Graduate Thoughts: Demi, BSc (Hons) Sport and Fitness

Learn why BSc (Hons) Sport and Fitness graduate Demi, describes her time with us as "Challenging, rewarding, and FUN!"

From a lifelong passion for sport and fitness to a career focused on helping others improve their health and wellbeing, Demi has built a strong foundation in the sport and fitness industry. Now working as a Leisure Assistant and Fitness Instructor with Moray Council, she has also gained valuable experience in sports therapy and pitch-side support within football.

Demi shares how her studies have helped shape her career, the opportunities she embraced along the way, and how she is working towards her next goal of completing a Master's degree in Physiotherapy.

Hi Demi, what did you study and why did you choose to study with us?

I chose UHI Moray because it allowed me to study locally while continuing to work and gain practical experience alongside my studies. I also liked the smaller and more personal learning environment, where I felt, I could get to know my lecturers and receive more individual support.

I progressed through the different levels of my Sport and Fitness degree at UHI Moray, starting at Sport and Fitness Level 5 and worked my way up. I found the progression very natural, with each year building on the knowledge and skills I had developed previously. As I progressed, I became much more confident academically and developed a particular interest in areas such as sports performance, rehabilitation and research.

How do you feel your courses have developed your knowledge, skills and overall experience?

The course has developed both my academic knowledge and practical skills considerably. During certain points, I struggled with confidence, but there are elements of each course where you have to push yourself and I am really thankful I did not give up. I have gained a much stronger understanding of areas including exercise physiology, sports performance, rehabilitation, research and coaching. Completing my Honours degree also developed my confidence, independence and ability to critically evaluate research and apply evidence to practice.

Having smaller class sizes made it easier to build good relationships with lecturers and ask for help when needed. I particularly appreciated having lecturers who were approachable and genuinely wanted to see students succeed.

Our sports courses include a placement opportunity, where did you do a placement?

I had lots of different placements. These ranged from Active school’s placements, coaching and delivering sessions to ASN children at schools, one to one coaching sessions in the gym and several fitness classes.

Alongside my studies, I gained practical experience working in football, providing pitch-side sports therapy, injury assessment, rehabilitation and first-aid support. I also continued working within the leisure and fitness industry, including delivering fitness classes. This gave me the opportunity to apply what I was learning academically in real sporting and exercise environments.

When you started your studies, did you have a clear idea on your career path?

I knew that I wanted a career within sport, health and fitness, although I wasn't completely certain what specific direction I wanted to take. I think I started as wanting to be a PT, then PE teaching, but as I progressed through the degree and gained more practical experience, I became particularly interested in sports therapy, rehabilitation and physiotherapy.

I was accepted to study MSc Physiotherapy, although I ultimately decided not to pursue it yet and instead continue developing my practical experience within sport and fitness and traveling for the next year.

How do you feel your studies have helped you with your career?

My studies have given me a strong academic foundation that I can apply directly to my work in sport and fitness. Combining my degree with employment in the leisure industry and practical football experience has been particularly valuable. It has helped me become more confident working with different people, delivering exercise sessions and applying my knowledge in real-life situations.

Lastly, what were the highlights of your time studying?

One of my biggest highlights was seeing how much I developed both academically and personally throughout the course. Completing my Honours research project was particularly rewarding and achieving First Class Honours was something I am extremely proud of. I also had a lot of fun in level 5 and 6, playing lots of different sports and meeting all kinds of people. I also really valued the relationships I have built with lecturers and other students. Friendships I will have for life.