HIGH graduate employment, student satisfaction and £22k starting salaries – it seems Newman University is doing something right when it comes to helping people start careers in sport. Founded just 48 years ago in the UK city of Birmingham, the school has developed a reputation for providing practical, real-life skills to help students get where they want to be. For Newman’s Physical Education and Sport Science (PESS) students, this has been instrumental in helping them prepare for employment.
To see what all the fuss was about, we spoke to Jay, a second-year student of Sport and Education. We asked him what made him choose Newman University.
‘When selecting universities, Newman was my third choice behind two larger universities,’ he says. ‘The course was similar in all universities. However, I then attended open days and asked a few questions, the main one being: 'what if I need help?'
‘The larger universities have a booking policy which could mean a 2-4 week wait and lectures with a few hundred people. I asked the same questions at Newman and was informed about their open door policy and relatively small lectures. That made me think and even on the open day I felt like a person rather than a number. It was the perfect choice for me so I accepted my offer to Newman.’
How has your course helped you so far?
‘The course opened doors that I never dreamed of. It inspired me to achieve more and get more involved. I dreamed of being a PE teacher, but found my niche in learning about behavioural issues, labelling, access and inclusion. I could really relate, and have realised that my specialty is in alternative education.’
Do you get support in reaching your goals at Newman?
‘Yes, the student support at Newman is outstanding. The Student Support Unit helped me when times got difficult, re-adjusting my work schedule. I have also advised others to approach the team for help, even those who are confident and organised. You never know what life will throw at you, but Newman has your back.
‘The tutors are really approachable and have sat with myself and others when things are not clear. They guide you in the right direction and the amount of extra resources they provide you with is really useful. What’s more is they know you as a person, and take time to understand your dreams and aspirations. My sports lecturer pointed me in the right direction for my placement with a charity that works alongside a professional football club, as she knew where I wanted to head.’
Your work placement sounds rewarding - how will this impact your career?
‘My placement was with the Albion Foundation. This is a charity linked to West Bromwich Albion FC that works with children with behavioural issues and young adults who may be struggling in life. The charity has a massive outreach programme but I decided to approach them to work in their alternative education school. I worked with children in care, young adults’ employability and children with behavioural issues that were at risk of expulsion.
‘My placement taught me how to work with these children and the range of social and economic factors influencing their behaviour. At the end of my placement I was rewarded with a contract with the charity and even my own West Bromwich Albion FC uniform. Working in this environment has impacted my career immensely as it has given me even more drive to succeed and head towards a Master’s Degree in Education, or a Psychology route.
What transferable skills can a sports qualification give you?
‘The biggest skill that PESS and my sports modules gave me was confidence and knowledge. The ability to coach is one of the key modules in your first year and this is the foundation for all sport. You learn different techniques from planning a lesson to reflecting on your own performance at the end. This is important for anyone who wants to be a PE teacher or follow my example and work with children using sport as a rehabilitative method.’
Do you feel Newman University was the right choice for you?
‘Most definitely. The size of the university is the key to success. It currently has around 3000 students and although this is expanding over the next few years I still believe the staff will be able to continue with their personal approach. The university also runs a HEADStart course which is a free pre-course that helps you settle in, meet new people and gain some academic skills before starting university.’
What advice would you give to students looking to study sports in the UK?â??
‘Newman is a smaller university that gives you an identity: you’re a person, not a number. Add to that the lecturers and staff that are all top in their field, and the fact Newman’s facilities are competing with more illustrious universities, and you can see how Newman stands out from any other university.’
Freddy, a student of Sports Coaching Science and Tournament Golf, has also benefitted from studying at Newman University:
‘As a PESS student, we are really lucky with the facilities we have at Newman. There is a gym on campus with a cardio and weights room, and the lab has lots of equipment for things such as fitness testing. There is also a Qualisis motion capture system in the lab which enables us to look at the biomechanics of sporting movements - which is great for us golfers.
‘We have met lots of people in the field we want to go into, and this experience has shown us what it takes to get the career we want. It has also given us contacts that are high up in the golf industry.’
Over 95% of Newman’s students are in employment or further study within the first six months of graduating (HESA DLHE Survey 2015), so if you want to start a successful career in sport, check out their profile.
