Joanne Comerford

I graduated from the University in 2011 with a degree in primary education, and worked in a school in Sunderland after being offered a job following my placement. I decided to return to Higher Education after undergoing a craniotomy to remove a brain tumour, as I was unable to continue teaching due to ongoing visual and auditory issues.

My aim with pursuing the MSc Psychology (Conversion) course was to return to education in a pastoral role and also to test my brain capability post surgery! I'm a single mother and wanted to complete the course within one year while I had the time, rather than the three-year part-time option. I decided to study at Sunderland as it's my hometown, and I'd studied my previous degree here. The application process was straightforward and I had support for materials and equipment that allowed me to access the learning. I had a wonderful supervisor and Programme Leader, as well as approachable and inspirational lecturers.

The best aspects of the course were the synergy between experimental designs and psychological theory, and the opportunity to develop and implement your own research. The staff are experts in their field and the atmosphere around campus is inclusive and supportive of all students.

Due to my additional needs, I accessed disability support and found this extremely helpful. I received specialist software and training from the Disabled Students' Allowance and offers of counselling, which kept me on track when I was finding it difficult to keep up with the pace of the course. Without this extra support, and above and beyond encouragement and advice from my project supervisor and Programme Leader, I don't think I would've completed the degree. I recommend anybody thinking of studying here to attend an Open Day to have the opportunity to speak to staff and make sure the course matches your personal aspirations.

Since completing the masters, I've been accepted onto a trailblazer training programme for mental health practitioners in the educational environment. This programme aims to transform mental health in England for children and young people and bring about a positive shift from an illness model of mental health to a wellness model, with concepts of happiness, fulfilment, and emotional wellbeing as core goals of a mental health strategy. Following this, my past teaching experience and master's degree enabled me to quickly progress to a supervisory, then team lead role.

To anyone thinking of applying for the MSc Psychology (Conversion) course, it's challenging, both academically and personally, but you'll be supported to develop into an autonomous learner and acquire skills which are invaluable to a career in psychology. Your lecturers will inspire you to be as dedicated and passionate as they are, and you'll become a lifelong learner. I've since completed two further postgraduate courses and my plan is to complete my PhD in the next five years.

The University of Sunderland has made me believe in my own abilities again."