Gentleman Jim bids to join pro ranks

Our courses provide a platform to many varied careers within sport. Jim Ratcliffe graduated this summer with a 2:1 in Sports Studies and now intends to pursue a career in professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) before progressing into coaching the sport.

Jim says the course surpassed his expectations, helping him make many positive changes to his future plans: "You're encouraged to adopt a critical yet valuable approach to the study of sport, and this positively altered my previous perceptions and knowledge of sport and sociology.

"As someone pursuing a career as an athlete I've gained a much greater understanding of my position in the world of sport, the challenges that face me and the contemporary sociological issues that occupy my chosen sport. I believe all of this will greatly aid me in my pursuit of success.

"The course staff also had a massively positive influence on my time at UCLan, with help and support always being readily available, particularly during the production of my dissertation, with all lecturers pushing students to reach their potential in an original and creative manner."

Jim spent almost two years out of the sport injured, but has bounced back in style. Having successfully completed his degree, he's hoping to turn professional within 12 months.

Course Leader Nick Passenger commented: "Jim was one of our many excellent students to graduate this year. He's a focused young man who embraced all the various elements in the course, notably the Personal Training and Physical Education strands.

"The course team have followed his progress in MMA, as have many of his peer group. Fighting out of SBG Mainline as a Middleweight, Jim's achieved some remarkable results and the future looks very bright for him.

"As his fight name states, Jim has been a gentleman throughout his time with us and has worked well with everyone on the course. He's very organised and has developed into an independent learner as well as finding a focus of where his future lies. Jim proves the course accommodates a variety of students and we're excited to follow his progress."

To see one of Jim's recent contests please click here.