Case Study

After having two children I was looking to return to work in the business travel industry, but I felt ready for a new challenge. I wanted to be in a job role where I felt I was making a difference, so I investigated higher education and realised this could be an option.

I have always had an interest in psychology, and I heard the University had invested in specialised equipment and new labs to create a real-world setting. I find I learn best when I can apply meaning, so this felt like a good fit for me. I also attended an open day and found the whole feel of the campus very welcoming and friendly, and I didn’t feel overwhelmed or daunted by the experience. I like the fact the School of Psychology is aware not all students are the same, so there is a mix of different assignments/assessments to try and accommodate everyone’s strengths, it’s not all exams, which for me was important, as I know exam nerves can get the better of me.

My favourite elements of the course have been the lived experience workshops and interprofessional learning. For me both these elements have involved real people, with real experiences and stories to tell. I have found it inspiring listening to their journey and how psychology has helped and assisted in their recovery. I want to be the one to help people in the future, either working directly with them or through research to source new interventions or check the efficacy of current ones. For me, this cemented my goal of becoming a Clinical Psychologist. After graduating I will be looking to obtain experience in a mental health setting ideally as an assistant psychologist until I have gained sufficient work experience to be accepted on a Clinical Psychology Doctorate.

My advice to future students is to come and have a look around or attend an open day and speak to as many people as you can, and you will see everyone is friendly and down to earth. The University has been very accommodating throughout the pandemic and tried to ensure all students are supported not just academically. They have arranged online workouts, journal clubs and virtual coffee mornings to try to keep a social connection too.

During my time here, I have found the School of Psychology to be like a little community, everyone helps each other out and the tutors are all approachable and eager to help. In my final year I became a Course Rep, this meant I was able to liaise with the staff and lecturers to improve the School, by identifying what worked well and it was a great chance to see how much the University cares about the students and wants everyone to do well."

Published 12 April 2021