Lucy O'Sullivan
Physiotherapy – MSc
Lucy had a tough start to her university journey, which made her think she’d never be able to achieve her dream of becoming a physiotherapist. Studying her Master’s at BCU has allowed her to learn from experts, gain work experience and make a start in her physiotherapy career.
"When I was about 13 years old, I was lucky enough to shadow physiotherapists in the NHS as part of as a work experience week, since then, I knew I wanted to be a physiotherapist. I started studying Sports Therapy at a different university, but I felt completely overwhelmed by the workload and university lifestyle. During my 2nd year, I had a close family member pass away. This, plus the fact I wasn’t enjoying university, made me realise that the best decision was to drop out.
I still wanted to become a physiotherapist, but I was confused about whether university was for me and didn’t know a pathway that could still get me to my long-term goal. I saw a BCU open day advert showcasing new sports facilities and courses that weren’t available when I applied to university the first time around, so I decided it was worth a visit. From the second I walked onto campus I just knew I wanted to study here. I attend a few talks and spoke to lots of staff members. I found out that I could complete an undergraduate course in Sport and go on to study Physiotherapy at Master’s level. I explained to the tutors that I had previously studied at university and had found it overwhelming; they gave me their contact details in case I had any worries or questions about the application. They were so considerate and caring.
When it came to applying for my Master’s, I already knew I wanted to continue my studies at BCU. I find the assessments and timetable structure well thought-out, and my tutors are very caring and supportive. The fast track application made the whole process so quick and easy because the university already had all my details I need to apply to the course.
What I love about the physiotherapy course is that all of my tutors are currently still practising professionals alongside their tutoring roles. This allows me and my classmates to hear the most up to date facts and treatments used in the different areas of physiotherapy. They’ve helped me learn about the NHS as a business and the importance of clinical values. They’re also aware of up-and-coming research in healthcare and the key areas of physiotherapy, which has broadened my knowledge of areas such as musculoskeletal, neurology and respiratory.
BCU gives their undergraduate students a lot of opportunities, and there are just as many for postgraduate students! During my time at BCU, I’ve taken up lots of paid and un-paid opportunities such as a part-time job in sports coaching and a physiotherapy assistant role at the Birmingham Children's Hospital. I’ve also been able to work with the Warwickshire Bears, Kidderminster Harriers, and lots of other sports clubs thanks to BCU’s partnerships and connections. I was also lucky enough to visit The Hague in the Netherlands on a research trip. My tutors made me aware of all these opportunities and encouraged me to go for them.
By the time I finish my course, I’ll also have completed five different practical placements, mostly in the NHS. These placements allow me to see what the day in the life of physiotherapist is like and give me the skills I need to apply to a physiotherapist role within the NHS.
As a student at BCU, I feel valued and respected. When I look back at myself a few years ago, not knowing how I would become a physiotherapist, it’s amazing to think that I’ve almost completed a master’s degree and I’m on my way to my dream career!
To me, ‘I AM BCU’ means opportunity, BCU has given me a whole new level of confidence inside and outside the classroom, since studying at BCU I feel like a completely different version of myself."