Kingston University helps sporty student get back on track with his studies through Clearing

Posted Thursday 3 August 2017

An athletic student with an appetite for learning about healthy eating and exercise has successfully returned to higher education after securing a place at Kingston University through Clearing. Yusuf Miller had been studying for a degree in a different subject but felt de-motivated and was not excelling. He left and worked for a year, giving him the opportunity to reconsider his career direction.

The 21 year old realised that he would love to turn his interest in exercise and nutrition in to a career, so he called the Clearing hotline at Kingston University to find out if there were any places available on the BSc(Hons) Nutrition (Exercise and Health) programme. "I had been interested in exercise and nutrition for a long time but it wasn't something I had thought about pursuing as a career," he explained. "I phoned the Kingston University Clearing hotline and spoke to a tutor about my previous experience and my objectives. I was also able to find out about how the modules on the course would be set out. She was very friendly and made it very easy."

Yusuf, from South London, had a telephone interview during which he was able to outline his sporting activities including basketball and table tennis – which he used to play at national level – badminton, cycling, running and going to the gym several times a week. He was subsequently offered a place on the BSc(Hons) Nutrition (Exercise and Health) programme in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing.

A photo of Clearing student Yusuf Miller. Former national table tennis and basketball star Yusuf Miller was keen to study sport science at Kingston University.Yusuf said he had been really pleased to have been given the opportunity to talk about his overall experience when he contacted the helpline. "When you're interviewed, it's your time to shine," he said. "It's not just about your qualifications it's about showing the University your experience and interests as a whole."

The course has been going very well for Yusuf, who has just finished his first year and said he has formed better working habits than when he was on his previous course. "I wanted to have a clean slate and give it my all," he said. "I've made some good friends and I'm really motivated to do the best that I can."

Yusuf said he would recommend students in a similar position considered Clearing. "Try and be positive and keep your head up," he advised. "Your A-level grades don't define who you are or how motivated you are, so make sure you sell yourself and show them where your passions lie."

Senior lecturer on the sport science course at Kingston University, Dr Hannah Moir, said Yusuf's story demonstrated that was never too late to change direction and it was important to choose a subject area that you felt strongly about. "Making choices about which programme to apply for at university can be difficult, so we strongly advise students to check the Clearing pages on our website and phone our Clearing hotline," she added.

Kingston University was ranked 10th out of 69 institutions – and first in London – in the Guardian University Guide 2018: league table for sport science.

Find out about studying sport science or nutrition at Kingston University via Clearing.
Kingston University's hotline number for Clearing, confirmation and adjustment is 0800 0483 334 for callers in the UK. Calls are free from a landline. Mobile charges may apply - please check with your provider. Students calling from overseas should dial +44 (0)20 8328 1149.
The lines will be open weekdays between 9am and 5pm (Fridays 9am and 4.30pm) from now until 29 September. The hotline will be closed on Bank Holiday 28 August.

Categories: On campus, Staff, Students