Case Study

I chose to study BSc (Hons) Psychology at the University of Sunderland as I have lived here all my life and I knew I did not want to leave my hometown to continue with my education. Also, I have seen my family attend the University of Sunderland and they all had a fantastic experience, which only further reassured me of my choice to choose Sunderland. 

I came to university straight after finishing my A-levels, as I knew I didn’t want a break in my studies. At A-Level, I studied mathematics, biology, and physics. Although none of these A-levels are psychology, I knew I wanted to choose psychology at university, and all have aspects that contribute to my course.

My favourite aspect of the course so far is the range of content covered across all the modules. I particularly enjoy the biological and evolutionary modules, but there really is something for everyone to love and engage in. The lecturers delivering the modules are passionate about their subject areas which makes them even more engaging.

The best advice I can give is that as students, you fully engage with the course and the content by asking questions when you are unsure, either to lecturers or peers to aid your understanding. If you remain stuck on something, it can become difficult to understand as the whole course takes an integrated approach and all builds on itself. There are no stupid questions, and you are more than likely not the only one with that issue! You will only get out what you put in. 

While I am studying, I have a part-time job as a server and bartender. My psychology course enables me to read people and scenarios better, which means I can more easily cater to the needs of the staff and the customers and diffuse situations before they escalate. In the future, my career goals are to become an educational psychologist. This involves visiting school settings and assessing children who may have additional needs. By getting them an educational health care plan, the child, the school, and the parents would receive support to give them the help that they need.

My experience so far at the University of Sunderland has been interesting. I feel as though I have learned a lot so far and I am not even halfway through the course! There are plenty of opportunities for everyone from clubs and societies to being able to represent your course. This year, I have taken on the role of student rep which allows me to meet with staff and students to communicate ideas on what is going well and what can be improved on the course!"

Published 27 February 2023