Inspired by making a difference

Connections to aid learning experiences

Cassie Barrett, third year BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science student, has been offered an exceptional opportunity to get involved with an exciting research project for Playivity; a company which aims to encourage positive physical activity and movement experiences in early years and school settings. Cassie has enjoyed her undergraduate studies and this industry project so much so that once she graduates, she plans to continue on our MSc Clinical Exercise Science postgraduate degree course, enabling her to continue her work in research in a health/public health setting.

The learning experiences Cassie has been provided with on her course have prepared her to work with multiple external organisations. These opportunities have come through expressing her interest in a particular subject area and gaining networking opportunities. In her first year she had the chance to complete an internship with Chesterfield FC Community Trust, where she was able to work in an educational setting and practice her coaching skills. This allowed her to develop confidence in planning and running sessions for children and vulnerable adults.

During her second year of studies, Cassie was shocked to learn the impact of physical inactivity on the population. She quickly realised the importance of physical activity during childhood and the early years. When asked to carry out a literature review on an area of interest for her independent study, she decided to focus on grassroots football which is a popular form of exercise for children in the UK. Following this, her lecturer realised her interest in children and physical activity and put Cassie in touch with a PhD student who is the co-founder of Playivity and was conducting research in this area.

Passion for research

Now in her third year she is helping to create a health and wellbeing app with Health Hub on Demand. She has collaborated with academics and the co-founder, conducting research for the company. The focus of this research project was to look at a digital intervention to promote physical activity and movement in educational settings in children aged 3-11. Her role has been to conduct focus groups with educators, coaches and children to understand their needs and opinions regarding a digital intervention (wearable device, interaction stations and dashboard) for increasing physical activity. 

When asked what she has gained from this experience, Cassie replied “I have been fortunate to help conduct research on physical activity in children with the start-up company Playivity. My work with Playivity has allowed me to practice my research skills by conducting focus groups and being involved in qualitative analysis. It has also allowed me to grow my network and connect with other people that are passionate about my interest.”

Derby as her first choice

Cassie is glad she chose to study at Derby and made this decision “because I could see the investment that they had made in their sports/lab facilities in recent years. I could also see that Derby scored high on teaching quality statistics and course support, as well as their emphasis on industry experience which I saw as a key opportunity in boosting my education. However, the main reason I chose Derby was the wide range of modules available to study. This has allowed me to tailor my degree to my interests and career aspirations as I have progressed throughout my studies.”

She has also been impressed with the support from academics which she said has been excellent, “they have a real interest in your holistic success and development, both in your studies and in preparing you for life after your degree. Not only is it easy to get in contact with the correct people to get support but the academics will actively reach out and offer support and opportunities. You can tell the staff truly care and will really make an effort with you.”

When asked what she would say to anyone thinking of studying this course at Derby, she replied:
“I would recommend studying at Derby as I think they have a strong awareness of the importance of industry links, experience and placements and these are integrated well into the degree. I also think that the option to choose your modules as you progress and tailor your degree to your career interest is essential and Derby provide a broad range of modules that fall under Sport and Exercise Science. In addition, I think the staff are passionate about their subject areas and provide excellent support and teaching.”