Joshua Edwards

• Year of study: Second year (2025/26)
• Length of course: Three years

I chose to study at the University of Northampton because it’s a great campus with amazing facilities. It’s also close to my home, making it easy to commute.

My career aspirations are to work within professional sport as part of a physiotherapy/rehabilitation team. Studying this course at UON will allow me to develop my knowledge and understanding around this field of work and I’ve gained skills that will be most useful for a future career in this industry including injury assessments, treatments, and pitch side skills.

As part of my course, I’m completing a placement where I assist the University’s physio/rehab team – this has been a big benefit as it enables me to use and develop my skills within a real-world setting. Having this experience has enhanced my reliability, dedication, and consistency, which will give me a headstart within the field of work I’d like to enter.

My main tips to get the most benefit from your placement are to put yourself out there, and apply yourself, and you’ll succeed. Also don’t be shy to share your opinions and contribute.

My personal sporting goal is to become a professional athlete, representing my country at high profile races such as the European and World Championships, the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games. Through the University, I gained a place on the Northampton Energy Elite Athlete Scholarship Programme, which will help me develop as an athlete and progress to the next step within my sporting career. The strength and conditioning we do in the gym as part of the programme will also be very useful once I graduate.

My advice to undergraduates interested in this career path? Apply yourself and stay dedicated to what you do.