Not many things come between a postgraduate student and their master’s course, but then Leicester Tigers’ lock Graham Kitchener is no ordinary postgraduate student, as his recent call-up to the England squad for the 2015 RBS Six Nations would suggest.
Although he is far better known for his dominant performances at Tigers’ Welford Road stadium, Graham spends what spare time he has knuckling down for his Sports History and Culture MA course at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), at the university’s world-renowned International Centre for Sports History and Culture (ICSHC).
In what has been a challenging 2014/15 campaign for the Tigers so far, Graham has been one of the stand-out performers, and his rich vein of form led to a dream call-up from England head coach Stuart Lancaster.
Graham said: “I’ve enjoyed this season in general, to play consistently is what I’ve wanted to do since I moved here and I feel I’m in a decent place right now.
“To get the call up to the Six Nations squad was incredible, I’m really pleased and we’ll see how it goes.”
Despite having a lot to handle, Graham is just as keen to keep on top of his degree as he is to help England towards the Grand Slam.
He said: “I’ve started an MA in Sports History which is a course that I’m interested in and it links with my under-graduate degree in Sociology so it’s nice to have something away from the rugby that I can do in my spare time.
“I’ve wanted to do a master’s for a year or two and De Montfort University has a good reputation in this field, it is local to me and the course is ideal because I can follow it part-time over two years.
“I’ve been into DMU, the guys I’ve spoken to have been very helpful and I’m just on to the second module now but it’s gone okay so far.”
Anyone would forgive a young Rugby professional for getting carried away at such an exciting time in their career, but a very level-minded Graham remains grateful of those that continuously support him and his teammates.
He said: “At Tigers we know there is a huge amount of support for the team from across the city and the region.
“That’s one of the great things about the club, seeing such a high level of interest and support every week and the players are very aware of that, it’s a privilege to know so many people are behind you.”
Graham manages to find time to fulfil his course requirements as he is a part-time distance-learning student, meaning he has the flexibility to study around his other commitments to Leicester Tigers and England.
Dr Neil Carter, Senior Research Fellow at the ICSHC, said: “Graham’s MA allows him to pursue his career as a professional athlete while not having the pressures of attending regular classes which given his job he would be unlikely to attend.
“He can pick up the work and reading for particular modules at his own choosing, just so long as he makes his tutor's deadlines, which to be fair he has so far.
“We hope that Graham’s association with the MA will attract other professional athletes who both have an interest in the history of sport and wish to further develop their critical, analytical and research skills.”
Posted on Friday 13 February 2015