The Three Degrees: meet the sisters creating a University of Brighton tradition

Student Emma Folwell has become the third of three sisters to take the same degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Brighton, after starting this month.

“Already planning the group photos in matching UoB physio jumpers!” is how sister Anna Folwell  reacted on Twitter to Emma’s success in gaining a sought-after place on the family tradition degree, while eldest sister Jess Folwell tweeted a heartfelt “Couldn’t be prouder @EmmaFolwell1 following in @afolwellphysio and my footsteps”.

Emma is following in the footsteps of sisters who are both recent graduates of the university’s top-ranking Physiotherapy BSc(Hons) course, and she admits to the influence of her sisters’ well-beaten path.  “A big part of choosing Brighton was that I saw both my sisters have a fantastic experience there – as well as coming out with good results and going straight into jobs!,” she said.

Jess Folwell kickstarted the family trend when she received her Physiotherapy BSc (Hons) degree from Brighton in 2016. She went on to work with East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust – though not before some far-flung global experiences that saw her deploying her physio skills in Japan and New Zealand – the latter where she will be moving longer term shortly. During the worst of the pandemic she worked in critical care and stroke wards in East Sussex.

Anna graduated with 1^st Class Honours in June this year, and is now providing palliative care at St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne, working both on the inpatient unit and in the community. During her Physiotherapy degree studies, Anna also did voluntary work as a COVID vaccinator.

Anna Folwell said: “I definitely encouraged Emma that Brighton was a great place to study, and that she should go! For me, it was the same – I chose Brighton because of the great experience Jess had there.”

As well as maintaining family tradition, Emma’s choice of Brighton sees her coming to the university whose physiotherapy courses are ranked 12th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2023.

Listen to Trish Fordham, Course Leader for Physiotherapy BSc(Hons), talking on YouTube about the degree at Brighton and physiotherapy as a career.

Learn more about becoming an Allied Health Professional with the University of Brighton.