Ellie
Woodward

Why NTU...

Why did you choose to study a postgraduate degree?

"After completing my undergraduate degree at NTU, I chose to study a postgraduate degree to specialise further in my area of interest. This decision allowed me to delve deeper into a subject I love whilst acquiring the qualifications necessary for my desired career path."

Why did you choose your course at NTU?

"The MSc Forensic Psychology course at NTU is a great first step towards chartership, providing a solid foundation for working in both forensic and research environments. The course covers the modules required to meet BPS professional accreditation, meaning my degree is recognised by relevant professional bodies. NTU’s strong connections with industry partners and research institutions offers access to a wide range of career opportunities and collaborations.

NTU's commitment to excellence in education and its focus on student success made it an ideal environment for me to study towards my career goals."

What’s your experience been like of your course so far? Can you pick out any highlights?

"The MSc Forensic Psychology course is great for not only strengthening your academic knowledge, but also building professional competencies. I didn’t just learn about psychological theories – I had the opportunity to design my own research studies, conduct risk assessments and engage in reflective practice regularly with my peers. The staff team have a wealth of experience and expertise, offering practical insights as academics and practitioners that helped me to reflect on real-world scenarios. If I decide to pursue stage 2 professional training in the future, studying at NTU has given me a real head start on working in forensic practice.

One of my course highlights was the Prison, Rehabilitation, and Aftercare module. I produced a consultancy report exploring the use of art psychotherapy in prison settings, considering both potential benefits and challenges. It’s a piece of work I’m really proud of.

Explanations of Crime, Criminal Behaviour and Victimology was a great module for understanding the philosophical, historical, and social meanings of crime. It allowed me to appreciate how perceptions of crime and justice have evolved over time and how these perceptions influence contemporary criminal justice policies and practices. This insight is vital for anyone looking to work in the field, as it informs a deeper understanding of current systems and potential areas for reform."

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

"The opportunity to volunteer as a research assistant in the department during my MSc Forensic Psychology course was invaluable. I gained an insight into the publication process and the importance of open science practices, whilst honing my data collection skills."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"For me, Social Sciences are all about working directly with people to have a real-world impact. Whether it's through research, policy development, or hands-on engagement, the goal is to tackle social issues head-on. By shining a light on inequalities, advocating for marginalised groups, and influencing decision-making processes with empirical research, Social Sciences can create positive change and transform lives. I love being part of an area that has such a significant role to play in the future, and it's what drives my passion for this field."

On Placement...

Have you completed any work placements on your course? If so, tell us about your experience – where did you go, what did you do, what skills have you gained and what have you enjoyed the most?

"During the MSc Forensic Psychology course, I completed work placements in two prisons, where I helped people learning to read and write through different educational programmes. This experience not only allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge from the course in a practical setting but also honed my communication and empathy skills. Witnessing the tangible impact my work could have on others was incredibly rewarding and reinforced my passion for making a positive difference in people's lives."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"One memorable moment from my work placements in prisons  was when somebody I had been assisting for several weeks was able to read a letter from his children independently. It was a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that education and support can have, even in challenging environments."

Support...

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

"The support available from tutors and staff at NTU really helped me to get the most out of the course. My supervisors were always on hand to address any queries about my independent research project, and scheduled regular meetings to ensure I received guidance and feedback on my progress. Around assessment points for other modules, staff would organise Q&A sessions to clarify the course material and assessment requirements. More broadly, NTU offered lots of resources and guidance on mental health, wellbeing, and work-life balance, helping me to thrive both academically and personally."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

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

"Settling in at NTU was easy. The induction events provided a warm welcome and a chance to meet fellow students and the course team right at the start of term. The university actively encourages collaborative working between students, which really helped to foster a strong sense of community on our course. From shared projects to tutor groups and interactive discussions, there were plenty of opportunities to connect with course mates and build friendships. The supportive atmosphere at NTU made it easy to make friends and feel at home."

The Next Steps…

What’s next for you after NTU?

"After graduating from NTU, I started work as a Research Assistant in the psychology department. I got to be involved in lots of different projects and I’m officially a published researcher! I’m now in the second year of my fully funded PhD studentship, and still loving research just as much. Looking ahead, I hope to continue my academic journey and eventually become a lecturer myself, sharing my passion for research and forensic psychology with future cohorts of students."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"NTU has played a crucial role in helping me achieve my career goals. Through a mixture of coursework, practical experiences, and research opportunities, studying at NTU equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to excel in my chosen field.

NTU provides extensive support services, including career guidance, networking opportunities, and professional development workshops, which were really helpful when working towards my career goals."

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

"The employability team offered lots of support and resources to help me plan for life after studying. They can provide details of different employers, various career options, and the team helped me to identify all the transferable skills I’d been building as a postgraduate student at NTU. Throughout the year, there are plenty of drop-in sessions and careers fairs to attend (where you can get free pens!). They also offer CV support and interview preparation tips, which were great as I was moving to the next steps of my career."