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Sinead Edwards’ path to higher education has been anything but conventional and it’s precisely that sense of adventure and drive that has shaped her success at the ���Ҵ�ý (UWTSD).

After completing a BTEC in Travel and Tourism and an Access to Health Science course in college, Sinead spent several years working overseas in dynamic roles, including as a holiday representative for TUI and a group leader in Thailand. Her deep passion for travel and tourism was evident, but it wasn’t until a friend introduced her to UWTSD that she began to see the academic possibilities within the field. 

“After multiple conversations and reaching out to the course leader, I decided this would be the university for me,” she recalls.

Sinead was drawn to UWTSD’s International Travel and Tourism Management programme for its real-world relevance. “The placement opportunities and course modules like crisis management really stood out to me,” she says. The course’s variety and practical focus offered her a chance to gain both academic insight and hands-on experience, an ideal combination for someone eager to build a strong foundation in the industry.

Her ambitions were clear from the start: to gain as much industry experience as possible while excelling academically. And UWTSD delivered. From working at the IronMan event in Tenby as a VIP host to organising her own conference at Swansea Arena and taking part in festival and conference placements, Sinead’s portfolio quickly became packed with impressive achievements. One highlight was participating in simulated crisis scenarios, which gave her a deeper understanding of industry challenges in a practical setting.

Of course, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. Balancing academic demands with part-time work required careful time management and prioritisation. But with focus and determination, Sinead overcame those hurdles, building not only her resume but her confidence.

“The course is suited to all learners,” she says. “The mix of assignment types, incredible experiences, placement options, and field trips, like those through the All Aboard GWR partnership, make it truly unique.” The result? A growing network of industry contacts, a strong professional portfolio, and multiple paid placements and volunteer roles. Most notably, Sinead was recently selected to represent the university at the Institute of Travel & Tourism Global Conference in Italy, an opportunity she describes with pride.

With graduation in sight, Sinead’s next move is clear: to take everything she’s learned and launch her professional career in the travel and tourism sector. Her story is a shining example of how passion, curiosity, and the right support system can lead to extraordinary opportunities.

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467071