Outstanding graduates celebrate success
Christina Cunningham graduated with an MSc in Sports Physiology. She currently works at Bolton Wanderers FC, using her sports science experience to support the under-18 team. Christina previously completed the BSc (Hons) Science and Football course at LJMU, during which she completed an internship programme with Everton Football Club. This internship involved developing and being responsible for taking physiological and performance analysis based sessions. She now plans to do a PGDE in Secondary PE, which would bring her total time at LJMU to five years.
Christina commented: “The Masters experience was brilliant as the research I did had direct practical impact with the LJMU swimming team using the altitude chamber for their training and my sports physiology knowledge. Some of the team even achieved their personal best times following this. I would encourage anyone to go further with their academic studies as it can open up so many opportunities.”
Fransiska Bossuyt is from Belgium and graduates with an MSc in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics. She was also a member of the University rowing team and has enjoyed both the academic and social life while in Liverpool. She is now applying for a PhD.
“The facilities at the Tom Reilly Building are amazing," said Fransiska. "We learned everything about the equipment we used and not just the data we were capturing which meant we had many transferable skills. You learn so much on a masters, and being an international student gave me a chance to experience another culture and become more independent. I love this city, especially the docks and the museums, and coming back to Liverpool for graduation feels like coming home.”
Joanna Anderson completed a MSc in Civil Engineering and is now working as a Graduate Engineer at Mouchel, an international infrastructure and business services company. She also has plans to travel and use the skills from her degree to work in developing countries.
Joanna said: “During the course, we were taught about engineering in developing countries, which has inspired me to go and use the skills from my Masters to make a difference to the world. I am so happy that I came to University and I also want to mention how fantastic the support is from the Student Advice and Wellbeing Team as that really helped me.”
Abdulmajeed Mohammed Albatli is from Saudi Arabia and collects a Postgraduate Diploma in Computing and Information Systems today. He has secured employment as an manager of an IT department.
He commented: "I had a great experience, both at the University and in the city. Liverpool is a brilliant place and my course offered a chance for an academic experience that can be easily translated to real life and get you the job you want.”
Kelly Bowden Davies graduates with an MSc in Sports Physiology. She is going on to study a PhD in Exercise Metabolism but will continue at working at Everton Football Club on a part-time paid basis following her internship there.
“I chose to study at LJMU because of the calibre of staff, world-class facilities and the research it produces," she explained. "My experience at LJMU was great, staff were always friendly, helpful and approachable. I believe they provided their expertise but also challenged me at times which helped me develop as a student."
"Kelly continued: "I have learnt how to apply the knowledge I have gained throughout my time at LJMU and put it into practice. The placement opportunities available at LJMU are second to none. I completed my undergraduate placement at Blackburn Rovers and then went on to secure an internship at Everton. I was also a part of the unique LJMU Strength and Conditioning internship which again enabled me to become familiar with working in a professional environment and how to deal with elite coaches and athletes.”
Dr Nathan Stone completed a PhD in Detecting Misbehaviour in a Complex System-of-Systems Environment. He said that he was encouraged to complete a PhD by his LJMU tutors, while he was studying his undergraduate degree at the University.
“It has been a very rewarding experience, I’ve met a lot of interesting people and I have been able to travel to conferences to present my research," he explained. "I am now applying for a position at LJMU as a researcher. I have really enjoyed my time here and I would like to continue to be a part of the University community.”
Katie Whytock received a Distinction for her MSc in Sports Physiology. Asked why she chose to study her Masters at LJMU, she said: “I felt the course incorporated molecular physiology aspects as well as having a practical context and it was this that attracted me to the University."
She continued: "The course tutors are really supportive and helpful and I’d definitely recommend LJMU to anyone considering a programme of study here. I’d particularly like to thank Dr Juliette Strauss who was exceptionally helpful. I am currently working as a Health Advisor for BUPA and I am also seeking PhD opportunities.”
Sobhi Mahmoud from Berlin, Germany, graduated with an MSC Mechanical Engineering.
A friend of his recommended studying at LJMU and he said he thoroughly enjoyed his programme of study. “The lecturers here are really helpful and friendly and I love Liverpool as a city, it is a friendly city and ideal for students," explained Sobhi. "I gained a lot of practical and analytical skills in product design and development as well as quality management techniques. I am now going to study another Masters in Germany and would like to pursue work in the biomedical field.”
Rachel Stege from Alberta, Canada, decided to do her MSc Sports Psychology at LJMU to further develop her skills as a Psychologist back home. She received a Distinction and explained that she’d enjoyed student life at the University and living in Liverpool.
She said: “I chose LJMU because the course is approved by the British Psychology Society and also the staff research interests aligned with my own. There is an emphasis on qualitative research which is also my preference. I’ve had a brilliant experience, the course is very self-directed but the professors are very passionate and having a supervisor who was as motivated and passionate as I was made a huge difference and although it was hard work, it was also a lot of fun. I am now hoping to incorporate Sports Psychology into my own practice in Edmonton, Alberta.”
Georgia Robbins graduated with a First in BA (Hons) History. She said she thoroughly enjoyed completing her dissertation, adding that she wanted to write it "about women in World War II but choose to pinpoint it on those from Preston who volunteered, as this is my home city".
She continued: "I wrote a letter in the Lancashire Evening Post urging women who volunteered to come forward and I was invited to interview four women. Having gained original pieces of oral history, I was excited to start writing my dissertation. This was by far my best experience at LJMU, because I managed to put into practice everything I had learnt into one piece of writing that I am now very proud of.
"Although writing my dissertation was a very independent task, I am very grateful for the help of my academic supervisor Dr David Clampin. All my lecturers have been outstanding and throughout my three years I have always felt comfortable to speak to them about feedback or future assignments and they were always willing to help. In the future I would like to join the British Army as an Officer in the Royal Military Police.”
