How I Fit My Degree Around My Para-Skiiing Career

Amy, a second year Accounting and Business Management student and para-skier, needed a degree course that would fit around her busy schedule and allow her to keep doing what she loves. UA92’s multiple entry points and fixed timetable meant that she could balance everything important to her, with time left to spare!

UA92’s flexible timetable allows me to balance my education with my Para-skiing career, meaning I can work towards my dream job without sacrificing time for my sport.

As a second year Accounting and Business Management student, I am working towards a career as a forensic accountant. However, my time is made up a little differently than other students, as I’m also a TASS student (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme). This means that alongside my studies, I’m a Para-skier and part of the Paralympic GB Development Squad. As skiing is a winter sport, I need the winter off to travel around Europe, training and competing to prepare for the Winter Paralympics in 2026. At UA92, my timetable has made this really easy to do. There are multiple start dates throughout the year. I started my studies in April, so my first year finished in December. This allows me to have the winter off to train.

I’m also a PM student, which is perfect for me. I tend to wake up at about 7am and start training at 9.30am, after this I go to the physio. I have Cerebral palsy so it’s important to properly stretch my muscles after a training session. I’ll then rush home, get something quick to eat and set off for university. I study at the Business school, which is a really easy commute from where I live (near the Trafford Centre). Some days I’ll head to the Old Trafford Campus to do a session with the Gym and Physical Activity Officer. Having a gym on campus is so convenient, and it really helps getting one on one support, especially alongside my training.

UA92’s small class sizes are the best learning environment for me, and having Wednesdays out of the classroom means I get time to study at home. It also allows me to take time for my hobbies. I often go to the Climbing Depot next to the Trafford Centre (Top Tip: they do student discount on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday!)

On the weekend, I like to go into Manchester city centre (mainly for the food!) Great restaurants include Moose Coffee, Federal Café and Salvi’s. I also love going to the theatre – there’s quite a few in Manchester, and discounted student tickets make it much cheaper!

I’ve absolutely loved my time at UA92 so far, as the flexible timetable and multiple start dates are perfect for what I need. I’ve not had to choose between my education or my sport, which is so important to me. Instead, I can have it all.