Alumni Spotlight - Laura Watt
“UHI Perth has a great clinic with high-quality equipment that we could practice on, creating a simulation of what working in a sports therapist role actually looks and feels like.”
Now qualified and working in industry, Laura chatted to us about why she chose to study Sports Therapy and how she juggled this alongside competing full-time with British Curling.
Can you introduce yourself?
Laura Watt from Auchterarder.
You have just finished studying BSc Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, congratulations! Did you do any courses at UHI Perth prior to this?
I spent four years at UHI Perth - studying HNC Soft Tissue Therapy, then HND Sports Therapy which then led me on to completing my degree.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I always had my heart set on studying physiotherapy and when I was in sixth year of school, I received no offers from the universities that I had applied to. I felt like I had fallen at the first hurdle and had no idea what to do next. After speaking with a career advisor at school, we found the HNC Soft Tissue Therapy course at UHI Perth. I decided that I would do the HNC, then try to apply for physiotherapy again the following year. My physiotherapy application was then accepted but after completing my HNC, I decided that I preferred the sports therapy course and wanted to stay at UHI Perth!
What has been your favourite thing about the course?
UHI Perth has a great clinic with high-quality equipment that we could practice on, creating a simulation of what working in a sports therapist role actually looks and feels like, preparing us with the best chance of success in the industry. I loved the practical aspect of the course. After long days of lectures, it was fun to put into practice the techniques and modalities we had just been learning about.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
One of my first patients in the student sports therapy clinic came into the appointment with limited range in his shoulder mobility, then walked out with almost full range after my treatment. I will always remember that feeling of accomplishment and it was rewarding to see that I had helped the person. It was a moment of ‘I can actually do this’ and that was special.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that have helped you in your career?
Having the opportunity to work in the student sports clinic provided me with the best experience to prepare me for my current career. It exposed me to problem-solving under pressure and providing my knowledge to a paying customer. Learning and practicing treating injuries on your healthy peers don’t compare to when an injured individual needs your help and the clinic was the best way to teach us those skills.
Did you undertake a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
I was fortunate enough to complete two placements in my time at UHI Perth, including working with a rugby team and then working in SMART Stirling, a private sports massage and remedial therapy clinic. The rugby placement taught me lots about the role of a sports therapist, not only to rehabilitate athletes, but to also work within a team of coaches and staff to support the athletes on an emotional level. Injuries can be detrimental to an athlete’s career, so the psychological support of a sports therapist is equally important as the physical aspects of the job.
My time at SMART Stirling taught me the day-to-day roles of working within a busy clinic with a range of clients, from the young to elderly with a variety of different injuries. This placement led me to being offered my first job in the industry and I have been working at SMART Stirling ever since!
Alongside your studies, you trained and competed full-time for British Curling. How did you get in to curling and how much of a challenge has it been doing this alongside studying for your degree?
I have been curling since I was eight years old and have been competing for six years. During my fourth year of study at UHI Perth, I was training full time in Stirling at the National Curling Academy along with competing abroad for about ten competitions throughout the season. This brought a fair few challenges when trying to complete the final year of my degree. I felt I was juggling priorities at certain parts of the season, with many hours of completing assignments on planes or in hotel rooms. At points I felt like giving up with my studies, but with support from my lecturers and the staff at British Curling, I completed my studies and achieved a first class in my course.
Were your lecturers and classmates supportive during your studies?
It was really nice coming back from competition and being back in lectures with staff and classmates that were asking how I got on and were all invested in my sport. But the biggest support from my lecturers and peers was the willingness to answer any questions or go over content that had been delivered whilst I was away. I truly could not have completed my degree without their support.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
During my time at UHI Perth, I was awarded a Sporting Blue from the university, along with UHI Sportsperson of the Year in 2023 after winning the World Junior Championships. I represented the university and Great Britain at the World University Games in both 2023 and 2025. In 2026, I represented Scotland at my first World Women’s Curling Championship, just prior to submitting my dissertation which was a whirlwind to complete simultaneously! It took proactive planning and discipline to gain these sporting achievements with peace of mind that my studies were also under control and being completed ahead of deadlines.
Did you enjoy studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
It felt like everyone knew each other, creating a really welcoming environment to study in.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying Sports Therapy at UHI Perth?
I would definitely recommend studying Sports Therapy at UHI Perth. The smaller class sizes compared to other institutions allowed me to learn the sports therapy practical skills in depth and the content and theories behind the techniques to a high level of detail. I fell into studying at UHI Perth as a backup because my original plan went pear shaped, however the path I took ended up being the best one for me and I wouldn’t change it!
