Sarah M

What were the best things about your course?

I feel very positively about my MSc course at the University of Surrey. Firstly, it provided an intense but thorough introduction to both psychology and research methods. By the end of the course I had identified an area of psychology that I was interested in specialising in. Secondly, the people – the lecturers were committed to the programme and produced high-quality content and materials for students to engage with.

My dissertation supervisor was supportive and set aside dedicated time for us to plan and discuss my research project. The course leader was engaged with the cohort and very supportive. The highlight though was meeting like-minded individuals, interested in developing careers within psychology.

The course was demanding and we spent many hours in that academic year studying and socialising together. Those people are now in my professional network, at similar career stages which provides a great source of support and advice. I have also walked away with lifelong friendships that I value highly.

"The dissertation element of the course helped confirm my interest in pursuing a career in academic research. I subsequently gained experience in research via a research assistant role and started my PhD studies a year later."

What do you do now? How did your degree from Surrey help you achieve this?

The MSc introduced me to academic research after a long break from studying. I loved the process, the variety of elements involved in a research study, the opportunity to use both written and mathematical skillsets and the ability to continue to work with practitioners and children. The dissertation element of the course helped confirm my interest in pursuing a career in academic research.

I subsequently gained experience in research via a research assistant role and started my PhD studies a year later. I combine my Psychology PhD study at Surrey with a part-time job as a psychology researcher at a different university. Combining studying with paid work experience has broadened my understanding of psychology and allowed me to gain additional research skills.

What’s your advice to students thinking of studying this course?

I have three pieces of advice:

1. This is an excellent course but it is demanding. Invest the time to absorb all the content and participate as fully as you are able to in the content. It is an investment in yourself and your future career, even if you choose not to stay in psychology. Do remember there is support available from your course leader, personal tutor or the University's wellbeing services if you need it. 
2. Network with people on your course, your tutors and lecturers and other people in the department. This really is a great opportunity to talk to as many people as possible about their areas of research and career paths. It will help you think about what you are interested in and create contacts that might be helpful as you transition from the course to your next step.
3. Say yes to the opportunities that come your way, if you have the capacity. There are lots of potential ways to extend your learning: taking courses offered by the Library, participating in other students’ research projects, making presentations at events. These are all great ways to add to your learning and experience. Just remember to balance these with your core training priority: gaining your MSc!

Find out more about our Psychology (Conversion) MSc