Gain up to 120 hours of hands-on experience over a 20-week placement in a professional sports performance environment. Students actively contribute to our Performance Sport Programme, working across four core disciplines aligned with their course of study.
Key Features:
Multidisciplinary insight into athlete support
Real-world experience in a professional sports setting
Active involvement in four core performance disciplines
Flexible working hours arranged with our coaching team
Close collaboration with experienced practitioners
Skill-building through observation and delivery
Confidence development for future careers in sport
Sports Management
Students will gain first-hand experience of how a performance sport programme operates behind the scenes. Working in liaison with the Fitness Manager, they will help coordinate daily activities, oversee scheduling, and manage logistics that ensure athletes can train and compete effectively. This provides valuable insight into leadership, communication, and problem-solving within a fast-paced sporting environment. Students will also understand how to balance operational efficiency with athlete welfare — key skills for future careers in sports management and administration.
Strength and Conditioning
Placements in this discipline allow students to shadow and support our S&C coaches, taking part in athlete testing, monitoring progress, and learning how to interpret performance data. They will assist in the design of training programmes tailored to individual athletes’ needs, and gain practical experience by supporting the delivery of 1-to-1 and small-group sessions. This hands-on role equips students with the ability to bridge theory and practice, developing the skills to assess, coach, and motivate athletes effectively.
Sports Psychology
Students will work under the mentorship of our Sports Psychologist, supporting the delivery of workshops and seminars on performance, stress management, focus, and wellbeing. They will observe real-life strategies for improving mental resilience and learn how psychological tools are integrated into athlete preparation. Where appropriate, students may contribute to discussions or activities, gaining experience in communicating psychological concepts in a clear, practical way. This exposure helps them build an understanding of the athlete mindset and the importance of mental skills in high-performance environments.
Sports Nutrition
In this role, students will collaborate with our Sports Nutritionist to explore how tailored nutrition impacts training, performance, and recovery. They will help prepare and deliver seminars and workshops that educate athletes on fuelling strategies, hydration, and recovery nutrition. Students will gain practical experience in translating scientific knowledge into athlete-friendly advice, while also observing how nutrition support is personalised to meet the demands of different sports. This equips them with communication and applied skills essential for working in performance nutrition.
For more information contact the University’s Careers Department on the below email.
