Jack Park

Excellent teaching and varied modules

The BA (Hons) Sports Development and Coaching was everything I needed for my development. It covered a wide range of aspects relating to the development of coaching and the history and development of sport within the degree. I've gained vital skills which will benefit myself professionally and personally moving forward.

The teaching was delivered to an outstanding level and all lecturers are invested in ensuring every individual has the best chance of succeeding. The range of optional modules available in the first two years of the degree allow you to tap into other areas of study and exploration and open your eyes to more than just the sports world. Some of the projects I was a part of during my time at the university have allowed me to develop key skills and build my professional network.

Outstanding placement at Falkirk Football Club

The course included a placement as part of the professional practice module which you undertake in fourth year. For my placement, I spent a wonderful eight weeks at Falkirk Football Club with their community team, ‘The Falkirk Foundation’. During this time I was able to develop key skills such as communication, teamwork, resilience and relationship building. These key skills were demonstrated by the individuals I worked alongside during my time there, which provided me with the platform to develop these skills in a professionally nurturing environment. I was made welcome and felt a key part of the team from the start which made my experience there all the more memorable. Anyone who has the chance to undertake a placement at the Falkirk Foundation, I would highly recommend it and can’t speak highly enough of them.

Making friends for life on a beautiful campus

I absolutely loved walking around the campus. During my second and third year, I stayed on campus and being able to walk around the campus first thing in the morning or last thing at night and appreciate the beauty and natural serenity of our stunning location was certainly memorable.

I spent three wonderful years as part of the Stirling University Men’s Football Club where not only did I meet and make new friends, I developed a deep bond and created a family which will stay with me for the rest of my life. The social side of the football club has helped me through some of the darkest times I have had to face so far in my life.

Invaluable Stirling career guidance

Stirling has provided me with the guidance and the pathway for my identified choice of career within the sports development sector. I'd had moments of doubt as to whether this was the right career path for me and if my goals and aims were realistic enough. They provided me with the connections and collaborations to speak regularly with industry professionals and experts in order to gain an appreciation of the demands of the workplace and how to overcome them effectively as an individual and part of a team.

One piece of advice

Everyone hopes and dreams of making a difference in the world, how large or small. However at Stirling, they don’t support you to make a difference, they encourage and support you to be the difference. So, that is what to do, BE THE DIFFERENCE and make a positive impact in your life, and lives of your peers at Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.