What Our Students Say

Sara Harrison – Sports Massage Level 4

"Whilst on my course, I met a really good group of therapists from many different career backgrounds. We really gelled as a group and shared information which helped us all get through the course and to become better therapists.

Our tutor was supportive in the classroom, very experienced and knowledgeable and was always able to answer questions on the spot. He was able to support us in the best way to get through the exam and coursework brilliantly. He met with us outside teaching hours in preparation of the exam and to answer questions.

As a result of the course I am much more confident as a therapist, and this has affected my working practice. My client rebook rate has dramatically increased as I am able to give clients more in-depth information about what is going on with them and to advise them better about how they can help themselves outside of treatment. It has enabled my practice to be much more holistic."

JP – Body Massage, Anatomy and Physiology and Sports Massage, 2011

"As I am in my 50s I found going to college exciting and fun. Not having studied anything out of my comfort zone for some years, I found the Anatomy and Physiology challenging but interesting.

As a sports coach I had basic knowledge of how the body works, but these courses really assisted me in increasing my understanding and now I use a lot of what I have learned in class not only for massage treatments but also to assist my players in a more authoritative way.

The courses were well constructed and had a lot of information. The lecturers were great and I still keep in touch with them. I felt I had constant support, not only in lecture time but also whenever needed. I had full access to my Tutors at all times who gave me positive and constructive feedback on an ongoing basis. Students receive a great deal of support in all areas in particular to assist in getting practical experience at events such as the London Marathon, Triathlon, Bikathon and various regattas.

The courses were great and I enjoy coming back to be a ‘guinea pig’ for current students. Anybody starting out on the courses need to be aware from day one that there is a huge amount to do outside the lectures.

I now can use my skills in not only my tennis coaching, but I now assist sports people from a lot of different sporting backgrounds and I have learned to develop a better understanding of different sports and how people are affected by their sport, physically and emotionally. I practice as a sports massage therapist for around 10 hours per week and get great satisfaction from making people feel better."

Bernard Tissier – ITEC Diploma in Professional Sports Massage

"I have really found my tutor to be supportive during the course with a good sense of humour, honest no-nonsense approach, and firm but fair.

He has covered the topics in a greater depth than the syllabus requires with plenty of hands-on work and an open clinic which allows us to work on unknown people and put our skills to the test. Additionally we have had opportunities to attend outside sporting events to gain some work experience in the real world.

I chose to study at St Mary’s because as a university college, St Mary's sets high academic standards and offers a range of courses allowing progression to higher levels of qualification.

This course has reminded me how much I enjoy the academic side of learning, as well as the practical side of helping people to identify muscular problems that are preventing them from getting the most of whatever sporting activity they enjoy.
My career change from IT to massage has now reached a point where I can see how to set myself up in business in something that I enjoy doing."

Jemma Willmore – ITEC Diploma in Holistic Massage and Anatomy, and Physiology

"I chose to study at St Mary’s because it was recommended to me by at least three different people, at various times in the last couple of years and I believe you can tell a lot about the quality of a course by word of mouth. I travelled for two hours to and from home, one day a week, to study at St Mary’s as testimony to this.

The course is run by very organised, friendly and knowledgeable staff who truly believe in, and have a passion for what they do. The administration side of the course has been exceptional and it has not been stressful with regards to course payment or paperwork.

I have met and made friends with some interesting people who all have different reasons for studying and not once have I not wanted to attend. It has been a lot of fun and I have learnt a lot from the lecturers and people I have studied with. The support and feedback I have received from the lecturers has been outstanding and all of my questions and concerns have been answered when I’ve had them.

The facilities and campus are outstanding and I have studied and felt a sense of inclusion. I am also very at ease with using the library, café and other facilities at St Mary’s.

I feel that St Mary’s has brought me a sense of direction and has given me something to focus on and has reignited my confidence and enthusiasm for the health and fitness industry."