Maddie
Dry

Why NTU?

What inspired you to study BSc (Hons) Psychology?

"I have always been fascinated by human behaviour and the factors that motivate individuals to act in particular ways. Understanding these behaviours empowers you to make a positive impact and help others but also allows insight into your own choices too, which can inspire personal growth and development. People make the world go round, so I believed a psychology degree would open doors for me in a range of interesting careers. It is such an interesting and diverse subject; I have definitely never looked back!"

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

"NTU appealed to me as it seemed like a great place to study psychology, scoring high on university leaderboards for student satisfaction. I liked how NTU psychology emphasised how you would get a choice in personalising your modules, to make sure that you were doing things that were interesting and important to you.

However, most importantly NTU had a very welcoming atmosphere. During open days, the staff and students emphasised not only the academic opportunities that would be offered to us but also the social aspects of university life and Nottingham as a city. The university celebrates the individuality and diversity of its students and there is a whole network of support available to you if you ever need it."

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

"I have loved studying psychology at NTU. The course has always been very interesting, with lecturers giving us many opportunities to give feedback on the quality of the content delivered.

One particular experience that I enjoyed was producing and presenting a consultancy report for a local organisation. I was allocated Unanima Theatre, which has an intellectually disabled ensemble and aims to use its platform to help increase the integration of disabled people into society. It was really rewarding to use my psychological knowledge to create a recommendation that the organisation could implement to tackle real-world issues. The opportunity to attend a conference and personally present our ideas to the organisation was also great as it allowed me to gain feedback and improve upon my communication skills."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"The idea of working within the social sciences excites me, as it’s a sector that is driven by understanding human behaviour and societies, whilst creating positive change. It is a dynamic environment that is constantly adapting to try and investigate and resolve real social issues which makes it both exciting and fulfilling. I believe studying social sciences gives individuals the opportunity to forge meaningful careers and to contribute to making a real difference in people’s lives- this is definitely what inspires me most!"

Support

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

"I have been so impressed with the level of support offered to me throughout my studies, especially whilst writing my final year project. My personal tutor always checks in on my progress and has always been willing to take time to explain difficult concepts until I've fully grasped them. The lecturing staff are also happy to answer any questions and often encourage interesting discussions. They use their own experiences and expertise to enrich the course.

In terms of pastoral support, NTU never makes you feel like a number within an institution. They have lots in place to offer students who may be going through a difficult time, from one-to-one counselling and academic access statements which deal with students on an individual basis."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

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

"Yes, I was apprehensive before I arrived but surprised myself at how easy it was to settle in and form a great network of friends. I am a confident person so am quite happy to have a chat with anyone, but I would encourage everyone to do this even if it’s not in your nature. If you immerse yourself in NTU and make the most of the wide range of societies, people in seminars and nightlife you’ll be definitely able to find your people. NTU is now a much-loved home away from home for me."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"I am currently finishing my third year, however, am hoping to continue my studies at NTU by applying to the MSc Forensic Psychology course. I think this area would be a very rewarding area to work in as it could create a positive impact on very vulnerable people. The dream would be to work in the area of developing and delivering innovative rehabilitation strategies and improving the reintegration of individuals who have been impacted by the criminal justice system."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"Whilst delivering in-depth theoretical knowledge, NTU does a good job of including employability skills within their degrees. Specifically in my degree, I have learnt skills relevant to working within Psychology such as how to conduct and report research and also a range of transferable skills including presentation skills, statistical analysis and critical evaluation.

Students are also offered one-to-one employability support, which can help with CV writing and interview skills. Overall, I believe NTU is very good at providing students with the skills necessary to achieve their career goals."

Advice

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

"If you’re considering it, just do it! Take advantage of as many opportunities as possible, as the more you put into your university experience the more, you’ll benefit from it. Your lecturers are there to support you, so never be afraid to ask any questions. You can’t grow and learn if you don’t make mistakes and put yourself out of your comfort zone, so go for it. You’ll probably be surprised at what you can achieve."