A "trailblazing" Suffolk woman is celebrating becoming one of the initial graduates from what is said to be the world’s first taught Masters degree for referees and umpires.

Clare Daniels, from Mildenhall, completed the three-year programme at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU), conducting research and completing bespoke modules on skills including decision making and communication.

She was presented with her degree during a graduation ceremony at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh on Wednesday.

Ms Daniels, 48, who lives in Mildenhall, Suffolk, undertook her studies while working as a performance reviewer and coach for match officials in rugby union’s Professional Group of Match Officials Team, following a successful refereeing career on the pitch.

As part of her research into the challenges faced by female match officials, she compared the world of sport with sectors like the fire service and Stem industries.

She said: “Many of the challenges female referees deal with are very similar to those women face in industry and the corporate world. I found there are a lot of things we can learn and share from other sectors.

“Before I looked at academia and thought it was nothing to do with me, but when you dip your toe in the water you see there’s a wealth of knowledge that can help make us better. I think it’s hugely underused.

“When I left college I went straight into work, but I felt that at this stage in my life I have a much more curious attitude and a desire to learn. My mindset was right.

“I’ve become more curious in how we could do things differently, asking more questions and not just accepting the way things are done. It brings a fresh perspective.”

Ms Daniels graduated alongside Clare Daniels, an international officiating manager at World Netball.

Dr Duncan Mascarenhas, associate professor and programme leader for MSc performance enhancement in sports officiating at ENU, said: “It’s so exciting, I’m so pleased for them. They’ve put in the hard yards. It’s a big statement for the university that we’re able to upskill these high-profile experts in their fields.

“These two students are pioneering the programme in very different contexts – Christina as an administrator and leader in netball and Clare as a former referee and now a referee coach for rugby.

“They’re trailblazers and great role models for others coming through."