Student Profiles

THOMAS LEGGE

Before applying for the Graduate Assistantship (GA) Scheme I had achieved a 2:1 BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Conditioning degree. In addition to completing a Masters degree I wanted to gain relevant industry experience, which fortunately the GA scheme provided.

My GA duties involved assisting the Sports Coaching department, this allowed me to work with students ranging from first years through to third year degree students and taking lectures within the Graduate Development Programme. I thoroughly enjoyed this role as it gave me relevant experience within the sport industry and a glimpse at the life of a sport lecturer.

Within the GA scheme I was fortunate to also work as a Student Advisor; here I was responsible for providing academic support to students and assisting with university administration. During this role I gained valuable experience working with students and developing knowledge of planning and admin within the university environment.

Through my GA role I have now gained a full time job within the university working in the field of Sport Science and leading modules focusing on Coaching and Sport Development. It is without question that although I had a good background and a wealth of sport experience prior to the GA opportunity, the work I committed to within the GA scheme aided me massively in my application for a lecturing job.

MARTIN DIXON

The Graduate Assistantship role within the football academy provided a great platform for me to apply the knowledge and understanding gained throughout my MSc in Coaching Science.

In addition to complementing my studies, the role also gave me a great insight into higher education and working in a football academy.  With the GA role, students are part of the postgraduate community but also develop links with staff within Hartpury and other institutions. The range of skills I developed has enabled me to not only further my coaching practice but also successfully pursue a career as a lecturer in sports coaching.

 I would highly recommend any students considering postgraduate study to apply for the GA scheme as an ideal way to support their academic life both financially and in terms of their career development.

CLAIRE JOHNSON

Before applying for the MSc Equine Science and Graduate Assistant role at Hartpury College, I achieved a 2:1 within my BSc (Hons) Equine Dental Science degree and completed a period of work based learning as an Equine Dental Technician, so I could complete the practical aspect of my BEVA/BVDA Equine Dental Technicians qualification.

I really enjoyed the Equine Dental Industry; however I felt that I would also like to further develop my interest in research into Equine Dentistry.  I therefore choose to go into postgraduate study and applied for the Graduate Assistantship (GA) scheme to gain experience in laboratory research. 

My role as a GA within the Animal Science Laboratories allowed me to assist with teaching some of the practical aspects of certain modules across all years of different courses; such as Animal Microbiology, Equine Dental Instrumentation, Advanced Dental Procedures and Introduction to Equine Dentistry, as well as help third year students with their dissertation research.  The laboratories helped me to understand different aspects of scientific research and provided ideas for future research projects into Equine Dentistry.  By assisting with the practicals it has helped me to gain valuable teaching experience in a Higher Education environment and together with my industry experience, has allowed me to pursue a career as a lecturer in Equine Dentistry. 

Although I had industry experience in this field, I feel that the added experience gained through my role as a GA has aided me in the advancement of my chosen career path.  I would therefore recommend the GA scheme to anyone who is wishing to go into postgraduate education as well as gaining vital work experience in Higher Education.