Emily Hope

After completing a Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport (Rugby) at Hartpury College, Emily progressed to study BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching at Hartpury University, alongside pursuing her ambition to become a professional referee. She gained official status with the Rugby Football Union (RFU), and refereed at the U18s Six Nations.

“Hartpury’s reputation in elite sport may feel intimidating to prospective students, but if you’ve got a dream and know what you want, Hartpury will give you all the support you need. Staff don’t just understand that all students learn differently, but also continually support every student’s academic development, and encourage personal and professional growth too.

I really get the best of both worlds here; practically through refereeing, and academically through learning theory. I’m able to apply both elements thanks to the incredible opportunities available to Hartpury students. Being selected to represent the nation as the English referee in Wales was a spectacular feeling and accomplishment. The three weeks full of training, game days, analysis, and reviews taught me essential skills and brought me closer to reaching my goal of becoming a professional referee.”

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