We spoke with South African Hockey player, Natheerah Noor about her decision to pursue her athletic and academic goals in the UK.
The United Kingdom is renowned for its diverse academic programs, offering a wealth of opportunities for students across various career paths.
Unlike many other countries, the UK provides specialized degrees that cater to specific professional fields, including emerging disciplines such as sports psychology. This focus on specialization is particularly appealing to international students like Natheerah Noor, a dedicated hockey player from South Africa.
After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Communication Science and Psychology, Natheerah approached us with the aim of combining her love for hockey with her career ambitions in the field of sports psychology, as well as continuing her playing career.
This September, she will begin an exciting new chapter at the University of Essex, where she will pursue a master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology and maintain her commitment to hockey.
We spoke with Natheerah about her decision to study in the UK, what she’s most excited about, and her experiences working with The Student Sport Company.
Meet Natheerah
Studied at Varsity College Cape Town in South Africa.
Former First Team Captain (2020) and current Head of Hockey at Wynberg Girls’ High School.
Will be joining one of the UK’s top sporting universities and pursuing her Master’s Degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology.
Can you tell us a bit about your background in both academics and sports?
“I attended an all-girls school in Cape Town, South Africa’s southern suburbs. I was always interested in the human mind and human behaviour, so I knew I wanted to study psychology after school. At university, I chose to do a BA in Communication Science and Psychology. I took modules that included social psychology, abnormal psychology, law and media ethics, and many more. While studying, I knew I would either want to study criminal psychology or sports psychology.
During my studies, I was coaching field hockey and had played it all my life. This led me to the decision of choosing sports and exercise psychology, as I had seen firsthand how much sports and psychology interlink.”
Natheerah, born and raised in South Africa, has had a lifelong passion for hockey. During her time at Wynberg Girls’ High School, she led the hockey team as captain, and after earning her bachelor’s degree from Varsity College Cape Town, she returned to her alma mater to take on the role of coach.
What motivated you to pursue a master’s degree abroad, specifically in the UK?
“As a South African student looking to widen my views and obtain a world-class education, I have always considered studying in the United Kingdom. The absence of formal accreditation for sports psychology in South Africa’s landscape of psychological professions is a major gap in the professional domain. Unlike numerous other nations that recognize sports psychology as a distinct subject, South Africa does not currently grant it recognized professional status.
The UK sets itself apart by explicitly recognizing sports psychology as a specific field. Studying here allows me to participate in a curriculum specifically designed to address the complexities of sports psychology, granting me a recognized professional standing upon conclusion of my degree.”
Did you consider universities in other countries? If so, what made the UK stand out for you?
“I had not thought of studying abroad other than the UK because I felt that it was the best place for me to pursue my studies. The UK has a long history of being a leader in psychology research and education, and many of its universities offer internationally renowned sports psychology specialisations. The UK also expressly acknowledges sports psychology as a distinct science.
Because of this recognition, I would be able to pursue a degree in the UK and, following completion, have a recognized professional standing, something that is now not achievable in South Africa. With its excellent education, tailored curriculum, and chance for professional recognition, the UK seemed the obvious choice for my postgraduate sports psychology studies.”
In her current role, she not only coaches but also serves as the fitness and conditioning coach for the younger age groups, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing the next generation of players. Natheerah’s passion for the game is evident in her extensive experience; she has previously captained the Pinelands Hockey Club and is also a First Team player for Fish Hoek Hockey Club.
What are you most looking forward to in your upcoming year in the UK?
“Most of all, I can’t wait to travel to new places, make new friends, and experience different playing styles. It excites me much to think about immersing myself in a new academic setting and taking in the UK’s diverse cultural offerings. I’m excited to interact with students and instructors that have different viewpoints, since this will surely deepen my grasp of sports psychology.
I’m excited to explore the historic sites, energetic cities, and stunning countryside of the UK, while also looking forward to networking with experts and institutions at the forefront of sports psychology.
All things considered, I am really looking forward to my next year in the UK because of the abundance of academic, cultural, and personal development options.”
Natheerah will be pursuing her master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Essex, located in the South East of England. The university, known for its international reputation in teaching and research, offers a dynamic academic environment across its three faculties, which include 21 schools and departments. In addition to its academic excellence, sport is an integral part of the student experience at Essex who offer over 40 clubs in both traditional and non-traditional sports.
What are your future goals, both academically and athletically, after completing your master’s degree?
“Academically, I wish to graduate with honours and begin working on my degree. My goal is to establish an environment in South Africa where a greater number of individuals understand the value of sports psychology. My objective is to push for the official acknowledgement of sports psychology in South Africa as a separate and relevant profession within the psychological community. In addition, I’d like to work with impoverished areas where sports may help create a safe space for people to express themselves and a sense of community.
In terms of athletics, I want to play hockey for a lifetime, coach, and share my passion for the game with others. Sports have the ability to change people’s lives, and by sharing my belief in this, I wish to encourage others to follow their passions and reach their full potential on and off the field. My goal is to have a significant influence on sports psychology and help players of all levels grow and thrive by fusing my academic background with my athletic background.”
Whilst pursuing her master’s degree, Natheerah will be part of the University of Essex Hockey Club, participating in leagues and trophy competitions throughout the year. With ambitions to stay involved in the game in the future, the talented defender will experience high-level competition in the UK as an international student-athlete and become part of a vibrant and supportive sports community at Essex.
What support did you get from The Student Sport Company on your journey of researching UK opportunities and working through your applications?
“I am at a loss for words about how much The Student Sport Company has supported me along the way. My website inquiry resulted in a prompt response from them. There has never been any change in the communication. Emails were always returned within an hour of being sent. They guided me through every stage of the procedure, making sure I never felt overwhelmed and made it simple to understand.
They even went so far as to help me choose universities to think about and finish my applications for any university of my choosing. It looked too good to be true at first, but they are the real deal, and they really helped me to appreciate the blessing of having the chance to travel. Even when everything was up to date they would still check in with emails or video calls. They also helped me reach out to other important people such as hockey coaches.
I will always be grateful to The Student Sport Company! Truly the best, would highly recommend their service.”
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