I chose Loughborough University for my undergraduate and master’s studies because of its outstanding reputation for sport, teaching and academic excellence.
The Sport and Exercise Psychology course is recognised as one of the best in the world, and Loughborough’s strong sporting environment made it feel like the ideal place for me to develop – academically, professionally and personally.
The teaching and world-class sporting facilities are second to none. The lecturers have a depth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm which make learning challenging and engaging.
As an athlete, having access to the gym, athletics track and wider sporting facilities was an incredible part of my experience. Being immersed in such a strong sporting culture was hugely motivating.
Loughborough’s excellence in education and sport made my university experience very special. It gave me the academic foundation, practical confidence and professional aptitude to pursue a career in sport and exercise psychology and continue the research I am deeply passionate about.
Banner image: Esther with her track mates - the best moments are the ones shared with others
A campus university, Loughborough has a strong sense of community. It’s easy to connect, build relationships and feel part of something. There’s a genuine sense of belonging. I felt supported by fellow students, my lecturers and the wider community.
During my time at Loughborough, I recognised my passion for combining research with applied sport psychology practice. I realised that I enjoy applying theory to real-life situations. My course certainly gave me the space and encouragement to explore this in depth.
It also gave me confidence, made me more reflective and better prepared for professional practice. The practical workshops were particularly beneficial, allowing me to practise important, applied skills in a supportive environment – something that has served me well as a trainee Sport and Exercise Psychologist.
Meanwhile, the coursework gave me the freedom to explore topics that are important to me, particularly relating to ethnic minority athletes competing in predominantly White sports.
With my dissertation, I had the opportunity to take a deeper dive into this area. It had a huge impact on my learning, making me realise the importance of giving athletes from underrepresented backgrounds the opportunity to share their experiences.
My supervisor was really encouraging. They gave me the freedom to investigate a subject that I’m genuinely passionate about, making the research process far more meaningful and enjoyable.
Along the way, I acquired a wide range of research skills across interview techniques, qualitative data analysis, critical literature reviews and effective academic writing. These skills are essential to my doctoral research.
I also developed important applied practice skills including empathy, active listening, rapport building with clients and adapting psychological support to meet individual needs. These skills have made me a more confident, thoughtful and person-centred practitioner.
In addition, Loughborough provided me with valuable connections through staff members, fellow students and the wider sporting community.
The course prepared me extremely well for the current stage of my academic and professional journey.
Since graduating, I’ve embarked on a Professional Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Psychology, continuing to explore the experiences of ethnic minority athletes in sport. Alongside my research, I’m developing my applied practice as a trainee Sport and Exercise Psychologist.
I’ve worked with athletes and sports teams, including delivering psychological support to a basketball team. I am also launching my own sport psychology practice, applying the knowledge and practical skills I gained at Loughborough in real-life settings.
I also work as a Sports Development Officer within sport and mental health, using many of the communication, relationship-building and psychological skills developed during my course. My studies helped me understand how sport can support mental wellbeing and how to create inclusive, supportive environments that encourage people to participate and feel a sense of belonging.
My advice to anyone considering a similar route to me is – go for it. Make the most of every opportunity on offer. Loughborough offers excellent teaching, world-class facilities and a supportive community, but your experience will depend on how willing you are to get involved, build connections and explore your interests.
Don’t be afraid to personalise your work and pursue the topics that genuinely matter to you. Some of my most valuable opportunities came from following my interests and being open to experiences outside the classroom.
Loughborough is an excellent place to grow academically, professionally and personally, so take advantage of the opportunities, connect with the community and enjoy the experience.