Nicola is a graduate of the BA Psychology programme.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what originally brought you to Strathclyde…
As a BA Psychology graduate and student with an interest in mental health and wellbeing, the course offerings at Strathclyde immediately drew me to the university. Alongside its city centre location and focus on useful learning, Strathclyde was easily my top-choice university when I was applying in my final year of school. It wasn’t just the academics that drew me to Strathclyde, though. I am a national-level netball player, and so the university’s partnership with Scotland’s then semi-professional Netball Superleague team, Strathclyde Sirens, and Netball Scotland made my choice to study at Strathclyde crystal clear. I have been able to balance elite-level sport whilst studying thanks to Strathclyde Sport’s support and dedication to improving the sport scholarship and netball programme.
What drew you towards your chosen degree?
I consider myself lucky to have applied to university already having a firm idea of the career journey I wish to embark on. Throughout my teenage years, I can openly say I struggled with my mental health. The professional help I received during my school years helped me to understand the value of seeking help and finding the right help for you. It was after my own personal struggles that I realised I want to help people in the way I was helped, or better! The Psychology degree at Strathclyde is very theory-driven, focussing large amounts of time cross-examining theories of behaviour, development and cognition to gain an understanding of how to critically evaluate multiple schools of thought and determining which are applicable in different contexts. Building good theoretical foundations of practice is a key starting point in any academic degree, but particularly in psychology, where there are many contrasting theories and frameworks, which all have their merits. The BA Psychology degree is also accredited by the British Psychological Society, which is required to progress in my journey to becoming a clinical psychologist.
What specialist knowledge/professional skills did you develop whilst studying the course?
A key skill I developed during my degree at Strathclyde was data-analytics. Using software like SPSS and Jamovi to identify correlations in datasets, predict relationships between variables used in a study, and how to interpret these datasets as is done in psychological journals. As well as developing skills in data analysis, the course also deepened my understanding of key areas in the human brain which drive psychological processes. Learning how brain areas communicate with each other to produce different responses helps students to understand the biological processes involved in psychology, adding nuances to the theoretical frameworks previously learned.
What was the best part of studying your programme?
I think Strathclyde has something special in the breadth of content covered throughout the four-year degree. We learned everything from basic psychological theories in first year, how infants develop social behaviours, or human group behaviour, to intricate biological developments of diseases like Alzheimer’s Dementia, types of aphasia in trauma victims, and characteristics of sleep disorders. Personally, the academic support offered to students is exceptional if you access it. As a Sport Scholar, I sometimes had to miss lectures or ask for extensions on assignments due to sport commitments. The academic staff were more than happy to assist with my sport-academic-life balance to ensure I received the full benefit of the course while still participating in my sport to my best ability.
Can you tell me about your student placement experience and what you gained?
I chose to take part in the optional student placement in fourth year. This was organised ourselves, however previous placement providers were highlighted to us to help students find suitable opportunities. I undertook my placement with HeadStrong, a mental health and life coaching service. Despite my placement not going quite to plan, due to internal staff movements and instability, both my placement supervisor and the class leader were incredible at helping me fulfil the requirements of the class while still gaining real benefit of working in the psychological field. I would highly recommend any student on the Psychology course to undertake a placement in fourth year if they have the opportunity to. It provides amazing insights into a chosen area of the field and can prepare you for the world of work in a controlled and supervised environment.
What are your hopes for the future?
After graduating from the BA Psychology course, I now move on to my next stage of academic and professional development by studying the MSc Clinical Health Psychology course at Strathclyde. I hope this degree with provide me with the skills and education necessary to gain work experience in areas of psychology and mental health. I hope to be able to work as an assistant psychologist or in some form of mental health support worker role upon completion of the MSc, with plans to apply to a ClinDPsych doctorate course in the near future. My ultimate career goal is to become a registered clinical psychologist, I have a real inclination for practical elements of this role such as preparing and delivering intervention programmes and diagnosing patients. I believe that the foundations of knowledge and skills I have built at Strathclyde will stand me in good stead for achieving my goals!
What advice would you give to prospective students interested in applying for this programme?
I would say to anyone considering the BA Psychology programme at Strathclyde to go for it! This university is consistently recognised for academic excellence, and the experience of the students on the course feel the benefits of that greatly. The academic and support staff are incredibly helpful if you utilise them, and the knowledge gained from this course is hugely beneficial, not just to further a career in psychology, but in large areas of work and life, too. Strathclyde University also offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities through hobby and sport societies which enhance the student experience!
