My time at Birmingham
"The modules are so varied – we cover every area of psychology."
I decided to study here because I absolutely loved the campus, it’s so pretty and I really liked that although it wasn’t a city campus, it was still only a ten minute train journey from the city centre. Birmingham is huge yet you find your way about so quickly and the Bullring is the best for shopping, ever! The Psychology School also seemed really well equipped and specialised in many different areas of Psychology.
My first year was brilliant fun, it was all about meeting new people and getting to grips with university life and how to study for a degree. It was very different to life in Sixth Form and I had to get used to working more independently. However, there was so much support available, we had a personal tutor, an academic tutor and a student mentor assigned to our tutor group.
What I most enjoy about my course is that the modules are so varied - we cover every area of psychology. I really think the contact time and work required is suitable for the course and have enjoyed every minute of it! The feedback on work is also really good.
My future plans
I am hoping to join the police this November and so in three years’ time I would have hoped to have progressed through the ranks from a PC. I want to have specialised within my role to, whether it be in child protection or domestic abuse crimes.
Being a student ambassador
I decided to join the scheme for a few reasons. I wanted to gain some more work experience for my CV and representing the University was a great way to do this. I enjoy talking to people and so I thought I’d enjoy talking to prospective students and their parents all about my experience at University, especially as I know how daunting choosing a university can be. And finally, I wanted to earn some extra money and I wanted a job that meant I could work when I wanted.
The benefits of becoming a Student Ambassador are the experience you gain; the friends you make across all the year groups; helping prospective students and their parents with any queries or worries they have; and the flexible working hours and great pay.
I was asked to present my dissertation project to around 120 people at an Applicant Visit Day and I absolutely loved it. I had so many parents and students come up to me afterwards thanking me and saying how good it was. It was a great confidence boost!
My top tips for prospective Birmingham students
- Make sure you look at the modules you can choose in third year as that is where all BPS accredited Psychology degrees differ
- Take every opportunity to try new things and meet new people
- Join your halls and also the general University of Birmingham fresher’s Facebook pages.