Mark is a student on the BSc Sport and Physical Activity course.

What attracted you to the BSc Sport and Physical Activity at Strathclyde, and why did you feel it was the right course for you alongside your cycling career?

I feel its the perfect course to pair with my cycling career, the course gives a great general look at all aspects of sport and physical activity and doesn’t zone in on elite athletes or sports science. Being exposed to many aspects of sport and physical activity allows me to start to think about life post cycling career, I see this degree as key into helping me transition into a second career...one day.

What is it like balancing university studies with the training, travel and commitments that come with being a Sports Scholar?

At times it can be a tough balance, as an athlete I have a lot of free time, so that’s not the issue. What I've found to be the hardest part of being a student and an athlete, is not having a lot of mental capacity or energy left to focus on my studies. Every year its becoming harder and harder to compete at a world class level in sport, every meal, sleep, training session and even rest days are being optimised. This doesn’t come for free and requires a lot of buy in (a privilege to be able to curate my life around my passion of course). The university has been fantastic in allowing me to travel the world preparing for and competing in, Olympic and Commonwealth games, and World Championships. Strathclyde has made me feel nothing but supported in my studies and also understands when at times I feel conflicted and need to ask for some allowances.

You won silver representing Scotland at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, what was it like competing on that stage and representing Scotland?

Representing Scotland is always something that feel super special and putting on that Jersey is never something I take lightly. Being able to do that in Scotland in front of my family and friends and share the success with them meant the world.

What are your ambitions for the next few years, both in cycling and academically?

In the next few years I would like to represent GB at the 2028 LA Olympics and chase Gold in the Madison on the track. I would also like to win a world championship (I’ve come 2nd twice but never won). Finishing my degree and being able to attend graduation would feel really special, there are a lot of people that have helped or are currently helping me on this journey and It would be nice to share that with them.

What advice would you give to someone considering joining the BSc Sport and Physical Activity at Strathclyde?

I would say if you love sport and see a future where you want be involved in sport then this is the degree for you. It covers a myriad of modules within sport and gives the student a well rounded view into all aspects of sport and physical activity. This would open up many opportunities and challenges which would help propel you into the fantastic life changing world of sport and exercise.