Why You Should Study Nutrition and Exercise as Medicine

Sarah is a current student on the NEM course. Through her experience on the course and on placement, she has just secured her dream job, ready for when she graduates.

Why Salford?

I chose Salford based on location and the Nutrition and Exercise as Medicine course specifically. I applied to 3 separate universities but as soon as I attended the open day at Salford, I knew it was what I was looking for. The fact that I could attain industry recognised REPS (Register of Exercise Professionals) 2 and 3, plus the additional GP referral qualifications, were definitely the selling points - no other courses I applied for had this on offer!

Nutrition and Exercise as Medicine: What is it like?

The course is very engaging and the fact that it covers so many areas means there is an array of people on it which I love. There is nutrition, physiology, psychology, and real-world application of theory which helps ingrain the methods that are taught.

My confidence has grown immensely- public speaking was a big fear but the course is designed to build up skills like these so that you’re ready for interviews when you graduate. The lecturers are all very different and each brings their area of expertise to the course in their own way. They are always on hand to give advice and help.

I have also been the student rep since level 4 which has helped me work on my team building and leadership skills- so uni has been everything I’d hoped for-even in these unprecedented times.

During Level 4 (year 1) we delivered a school-based intervention that, when finished, demonstrated that we had increased self-esteem in primary school-aged children. This application of theory definitely helped me believe in the job I wanted and that I could make a difference.

What can I do with an exercise and nutrition degree?

After I passed my REPs level 3 (personal training qualification) at level 5 (year 2), I was offered a job as a Gym Instructor with Life Leisure which built up my experience whilst studying.

Last year, when the world locked down, it occurred to me that it would be difficult to find a final year placement, so I decided to start volunteering with a company that delivered weight management services (ABL Health). They had already implemented their curriculum online. I became their first online volunteer and then when I returned to uni, I was advised that I could do my placement there. All the lecturers gave me guidance and Anna (the NEM course leader) gave me a glowing reference which really helped!

Since then, the company has expanded and were advertising for Health and Lifestyle Coaches- which I applied for but skipped the interview stage and was offered the job outright, around my studies with a view to more hours when I have more time. I will be working with children, families and adults which is perfect!