Case Study

I chose to study at the University of Sunderland because I loved it as soon as I saw it! I visited a few universities and Sunderland stood out. It was the perfect location, the staff were amazing, the facilities were just what I was looking for and the modules were great for my career aspirations, and they looked so interesting. As a third-year student, I can confirm the modules are indeed very interesting and fun!

When I finished my GCSE’s, I had no idea what I wanted to do so I decided to go to college and do my A-Levels. I originally chose to do English Literature and Textiles, as they were my favourite subjects in school, and I had one last A-Level to choose. After a discussion with my family, I decided to do Psychology… and I fell in love with the subject. I knew that that was what I wanted to do. I even went on to swap my English Literature A-Level for Health and Social Care as it involved psychology, and it was something I loved and was good at. Skip to two years later, and I started studying at the University of Sunderland. I knew that whatever profession I was going to do, it was going to be in the field of Psychology.

My favourite part of my course is the staff. Every single member of staff goes above and beyond for their students. They are always there to help and support you and I am so grateful for everything they have done for me. I also love that you get to be creative. A lot of people assume that Psychology, and Science subjects in general, just involve writing essays (including me!), but that really isn’t the case. Throughout my degree so far, I have submitted assignments in the form of YouTube videos, Tik Toks, portfolios, mind maps, PowerPoints, presentations, the list goes on. You really can show your creative side and get out of your comfort zone.

After starting university, I soon realised that I was really interested in Neurodiversity and decided I would like to become an Educational Psychologist. I began working at the North East Autism Society in March 2022 and this is helping me massively in my understanding of Neurodiversity and my career progression. After I graduate, I will go on to do my master’s degree and PhD in Educational Psychology, and I would then like to work for the NHS.

My advice for students wanting to attend Sunderland, or University in general, is to believe in yourself. I really struggle with my confidence and self-esteem. I tell myself that I’m not capable when I really am, and it is my biggest downfall. But there really is no such word as ‘can’t’, you can do anything you set your mind to. You have to believe in yourself.

My time at Sunderland has been brilliant and has unfortunately gone way too fast. I started university in 2020 when COVID started, which meant that a lot of my first year and second year was taught online, and I think this made it go quick. I’m so glad that I am going on to do a master’s degree as I’m not ready to leave university. It has been such an incredible experience at Sunderland."

Published 12 October 2022