Talented Athlete Programme

Lead & Develop

The Talented Athlete Programme supports student-athletes competing at the highest levels to balance elite sport with studying at Queen Mary University of London.

The TAP is built around each athlete individually. Every registered athlete receives a personalised package of support - covering everything from 1:1 dual career coordination and academic flexibility to S&C coaching, sports therapy, and career development. The programme is designed so that choosing QMUL never means choosing between your sport and your degree.


Eligibility:
  • Be studying full-time or part-time at QMUL in the 2026/27 academic year
  • Be competing in an Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth sport at national or international level - OR competing consistently at an exceptional level in a BUCS-recognised sport
  • Be able to provide clear evidence of your representational pathway - for example an NGB selection letter, squad membership confirmation, or equivalent documentation
Current Offer

Athletes who are accepted on to the programme will have access to the below:

  • Strength and Conditioning - access to S&C support from qualified coaches, built around your training schedule and sport-specific demands
  • Nutrition - access to nutritional guidance and support from qualified practitioners
  • Free Qmotion membership - full peak access to Qmotion Health and Fitness Centre at no cost for the academic year
  • 1:1 Dual Career Coordination - regular check-ins with your designated performance sport staff member covering athletic performance, academic progress, and wellbeing
  • Academic flexibility - the department advocates for reasonable adjustments around training and competition commitments, underpinned by a formal agreement at Vice Principal level
  • QMUL Sports Medicine Clinic - free, fast-tracked specialist injury management through the NHS via the School of Sports Medicine at Mile End Hospital
  • Study abroad support - for athletes on exchange or placement programmes, we work with counterpart institutions to maintain your support while you are away
  • Career development workshops - covering employability, athlete identity, and life beyond sport
  • Performance workshops - covering physical preparation, tactical development, and mental performance throughout the year
  • Publicity and recognition - athlete profile on the QMSU Sport website and active promotion of your achievements throughout the year
QMSU Sport X UEL Sports Therapy partnership

QMSU Sport & University of East London (UEL) have launched an official partnership which will see athletes on the Performance Sport Programme receive exclusive access to heavily discounted treatment from UEL's Sports Therapy Clinic in Docklands (UEL Sportsdock, University Way, E16 2RD). This includes access to soft tissue treatments as well as injury consultations, and more.

QMSU Sport has an official partnership with the University of East London (UEL) Sports Therapy Clinic at UEL Sportsdock, University Way, E16 2RD. Registered TAP athletes have access to discounted soft tissue treatment, injury consultations, and more. To arrange a referral, email su-performance.sport@qmul.ac.uk.

Athlete Spotlight

These athletes are QM alumni that have competed at some of the highest levels within their chosen sport.

Alexandra Oprisan

Sport: Badminton

Alexandra has been ranked 6th in England for Women’s Singles Badminton. As well as having experience competing both internationally and nationally, she has also competed regularly at a professional level.

Georgia Silk

Sport: Fencing

Georgia has been a member of various England and Great Britain squads since 2015, competing internationally as well as holding a place on the Senior British Team since 2021. Georgia competes at Senior World Cups and Grand Prix events as well as on the European U23 circuit.

Lina Nielsen on the track wearing a lilac Great Britain vest
Lina Nielsen

Sport: Athletics

Lina Nielsen has represented TeamGB at the Paris 2024 Olympics in the 400m Hurdles, as well as winning a Gold medal at the 2024 British Athletics Championships, and a Bronze medal at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships.

Kaya Burrows

Sport: Fencing

Kaya Burrows has been ranked 2nd in the Senior National Women’s Epee Fencing Championships and ranked overall 5th in the country. She also competed at the 2024 Doha Fencing Grand Prix as well as the international Barcelona circuit on behalf of Great Britain.

Connie Hayes

Sport: Cycling

Connie Hayes finished 16th at the elite national road circuit championships, 11th at national TT championships, 78th at the GP Iseburge international, 48th at the stage 1 tour de belle isle, and 18th in the Bristol GP elite national series.

How to apply

Applications for the 2026/27 academic year are now open. Please apply by clicking the button below:

Apply here

If you have any questions before applying, email su-performance.sport@qmul.ac.uk.

Talented Athlete Programme

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