Emma Brennan
Emma Brennan
Graduate of the MSc in Applied Sports & Exercise Nutrition
Name, title & course
Emma Brennan
Performance Nutritionist (SENr, MSc)
MSc Applied Sports & Exercise Nutrition
Career path:
- BSc in Human Nutrition (University of Ulster Coleraine)
- Worked as nutritionist with healthy snack company & began volunteering as sports nutritionist with local sports teams including underage Intercounty GAA
- Started part-time work with daveynutrition & set up own nutrition business working with individuals & corporate businesses
- Developed sports nutrition knowledge & began MSc in ATU whilst working as sports nutritionist with Connacht Rugby Academy, Intercounty GAA teams & daveynutrition.
- Present: Performance Nutritionist with Ireland Women's XVs and female pathways
Current role:
Performance nutrition support to Irish Women's XVs rugby team + development of sports nutrition support services to underage female rugby players in pathway.
Why ATU?
I had heard positive feedback from others who had completed the MSc and was particularly drawn to the applied aspects of the course.
Studying online:
Studying online was brilliant for me as it enabled me to better manage my own work & studying simultaneously. The lecturers also made the lecturers interactive & engaging. One challenging element of studying online was not meeting peers as frequently, although we developed relationships through practical lab sessions.
Balancing work and study:
I balanced work & study by being efficient at planning my week & daily tasks. Knowing my deadlines in advance also enabled me to ensure I had enough time to complete these on time without compromising my time dedication to my work.
Advice to those considering studying:
Speak to the lecturers - they are very helpful & informative. Speak to past students who have experienced the course! Look at the course content ahead of speaking to the above people so you can ask relevant questions.
Benefits to my career:
Studying online with ATU ensured that I was suitably qualified and prepared for the positions I was applying for. The applied elements of my course in particular were extremely helpful in preparing me for my past and current roles as a practitioner. In addition, I found the staff extremely helpful in terms of advice & support when I was applying for roles.