Tilly Higgs
Recreational Sport & Physical Activity Graduate Intern
Currently I am the Recreational Sport and Physical Activity Graduate Intern at Loughborough University (still not able to leave the bubble!).
This role entails overseeing the delivery of the recreational sport programme at Loughborough, ensuring that all students have access to participate in sport and physical activity that is fun, inclusive and free from competition.
My degree has been vital in my ability to fulfil this role.
Within my final year, I was able to tailor my degree to understand the benefits of physical activity for the health and wellbeing of a person and how this impacts the work of national and local sports providers. This has given me the knowledge to embed into my current role to ensure that physical activity opportunities are provided at every level to support every individual’s motivations to participate in sport and physical activity.
Post 16 Education: A Level PE, Business Studies, History
Higher Education: BSc Sport Science with Management
Why did you choose your degree?
I have always known I wanted to work in and around sport from an early age, so studying sport was a no brainer for me.
However, the joint degree provided me the opportunity to widen my subject knowledge, not just specifically to Sport Science but also the policies and governance surrounding the sporting industry. I felt this breadth of knowledge and experience would be beneficial to me in the future as I was still unsure what career I wanted to pursue.
Tilly's advice
Even though it can be daunting at first, try to figure out what interests you and what options you might like to explore further.
Teachers are there to help and support you, so speaking with a teacher regarding this may be useful at the start. Once you have more of an idea, you can begin to start exploring what universities and courses you might like.
It is important to look at course structure and the university itself. Again, speak to people around you for support and guidance.
Tilly’s experience as a student
Studying at Loughborough University was a no brainer from the start for me.
Not only being world-renowned for sport courses, the whole feel of the campus on open days confirmed my choice. Being on a campus where so much was going on was important for me. The opportunity to attend fun events with my friends, attend Big Matches and being involved in BUCS* and Hall sport were a highlight of my experience outside of my degree.
The course itself was interesting and challenging, exposing me to a wide range of experiences and networks that have been beneficial since graduating. Finally, the wide range of opportunities to volunteer and gain experience within sport through the Coach and Volunteer Academy was invaluable.
*BUCS is British Universities and Colleges Sport, it is the national governing body for Higher Education sport in the UK.
Loughborough University offers undergraduate degrees in:
Sport Science, Coaching and Physical Education / Sport and Exercise Science / Sport Management / Sport and Exercise Psychology / Psychology / Sport Technology
Please note: Degrees and their titles change over time. Some graduates may have studied degrees that have evolved and changed in response to changes in demand from employers.