Case Study

I graduated from Sunderland with my undergraduate degree in 2011 BA (Hons) Primary Education. Following this, I worked in a primary school in Sunderland, as I was offered a post on qualification following my previous placement. I decided to return to education after undergoing a craniotomy to remove a brain tumour and being unable to return to my previous role in primary teaching due to ongoing visual and auditory issues following my operation. 

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 am a single mother and therefore wanted to complete the course within the year while I had the time, rather than the three-year part-time option. I decided to study at the University of Sunderland because it is my hometown and where I studied my previous degree. 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 (Dr Etta Evans) and programme lead (Dr Sophie Cormack) 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 the disabled student's support and found this extremely helpful. I received specialist software and training from the disabled student's fund 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 the course leader, I do not think I would have completed the programme. I recommend anybody thinking of studying here to attend an Open Day to have an opportunity to speak to staff and make sure the course matches your personal aspirations.

Since completing the Masters programme, I was 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, to bring about a positive paradigm shift from an illness model of mental health to a wellness model with concepts of happiness, fulfilment and emotional well-being as core goals of a mental health strategy. Following qualification from this, my past teaching experience and masters level education enabled me to quickly progress to a supervisory then team lead role.

To anyone thinking of applying for the MSc Psychology (Conversion), it is challenging, academically and personally, but you will be supported to develop into an autonomous learner, and acquire skills which are invaluable in a career in psychological professions. Your lecturers will inspire you to be as dedicated and passionate as they are, and you will become a 'lifelong learner'. I have since completed two further postgraduate programmes 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."

Published 31 March 2025