We asked alumni in the School of Sport and Health Sciences how their degrees helped prepare them for the workplace.
We catch up with graduates from the Faculty of Science and Health who have progressed onto rewarding careers and futures in research.
Kyle Matthews graduated from MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Performance in 2025. He currently works as a Health and Wellbeing Physiologist for Nuffield Health. We spoke with Kyle to find out how the MSc supported his development and gave him the skills and knowledge to start his career.
What does a Health and Wellbeing Physiologist do?
My role largely consists of conducting health assessments that require taking anthropometric measurements, venepuncture, performing ECG's and providing lifestyle advice to clients regarding their exercise, sleep, diet and other health related conversations they're willing to have. We work alongside doctors and lab technicians, which provides the opportunity to learn far beyond our scope of practice. Namely, I'm recently training in the laboratory where I'm conducting biochemical and haematological analysis of client blood samples.
Through its combination of theoretical and practical assessments, the MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Performance is uniquely positioned to provide you with a range of transferable skills towards hands-on working environments.
How did your time at Portsmouth shape your career path?
Through its combination of theoretical and practical assessments, the MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Performance is uniquely positioned to provide you with a range of transferable skills towards hands-on working environments. I felt my studies were useful to refine my interest and made good use of the world-leading extreme environment facilities it has available.
Practical examples include exercise testing and collection of anthropometric data, however I also improved my confidence and communication discussing physiological topics and conducting research analysis.
What parts of your course did you enjoy the most?
I particularly benefited from my research project investigating the correlates of durability in cycling. The responsibilities I inherited through this project were initially a step outside my comfort zone, however the investigation developed my organisation skills and ability to collect research data independently.
More like this...
How to better understand female occupational needs through research
We asked alumni in the School of Sport and Health Sciences how their degrees helped prepare them for the workplace.
Beating the opposition by analysing performance in U17 football
We asked alumni in the School of Sport and Health Sciences how their degrees helped prepare them for the workplace.
Supporting patients with pain management and injury rehabilitation
We asked alumni in the School of Sport and Health Sciences how their degrees helped prepare them for the workplace.
