How a qualified GP is using her experience to inspire others

How a qualified GP is using her experience to inspire others

Apr, 6 2021


You should never assume University life is solely for the 20 something, party loving, adrenalin  seeking generation. More and more people are discovering University later in life as a mature student and seeing the perspective of the environment enhanced compared to their younger self. 
 
Almost twenty years ago,  56 year old April Melia embarked on a University course and has recently studied on a degree in exercise, health and nutrition and  now in 2021 she will soon have Dr. in front of her name having almost completed  her PhD in nutrition education for cardiac rehabilitation at UCLAN.
 
April could quite easily spend her next working career just as a GP but instead she is using her personal experience to inspire others to follow in her footsteps. 
 
She will teach on UCLAN’S new Return to Study Entry Programme. This will be a free, six week, part time taster course designed for students over the age of 21. They will need to demonstrate the qualities and skills required to work in a sports-related career but may not have existing formal level 3 qualifications. 
 
April, from Lostock Hall commented on huge step she took and what it means for students like her, 
 
“This one big decision led me to a new career helping people with pre-existing health conditions back into exercise, as well as into lecturing and research. I’m really excited about helping others who may be in the same position I was. Not only will participants get a taste of the broad range of sports degrees they could do, they also learn about what it’s like to actually be a student and how to think academically”. 
 
The sports taster is one of several free Return to Study Entry programmes UCLAN is running. Subjects cover the following:-
  • Business and management
  • Justice
  • Medical Sciences
  • Arts and Media
The classes will take place on evenings and Saturday mornings combining online and face to face discussions. 
 
The sports Return to Study Programme will begin on Wednesday 7th July and will run for a duration of six weeks. It can provide entry onto a range of UCLAN’S Foundation Entry (Year O) or Year One courses which will  delivered at both the Preston and Burnley campuses. 
 
Subjects on that courses include the following:-
  • Nutrition and exercise science
  • Strength and conditioning
  • Sports business management 
  • Outdoor adventure leadership
  • Sport and physical education physical activity
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Sports coaching and development
  • Sports coaching and performance
If you would like to find out more information please visit
the UCLAN website:-https://www.uclan.ac.uk/study/return-to-study
 
April concludes with these positive words of encouragement:-
 
“I hope this course shows people that university is far more accessible than they might think and can open doors to careers they never knew existed. If I can do it, anyone can”. 
 
^Alex Ashworth CCG UK Blogger