Graduating with an Applied Sports Performance degree was the icing on the cake for Tyler Dupree, after achieving a number of significant career and personal milestones alongside his course.
Tyler has carried out his degree-level studies alongside his professional rugby career as a Prop Forward for Wigan Warriors. Tyler has been a part of a historic moment for the club, as they celebrated back-to-back Betfred Super League Grand Final victories and winning every trophy on offer within the rugby season 2023-2024.
Acknowledging his remarkable achievements both on and off the field, Tyler was shortlisted for the Association of College’s Higher Education Student of the Year Award 2024.
Tyler also made his debut for England in the International Rugby League 2023, when he appeared in the squad for the end-of-season series against France, featuring in the third and final test match at Headingley Stadium. He has also played for the likes of Leeds Rhinos, York City Knights, Featherstone Rovers, Batley Bulldogs, Oldham and Widnes Vikings, after starting his professional rugby career on a two-year scholarship with Salford Red Devils in 2016.
We spoke to Tyler at Graduation 2024 to find out more about his journey…
How do you feel about graduating?
“It’s such a proud feeling. Graduating with a degree is something I never thought would happen as a child, so to be able to share this moment with the whole family is just surreal.
Why did you choose to do study at the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group?
I chose to study the Applied Sports Performance programme because it fit well around my rugby schedule and allowed me to work alongside my studies. It felt like the right option for me and my development, so it was a no brainer for me.
How did you juggle your studies alongside your professional rugby career?
It was tough, especially through pre-season. There were times I wanted to pack things in and just focus on playing but my post-rugby career is important to me, so I knew I had to stick with it. To achieve this accomplishment at the end has made all the tough times worth it.
What did you enjoy about the course?
The thing I liked the most about the course was having like a small close-knit group, as we all stuck in and helped each other with classwork and assignments. I enjoyed the coaching side of things as it’s relevant to my professional rugby career. It was good to be able to apply what I learned in my training and be able to coach other people.
Are there any particular tutors who kind supported you or inspired you throughout your course?
My tutors Jamie and Matt were really supportive and understanding of my commitments. They were on hand 24/7, whether it was in in the building or not, they were always available to help.
So what's like the plan?
I’m currently preparing for pre-season at Wigan Warriors but the next stage of my educational journey is to do a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE). My post-rugby retirement plan is to go into teaching, so I feel like I've set myself up for that now by coming to this this course and getting it done.
Anyone any last words of advice?
If I was to give anyone any advice, it would be to choose somewhere to study where you know you will get the support you need. I need a little bit more help than I would get in a general university where there's hundreds of other people. So, if you are worried and you do need that extra help, then this is the route to go down.”
Course:
Applied Sports Performance (Top-Up)