Hannah Oldham

Why I chose Surrey

I really wanted to come to Surrey because of the chance to spend a year in industry. Once I visited the campus, it was a dead cert; the grounds are beautiful, everything you need is on the main campus, which is ideal.

My course

The BSc (Hons) Psychology course was absolutely spot on - so much variation yet a decent degree of richness. I loved being able to indulge in so much curiosity. I wanted to go down an education route yet I also loved neuroscience. Often you would have to choose between these, but I had the opportunity to study both. The lecturers were clearly very knowledgeable in their fields and did their utmost to keep lectures engaging and interesting.

My placement

I took part in a tutoring and mentoring scheme, working a morning a week in a local infant school. This sparked intrigue into the education system, coupled with the cognitive and developmental facets of psychology.

After this, I decided to do a Professional Training placement at educational psychology service. The experience helped me to realise that I wanted to be in the classroom rather that popping in and out, consulting.

"As a teacher, things surprise me every day. For example, last week, the year 5s helped me to rescue a young and undersized hedgehog which we then took to a rescue centre!"

My memorable moments

My final year was without a doubt the best year of my time at Surrey. Working for my placement really changed me. I was more focused and more grown up. I enjoyed throwing myself into the study and being so much more independent. My stand-out memory is the heavy snowfalls blanketing the campus, followed by the visit to the cathedral by the Queen!

My career and development

I have just embarked on my fourth year of primary school teaching in an outstanding junior school in Hampshire. I have taught year 6 and, more recently, year 3. Every day is so varied, often utterly hilarious, plus it is surprising in a way just how much a psychology degree was a perfect degree to undertake before postgraduate teacher training. Things surprise me every day, for example last week, the year 5s helped me to rescue a young and undersized hedgehog which we then took to a rescue centre. We are sharing updates on its progress!

My advice

• Experience helps loads.
• Do a placement as it's an invaluable opportunity.
• Get yourself out there, volunteer, try as many different things as possible.

Find out more about our psychology course