Our students

Why did you choose Teesside?

I suffered an Achilles tendon injury in my Royal Marines training. After eight months of rehabilitation and eventually leaving, I decided to pursue physiotherapy to enter a career I would enjoy and could progress in. I chose Teesside as I had experience of working in the area, I really like it up North and I liked the look of the University after looking around.

What do you like most about your course?

I have made some excellent friends on my course. I enjoy the placements, as we get to learn in a supportive environment, so that we can practice what we have learnt in a real-life situation. I really enjoyed the Physiology module, it’s interesting to find out how certain interventions have an effect at the cellular level. I have learnt to push myself more, seeking out and accepting positions of responsibility. This has led me to talk and deal with many different people across a range of professions and levels of experience. This has helped me develop as a person, and improve my interpersonal skills, which will no doubt put me in good stead for my desired career.

What do you think about the campus and the services offered?

The Students' Union is great, and the officers who are the front-facing contacts for students are absolutely excellent. The library is also excellent, providing great resources to help with assignments and other aspects of the course. Middlesbrough has a great array of bars, clubs and restaurants of every nationality, and the surrounding areas are great for hiking and camping.

Are you a member of any clubs or societies?

I am the chairman of the Physiotherapy Society and a course rep for my year group. The Physiotherapy Society provides free CPD, guest speakers give talks on different topics, decided by the society members’ interests, and we’re looking to organise charity events and a student physiotherapy conference.

Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement?

I have been on three placements in various different areas of physiotherapy, which have been fantastic. I also work as a band 4 associate practitioner at the University Hospital of North Tees. In my spare time, I volunteer as a PASS leader and on the University’s sports internship programme.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I hope to one day be in a position where I can help people, who are in a similar position to me when I needed rehabilitation. I would like to work as a physiotherapist in the NHS, to gain experience and develop my knowledge. I would also like to do a masters’ degree and research into how digitisation can improve physiotherapy and healthcare in general. I am also interested in working in professional sport and eventually have my own practice.

Would you recommend Teesside University?

Yes, the lecturers are helpful and supportive, and the facilities at the University are excellent. My advice is to be ready to work hard, as it is not an easy subject and you need to put effort in, in order to do well. However, interpersonal skills such as good communication and being empathetic are just as important, so gain experience in dealing with people of all backgrounds. Be enthusiastic and keen to learn, and don't be afraid to be unsure - you will deal with patients and professional educators at some point in your course, who are far more likely to respect honesty over fumbling responses.