Christian
Upton

Why NTU?

Why did you choose to study a postgraduate degree?

"Prior to my postgraduate degree, I was a BSc student at NTU. Having spent three years at the University, I knew I wanted to progress my continuous learning through a taught Master’s course. I knew that I wanted to specialise in Occupational Psychology due to the keen interest I gained in work dynamics through both my Psychology degree and employment as a supervisor."

Why did you choose MSc Occupational Psychology at NTU?

"I had the opportunity to take part in the Work-Based Psychology in Practice module during the final year of my BSc Psychology course. Since then, I have naturally gravitated towards finding out more about psychology in the workplace and how to apply evidence-based interventions in work. I received high-quality teaching and feedback from NTU staff during my BSc course, which made me confident that I would receive the same standard of teaching during the MSc course."

What’s your experience been like of your course so far?

"Overall, my experience during this programme was very enriching and rewarding. One standout highlight of the course was the interactive nature of the lectures. The smaller class sizes allowed me to have more personalised interactions with my peers and lecturers, eliciting a collaborative and engaging learning environment. This setting facilitated in-depth discussions about the course content, establishing a strong academic community. Not only did this enhance my learning, but it allowed me to build lasting connections with peers and faculty."

Have you been involved in any projects or extra-curricular activities that have supplemented your studies run through NTU?

"I was elected as a student representative during my studies. I had the privilege of representing the student voice and expressing the needs of my peers to the faculty. This allowed me to contribute to the course and develop teamwork skills beyond my studies."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"To be part of the Social Sciences, to me, means to be part of a multidisciplinary community of students and psychologists who strive to understand the complexities of human behaviour. Being part of that as an Occupational Psychology graduate means understanding the dynamics of the workplace, employee well-being and organisational design. Working with people and helping to make the work environment a better place has been a meaningful endeavour for me throughout the year and provided me with the skills and knowledge to make positive change."

Support

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?

"The support provided to me during my Master’s course was excellent. My tutor ensured that I had pastoral and academic support when needed. The feedback I received on assessments definitely helped me to produce higher-quality work and enhanced my academic writing skills."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle in at NTU?

"Whilst I made many lifelong friends during my time as an undergraduate, I also got the chance to meet more great people as a Master’s student. The collaborative environment set within lectures made it easier to get to know my peers and meet some amazing people."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"Since my course ended, I have applied the knowledge and skills I have gained to the field of recruitment. Currently working in recruitment, I have discovered that the insights and expertise acquired during the MSc programme have greatly enhanced my ability to understand and assess individuals in the workplace. Looking ahead, I would like to pursue Chartership status in the future. Obtaining this would not only further validate my expertise but also open up opportunities for professional growth and leadership within the field of Occupational Psychology."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"Now that NTU has enabled me to acquire a BPS-accredited MSc in Occupational Psychology, I am now eligible to progress to the Level 2 Qualification in Occupational Psychology. This means I am significantly closer to achieving my goal of becoming a Chartered Occupational Psychologist in future."

Has the employability team helped you plan for life beyond NTU as a postgraduate student?

"The employability team have been brilliant since I left NTU. They provide frequent newsletters on taking the next step in the world of work. They are available in person and over the phone for easy-access career advice when needed. Even as a graduate, I have the support of the employability team to assist me and provide up-to-date career prospects."