As part of our on-going SWC Beyond series, we catch up with performance testing specialist, Chris Gilroy to find out how his time at South West College has supported the development of his career.
What impact has studying at SWC had on your career?
Returning to education as a mature student while managing a business and family life was a challenge, but South West College gave me the opportunity to build something meaningful. I studied the BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science through SWC and The Open University, achieving first-class honours and earning Student of the Year.
That journey gave me the confidence to launch Health Fit Lab, a performance-based testing facility delivering VO2 max and metabolic assessments to athletes, runners, and the wider community.
I’m now continuing my academic path with an MSc in Human Nutrition at Ulster University, within the School of Biomedical Sciences — building on the strong scientific foundation that began at SWC. The experience has completely reshaped my future.
What advice might you give to current or prospective students considering the college?
Take the step. The support at SWC is there to help you grow, whether you’re starting fresh or returning later in life. It gave me the tools and confidence to completely change my direction.
Are there any staff members who played an important part in your studies at South West College that you would like to recognise?
Yes, there were several staff members who played an important role in my journey. Jane McGinty, Benny and Kieran, during my BSc studies, were incredibly supportive and helped guide my academic development. Chris McDowell and Rodney Topping, at foundation level, also had a big impact in helping me build the skills and confidence I needed early on. Each lecturer I encountered contributed to my progress in some way, and I’m genuinely very grateful for that.
Are there any specific achievements or career milestones that you would like to highlight?
One of my proudest achievements was being awarded Student of the Year for my final year during my BSc in Sport and Exercise Science. That recognition gave me the confidence to launch my own business, Health Fit Lab, which now provides VO₂ max and metabolic testing to athletes and the wider community. I’ve since progressed to postgraduate study, and I’m currently completing an MSc in Human Nutrition at Ulster University. Each of these milestones has helped shape my career in performance and health.
If you are a former SWC student and would like to be profiled as part of the SWC Beyond series please drop us an email to donal.monaghan@swc.ac.uk