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My BNU story: BSc (Hons) Sports Psychology

My BNU story: BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Psychology

Why did you decide to study at BNU?

Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) was my second choice, but I 100% know now it was the right choice! The university I originally applied for cancelled my course and pointed me in the direction of BNU (for which I had already applied) and here I am studying BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology.

BNU is local to me which was a key factor for me when looking at where to study, as I did not want to move away. The campus itself is in a great location and is really easy to get to by public transport, it’s situated in the town centre of High Wycombe.

I loved the look of the campus and the facilities BNU provides for its students, as well as the specialist facilities I’d have access too. The cafes, Students’ Union and library are great for studying or just generally hanging out with mates.

students chatting on the concourse High Wycombe campus
student walking down the stairs in the Gateway building in front of a Nelson Mandela quote

I loved the look of the opportunities BNU provided. The ‘Big Deal’ was definitely a deciding factor too – Having all clubs and societies for free?! Yes please! Extracurricular CV building workshops and skill courses!? Yes please!

Another key deciding factor for me was the fact that BNU has not only a whole department that will support any student with coursework, assignment or exam preparation. But also, a range of mental health and wellbeing support, disability and finance support.

BNU brought at lot to the table when I was applying for university, and they definitely have delivered.

What makes your course right for you?

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology at BNU is fantastic. The content, the tutors, the facilities, you name it, it’s great and I have already learnt so much that will help me with my future career.  

The support the lecturers provide is phenomenal, tutors and the teaching team are happy to give extra support if needed and are always there to answer any questions we may have. One thing I have learned that there is no such thing as a stupid question. I have had some fantastic feedback from tutors that have helped to guide me to the next level of my work.

The content on the course itself is fun, however when it gets a bit more academic the tutors still do a great job at guiding students along and are always checking we understand and are inspired or motivated by what we are learning.

Depending on the modules, you have the opportunity to be in the Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) and our Sports and Wellbeing Clinic. Here you’ll have access to a range of state-of-the art equipment, I have used the neurotransmitter, the VR, ECGs, and Pulse monitors to support my studies.

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Psychology is a small cohort but that does not make it any less fun! As a smaller group we tend to get more 1:1 support.

What do you love most about BNU?

The community (it sounds cliché but hear me out). I am an introvert, but I am never made to feel that this a bad thing at BNU. I am in societies that go with it and I have met others who I would probably never usually interact with. Despite being on such a small cohort, there are loads of other students to support, chat, and interact with. The university is like a big family. Being a Student Rep I have learned a lot about the university and have spoken to those who want and can help make any change that they want to see. Everyone wants to help each other; we are all at BNU to learn after all.

What do you love most about your course?

Oooh a tough one!

I love the opportunities given to us. We can ask as many questions and get answers. We can have sessions in the labs just to solidify knowledge and have a break from lecture rooms and take a more relaxed approach to learning. We have chances to arrange meetings with tutors to get support for coursework or exams. As well as this we also have the chance to ask questions about future opportunities and with some direction to others in the field to gain that knowledge.

What would you say to anyone considering study at BNU?

Go for it! The only person holding you back is you. No one will push you through the door to opportunity, you just need to reach out and take it.

BNU is quieter than a city, but it is still a campus bursting with life and chances and definitely one that wants to support you as you become the best version of you!

BNU will be with you every step of the way. Be ready for the challenge.

9 Dance students performing a routine in the studio facing the camera
BNU Musical Theatre Society performs on stage at High Wycombe Christmas light switch on

What’s your #BNUproud moment?

My BNU proud moment is when I represented the uni at Wycombe’s Christmas Lights Performances and around Wycombe. As part of , we have had opportunities to perform in public and it has been an absolute blast. Seeing a small group of us doing something we all love is great and the fact that we are showing off the university is great!

A bunch of mish-mashed degrees coming together to do something we love. If that doesn’t sum up the community aspect of BNU, I don’t know what does.

Also representing BNU as a Student Rep and Student Ambassador. Student representing is great as we get to gather student feedback, from the students, for the students. BNU is very much Student orientated. Being a Student Ambassador was a great big step, being able to talk to prospective students is great fun, and sharing opportunities and stories is great.