More than 40 students from Robert Gordon University’s (RGU) school of health sciences will put their training into practice in the New Year.
Third year students working towards their degrees in Applied Sport and Exercise Science will embark on a six-week placement to further their career development.
The placements will take place across a wide range of organisations including Scottish Cycling and British Athletics and community initiatives such as Streetsport and Aberdeen Football Club (AFC) Community Trust.
Some students will also be tasked with educating school children about the health benefits of sport.
And others will be involved in research placements at the RGU School of Health Sciences or the Physical Activity and Health Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh.
Dr Bryan McCann, lecturer at the school of health sciences, said: “Over the years, hundreds of students have benefitted from our fantastic placement opportunities, which have proved pivotal in their ongoing development as sport scientists and coaches.
“Not only does it give them excellent experience applying their knowledge and skills in real work situations, but it also gives them a chance to build the industry contacts which could become invaluable as they head out into the workforce, following their graduation.”
This year will also see the first cohort of BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching students embark on their own six-week placements, working at secondary schools throughout Aberdeen.
The students will be tasked with delivering PE lessons and extracurricular sport sessions, as well as coordinating their school’s involvement with the Aberdeen Youth Games project.