Student Stories

I am a fitness enthusiast and an avid gym-goer. Being the inquisitive and pragmatic self, it only comes naturally that I want to dive deeper into the science behind sports and exercise to become a better-informed practitioner.

10 years ago, while researching for institutions that offer part-time sports science diploma programmes, I found out about PSB Academy. After attaining my Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science, I went on to take up several professional fitness certifications over the years to hone the skillsets in applying the theories. However, I felt the need to deepen and widen my academic knowledge through further education, which could aid me in becoming a more holistic practitioner. The hunger for more knowledge in this domain, coupled with my strong beliefs in lifelong learning, motivated me to pursue a degree.

Through one of the school’s EDMs, I learned about the sports science degree offered by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU). The fact that PSB Academy continued to touch base with alumni years after graduation shed light on how the academy is intentional in building a community where its people support each other. The decision to continue with PSB Academy was driven by a subscription to a similar people-centric mantra.

The curriculum is well-developed, aligned to the needs of the industry and delivered by practising professionals who know the ins and outs in the budding local industry. As such, you can be expecting not only acquiring domain knowledge but also dispositional knowledge in the learning process. So far, I have obtained advanced knowledge on sports psychology, nutrition, anatomy and systems in the human body, and coaching principles that would be beneficial to me as a practitioner if I do not venture into the industry in the future.

On top of that, I like that the lecturer-to-student ratio is just right to ensure sufficient attention is given to each student. Moreover, the class size and format encourage more interaction between students. This collective learning approach could be transferred to learning platforms in any profession and is something that I would consider adopting at my workplace whenever possible. The lecturers encourage both individual class participation and group activities to facilitate personal and peer learning. Amongst the outstanding lecturers of the academy, Dr Edgar Tham is one of the more prominent lecturers that I had crossed paths with in both my Diploma and current Undergraduate studies. What I admire about him is the effort he puts into tailoring lesson plans to meet the learning needs of students and the agility to do it impromptu at times. In addition, he would also come up with approaches to help students achieve the learning outcomes efficiently and effectively.

To those looking to pursue their higher education, I would definitely recommend PSB Academy. Besides the desire to see the community grow, I thought it would be a perfect institution to pursue tertiary education. The administrators and educators I have encountered truly demonstrated themselves as facilitators of learning, rather than just another salaried worker in the education business. They have adopted a learner-centric stance and exemplified passion in their daily work whilst carrying out their work.

Besides gaining knowledge and sharpening of skills, interpersonal skills and networking with current and future professionals in the industry are key levers in the Sport and Exercise industry. The sector is essentially a “People Business” built by the People (fitness professionals), for the People (practitioners, be it elite or non-elite, and observers). I am hopeful that what I have acquired through PSB Academy and ENU would pave the way to my 2nd career in the fitness industry when I reach the concluding point of my current job.