Nick Knowles
Postgraduate Researcher
Sport and Health Sciences
Haighton Library
St Luke's Campus
Exeter EX1 2LU
Nick completed his BSc Exercise and Sports Sciences at the University of Exeter in June 2021, achieving several first-class classifications, a first-class dissertation and a Dean's commendation for outstanding academic achievement. This inspired him to pursue academia, continuing with postgraduate study; MSc in Sport and Health Science. During this MSc, he applied for a studentship provided by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) South-West Doctoral Training Program (SWDTP).
After a competitive application process, he was awarded a 1+3 (MRes + PhD) fully-funded studentship by the SWDTP, to investigate the impact of surf therapy on mental health and wellbeing. The project is in collaboration with Surfwell CIC. He is part of the Physical Activity and Health Across Lifespan (PAHAL) research team. The project is supervised by Dr Lisa Price (Exeter), Professor Kim Wright (Exeter), Professor Rob Anderson (Exeter) & Professor Fiona Gillison (Bath).
Alongside post-graduate study, he has taken on the role of post-graduate representative for his department (Public Health and Sports Science). This role affords opportunities to organise extra-curricular activities and conferences for post-graduate students. He is also an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA).
Outside of academia, he is the founder and head coach of 'healthy heads coaching' a health and fitness coaching service which aims to improve client's physical and mental health, using the knowledge he acquired throughout his studies, regarding the relationship between physical activity and mental and physical health.
Qualifications:
University of Exeter PhD Health and Wellbeing, Ongoing
- Investigating the impact of surf therapy on mental health and well-being in emergency services workers
University of Exeter MRes Health and Wellbeing, Distinction
University of Exeter MSc Sport and Health Science, Distinction
University of Exeter BSc (Hons), Exercise and Sports Science, Class 1:
- Dean's commendation for outstanding academic achievement