Sinead Chambers
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
"Studying Physiotherapy at Ulster University was instrumental in shaping my career in elite sport. The programme provided me with a strong foundation in clinical practice, while developing the communication and problem-solving skills required to work in pressurised high-performance environments.
The knowledge and practical experience gained during my degree prepared me for many roles within elite sport, including GB Para Badminton physiotherapist at the English Institute of Sport and supporting Paralympics GB athletes at both the Tokyo and Paris Paralympic Games. These experiences allowed me to apply the principles learned at Ulster University in some of the most demanding sporting environments, working as part of multidisciplinary teams to optimise athlete health, performance, and recovery.
In my current role as a physiotherapist at Sport NI Sports Institute, I have the privilege of supporting Olympic and Paralympic athletes in sports such as Swimming, Gymnastics and Wheelchair Basketball. The skills required to assess, manage, and rehabilitate complex injuries, while contributing to long-term performance goals, stems from the experiences gained during my time at Ulster University.
Ulster University provided the foundation for a career that has enabled me to support world-class athletes and contribute to success on the international sporting stage."
Katy Pedlow
PhD Life & Health Sciences
PG Cert Higher Education Practice
MeD Higher Edication Practice
"Graduating from Ulster University with a degree in Physiotherapy provided the foundation for a career that has spanned clinical practice, research, education and leadership. The programme equipped me with the clinical expertise, critical thinking skills, and commitment to evidence-based practice that continues to underpin my work today.
Following graduation I completed a PhD at Ulster University focused on rehabilitation for people living with acquired brain injury which ignited my passion for research and innovation.
I am now a Senior Lecturer within the School of Health Sciences, where I teach future healthcare professionals, supervise postgraduate researchers and contribute to the development of the next generation of physiotherapists and health researchers.
My degree from Ulster University enabled me to work with international football teams, contribute to national and international committees influencing physiotherapy education and practice and has led to international research projects aimed at improving health outcomes for people living with long-term conditions. Without my degree from Ulster University, none of this would have been possible."
Leslie George
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
PG Cert Respiratory Health for the Allied Health Professions
PG Cert in Medicines Management
MSc Advancing Practice
PG Cert Higher Education Practice
"I qualified from Ulster University in 2007 and went on to complete a Post Graduate Diploma in Sports & Exercise Medicine in 2010 with the aim of working in elite sport. I did work in sport supporting a variety of amateur sports clubs and continue to work in private practice.
However, my physiotherapy journey went in a different direction through my work in the Northern Health & Social Care Trust culminating in a role as a respiratory specialist physiotherapist supporting service users with long term respiratory conditions. This allowed me to return to Ulster University to obtain a Masters in Advancing Physiotherapy Practice and completed my PG Cert in Medicines Management.
Having the ability to extend my scope of practice and be an independent prescriber was a valuable tool in supporting patient care. After 13 years in the NHS, I was fortunate enough to return to Ulster University as a physiotherapy lecturer in 2019 and now enjoy being involved in the education of the physiotherapists of the future. This is particularly pertinent as we celebrate 50 years of the undergraduate degree program at Ulster University this year."
