Located in Carmarthen, the Gateway to West Wales, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David offers an exciting portfolio of courses linked to health, active lifestyles and adventure education. Carmarthenshire, also known as the Garden of Wales, has a unique tradition linked to health dating back to medieval times through the Physicians of Myddfai.
The School of Sport, Health and Outdoor Education specializes on practice-based, vocational programmes for students interested in exploring Health, Nutrition & Lifestyle, Nursing Studies and Health, Outdoor Adventure Education, Sports Therapy, Physical Education, and Sport & Exercise Science. The Sport & Exercise Science degree programme offers a flexible and exciting range of pathways which include specialism in Sports Nutrition, Personal Training, Outdoor Fitness and Clinical Exercise Physiology. A careful synthesis of physical practice underpinned by academic study is a fundamental characteristic of each programme of study.
Course development within the School has been led by UK and Welsh Government policies linked to health promotion, evidence based nutritional advice and concern over low levels of physical activity within the population. It highlights the inclusive, performance and vocational-related focus of all the courses.
The University’s strong health focus in Carmarthen is evident through access to on campus facilities which include; a swimming pool, sports hall, health suite, exercise labs, sports therapy labs and floodlit tennis courts.
An eight minute cycle from the campus leads you to Cynefin which is the University’s Centre for outdoor pursuits which includes a new Mountain Bike pump track, access to the River Tywi and National Coastal path, Forest School and Bush craft venue and campsite.
“The Outdoor Adventure Education course was fantastic! It was really hands on with academic sessions relating to practical experiences. It gave me the confidence and inspiration to pursue a career in the outdoor industry and start my own mountain biking business. I would recommend the degree to anyone who is serious about working in the outdoors.”
Steve, an Outdoor Adventure Education graduate who has established his own outdoor activity business.
West Wales, the birthplace of Coasteering, has long been regarded as the ultimate venue for those interested in outdoor pursuits and adventure activities:
'Probably nowhere else in the British Isle is there so much variety in such a small area' (J.A. Steer 1946).
Ensuring all courses are relevant to future employment is a fundamental aspect of our programmes and includes providing additional opportunities to achieve external and professional qualifications (such as the Gym Instructor, GP Referral, Mountain Leader and Swimming Teacher Awards), that are so valued by employers and professional organizations.
There are also exciting international opportunities to study abroad in Norway, Canada and the United States (California and North Carolina).
“...everything I am learning here is helping me personally and my future career, as well as helping me appreciate the depth of knowledge required to be an athletic trainer.”
Ashley, a Sport & Exercise Science graduate who spent a semester in his second year at the University of Greensboro, North Carolina, USA;
Making all courses relevant to future employment is a fundamental aspect of our provision and includes providing additional opportunities to achieve external, professional, qualifications such as the Gym Instructor, GP Referral, Mountain Leader and Swimming Teacher Awards etc., that are so valued by employers and professional organizations.
“…after volunteering for six months a post became vacant within the Occupational Health Dept. which I successfully secured. This then led to a further post with the Dietetic Dept. where I became a Dietetic Assistant Practitioner delivering a weight management programme. However, I set my sights higher and applied for an external post and now am the Lead Health Officer for Pembrokeshire Communities First. Without the degree at UWTSD in Health, Nutrition & Lifestyle these posts would not have been achievable,
Kate, a Health, Nutrition & Lifestyle graduate who is now Primary Health Care Manager for a Health Board.
If you want a degree programme that emphasizes health, activity, lifestyle and genuine career opportunities – we could be the right place for you.
