Tessa Burton

Why did you choose Northumbria University?

I’m from Charlton in Victoria, Australia, I came over in 2008/09 on a netball scholarship. I studied here, went home and decided to come back and finish off some studies here. Northumbria’s sporting opportunities are fantastic, especially with Sport Central. The city itself is amazing, I love it! It’s in a great location with friendly people.

What was it about the course that appealed?

I am a passionate coach – this course is excellent for those wanting to pursue a career in coaching, but also in the sporting industry. It’s a great course and fantastic qualification to have because by 2012 sport coaching in Engla be recognised as a ‘profession’. So it’s exciting to be a part of and Northumbria is one of the few universities that offer this course.

What do you like most about the course?

The practical aspects are quite fun. It’s taught in four intensive week blocks, so it enables us to work and train without having to be at University every other day. As it’s a Masters degree, it’s up to you to do your work, the tutors aren’t on your back, it’s all self-driven which is quite different but I enjoy it.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

I would like to be a PE teacher, work in the sporting industry, either in the UK or in Australia, or anywhere in the world for that matter! I want to just keep developing my skills, working in different areas in sport and doing as many courses as I can!

What three words would you use to describe your time at Northumbria?

Fun, interesting and enjoyable.