Ex-Hearts and Livingston player combines studies with professional career

Former Hearts and Livingstone player Bobby Burns is putting his downtime from a double leg break to good use by firing his way to an Open University degree.

Bobby Burns, 21.

Burns, 21, from Antrim, Northern Ireland, is studying an Open Degree in science, technology, engineering and maths which is a unique course available at the Open uni.

The versatile player who is best suited to the centre of midfield, was introduced to the possibility of studying with the Open uni whilst at Hearts by a fellow team mate.

Traditionally as a professional footballer his days would run from 9am-1pm - leaving his afternoons free to study.

14/07/18 PRE SEASON FRIENDLY FORFAR v HEARTS STATION PARK - FORFAR Hearts Bobby Burns (left) and Forfar Trialist (18) in action.

Burns is now plying his trade in Northern Ireland on loan at Glentoran from Barrow but is recovering from a serious double leg break which has meant that his focus on his future after football has been intensified.

Speaking to the new Open University Podcast ‘Life...On Our Terms’ - Burns opened up about how he manages to juggle both a career as a professional footballer and a student.

He said: “It’s interesting to just sort of challenge yourself in a different way, you know, sort of intellectually rather than physically and it is just something that I’ve always really wanted to do because I think it gives you a great backup plan for after football but it takes real self-discipline to tell the rest of the lads in the team that you don’t want to go for that golf round or go and play Xbox with them and want to sit down and do a maths exam, but it will be worth it in the end.”

“I’m really enjoying it. The Open Degree gives you a lot more flexibility, you can go down lots of different routes and really experience what suits you best.

“The football career can be brutal like the best case scenario is your career finishes at 35 but it could finish earlier.

“You want to have that security that if the football starts to go, and your career is over, you have something else that you can get involved in and provide for your family and earn money.”

Burns also said that he hopes his undergraduate degree will lead to a more specific master’s degree and has not ruled out going into the fast growing business side of football.

You can listen to Bobby’s story here: https://pod.fo/e/b09b1

Susan Stewart, director, The Open University Scotland, said:“Bobby’s story is a brilliant example of how you can combine Open University study with work and family life. More than three quarters of our students in Scotland work full-time or part-time while studying with us, continuing to earn while they learn. It is very flexible, you don’t need previous qualifications, and you can enrol for one module at a time, choosing whether or not to build up a certificate, diploma, or degree.

“The same focus and determination that Bobby shows on the pitch shines through in his commitment to his degree. We’re delighted that he has taken part in this podcast inspiring other young people and those involved in sport to study with us.”

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