Luke Robertson's story
Luke Robertson's story
Luke Robertson – BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy
BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy graduate Luke Robertson has landed a dream role as Head Therapist at a professional football club in Sweden - but says he still turns to his lecturers for advice.
"Many people will worry about finding enough placement hours but lecturers or graduates can always help in one way or another. The quality of teaching is great and if you are willing to learn you will soak up an unbelievable amount of knowledge."
Luke started work for Ytterhogdals IK, who play in the fourth division in Sweden, in February, and has now already progressed to a role as Head Therapist/Head of Physical Performance at AFC Eskilstuna, who play two divisions higher, in the Superettan, the equivalent of The Championship in England.
During a career which has also so far previously included being Head Therapist at semi-professional football team Aylesbury United, he says his lecturers at Bucks have only been too happy to help him with references or a chat about a complex injury he may be dealing with. He says this kind of help is typical of the high quality of teaching on the degree.
"The lecturers were unbelievably helpful and approachable and would help with any work I was struggling with during my degree," says Luke, who graduated in 2019.
"I know many people will say that this is their job and it's what they're supposed to do but they would often go above and beyond for their students."
Luke, from Aylesbury, a 30 minute drive from the University's campus in High Wycombe, says he was drawn to study at Bucks because of the close proximity to his home, the quality of facilities (which include a Human Performance Lab and a Health & Wellbeing Clinic), and the partnerships the Sports Therapy degree enjoys with high-profile sports teams including Wycombe Wanderers FC.
He says his introduction to studying at Bucks was made a little easier as one of his best friends was also starting a degree at the University, and his outgoing nature meant he threw himself in to taking part in sport and going to social events.
"My best bits at University were definitely winning my final Varsity (an annual multi-sports competition) away against the University of Roehampton, and the practical lessons on my degree," he says. "The practical lessons gave me the tools to apply to practice when on placement at various clubs and clinics. I also enjoyed a night out and many Wednesday nights were spent at football socials." Luke says the most challenging aspect of studying at University was getting to know people. "Like most people, your first time at uni with people you've never met can be a daunting experience," he adds.
"I was like everyone else and knew no one, but thankfully through getting involved with sports teams, and being an outgoing person, making friends within my course was not difficult. I soon integrated with other students on my course and to this day hold many as some of my closest friends. There was lots going on during lecture times but also constant sports in the evening and obviously the evening social events."
Luke says Bucks prepared him for the world of work with early exposure to placements, and he felt challenged by the expertise of his lecturers and being involved in practical lessons.
"The placements were a platform to apply my learning in real-life situations, whether that was with sporting professionals or on the public in clinics. The lecturers and practicals were highly informative and constantly challenged my brain, which helped me develop as a therapist."
Luke says he is still in contact with other graduates and says many have gone on to 'amazing roles' in sports therapy, including working with sports teams or opening their own clinics. He says the success of its graduates illustrates the quality of the BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy degree.
"I would say to anyone thinking of doing this degree, look at past graduates and how they have progressed their careers since graduating, whether that be through opportunities which have arisen from placements through the University or opportunities they have carved themselves," says Luke.