.
Putting psychology into practice
More graduate journeys . . .
Connor Assistant Psychologist BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology graduate
After graduating in 2023, Connor now works within a learning disability and autism secure service, contributing to psychological assessments and supporting service users.
The lecturers were continuously encouraging us to seek out opportunities and make the most of the support they could offer. As part of a work placement during my course, I delivered psychoeducation workshops to student athletes who competed at an international level. This boosted my employability by giving me the confidence to translate psychological research and put theory into practice. Winchester provided a foundation of theoretical and research knowledge that I was able to build upon. This led me into the field of mental health, where I have gained experience across different clinical settings and populations. I’ve also been able to develop the adaptability I learnt on my course in my current professional practice, adapting how I communicate and approach people according to their individual needs.
Amelia Accredited Professional Equine Coach and Sport Psychologist (SEPiT) BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology graduate
As one of my work experience opportunities I delivered workshops alongside lecturers to sportsmen, which was incredibly valuable and gave me real confidence applying sport psychology in a practical setting. Being able to develop my coaching business alongside my degree was a key part of my experience. It showed me the importance of using my spare time productively to build something outside of university that prepares me for real employment and long-term success.
Emily Trainee Physiotherapist BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise graduate
The course improved my communication and practical laboratory-based skills, including taking manual blood pressure readings and blood lactate samples. During the optional placement module, I shadowed physiotherapists at Winchester Health Clinic, gaining insight into how a physiotherapy clinic operates and experience of hydrotherapy. I’m now pursuing a career in physiotherapy through a postgraduate degree and have undertaken a further placement on an orthopaedic surgical inpatient ward.
More graduate journeys . . . Connor D Trainee Primary Teacher BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching and Physical Education graduate
During my time at university I worked for two coaching companies teaching PE across Hampshire. Ultimately, it led to a full-time job, before I decided to pivot and train to be a primary school teacher. Studying at Winchester gave me contacts in the industry, a knowledge of the industry itself, and the different career paths that I could take post-graduation.
Gabrielle Sport and Exercise Psychology Lecturer BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology gradauate
I had two work placement opportunities as part of the course. In my final year, I co-delivered psychoeducation workshops to talented athletes at a local sixth form. This was incredibly valuable as it taught me how to prepare and deliver workshops, something you may do as a sport psychologist. Without developing these skills, I don’t think I would have the confidence I have now to teach in sport and exercise psychology.
Explore our sport courses: Whether you already have a career in mind or want to explore where studying sport could take you, Winchester can help you develop your knowledge, work experience and skills. onfidence