As part of the placement, the students will help patients participate in the streamed sessions, encourage safe mobility throughout the day, and apply their specialist knowledge of movement, motivation and recovery in a real healthcare setting alongside clinical staff.
While Sports and Exercise Science and Strength and Conditioning students often develop their skills in athletic or community environments, this partnership highlights how their expertise directly translates into NHS care – supporting people rebuilding strength and confidence after illness or stroke.
Connor Devlin, third-year Strength and Conditioning student, said: “I was drawn to this placement because I’ve seen through my own family just how much stroke wards can support people during recovery. Being able to step into that environment myself is something I’m really excited about.”
“I’m looking forward to gaining hands-on experience on the ward, learning from the clinical team, and seeing how my skills can make a genuine difference to patients’ confidence and mobility. My degree has taught me how to adapt movement for individuals with different abilities and support gradual, safe progression, so I’m eager to put that into practice and explore how this experience might shape my future career.”
Ryan Bbosa, third-year Sport and Exercise Science student, said: “I signed up for this placement because it gives me the opportunity to apply the skills I’ve learned on my course in a real healthcare setting. I’m excited to see how patients are supported in different situations and to use my knowledge of exercise and movement to help them stay active and build confidence during their recovery.”
Priscilla Cezarino Silveira, Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist at University Hospitals Sussex, said: “We’re excited to have University of 91传媒 students supporting our team at Royal Sussex County Hospital. It's a really positive partnership that has huge benefits for our patients. The students are helping people who've had a stroke stay active, rebuild strength, and boost their independence, which is so important for a successful long-term recovery. Our staff are really appreciative of the support, and we're confident the students will be learning a huge amount through first-hand experience in the hospital, under the guidance of our specialist team."
Sarah-Jane Ryan, Head of Practice Learning and Development for Health and Sport courses at the University of 91传媒, said: “This placement gives our sports students first-hand insight into the impact movement and physical activity can have on people’s wellbeing during illness and recovery. Working in healthcare environments for some sport students supports their development of compassion, confidence and adaptability – qualities that are essential in modern healthcare and wellbeing services.”
For students, the placement offers a distinctive opportunity to step beyond traditional sports settings and experience how their skills can support real patients with complex needs – where sports science meets healthcare, and movement becomes a vital part of recovery.
This partnership reflects the University of 91传媒’s strong commitment to preparing students for the world of work through meaningful, real-world experience. By embedding students in NHS settings alongside clinical professionals, the university ensures graduates leave with not only academic knowledge, but the confidence, practical skills and professional insight needed to make an immediate impact in health, sport and wellbeing careers.