Phoebe
Hodson

Why NTU...

Why did you choose to study a postgraduate degree?

"I completed my undergraduate degree in psychology a few years ago in Huddersfield and didn’t initially want to study a Masters straight off the back of that. I went to work for a couple of years in a couple of different jobs which I loved, including a support worker for adults with learning disabilities and a Healthcare Assistant in a children’s hospice. I also spent a summer at an American summer camp which was so much fun! During my time working I was thinking about what career I wanted to pursue and realised I really enjoy working with people. I had a browse around at the different options for careers and decided I wanted to purse clinical psychology. It had been on my radar during my undergraduate degree but at the time I wasn’t feeling motivated as it was probably going to be a 10-year path to being qualified.

I enjoyed studying my undergrad and knew a Masters would only really benefit me and studying at a postgrad level would be good for when I apply for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy). I wanted to be taught and learn at the next level and complete a postgrad research project."

Why did you choose your course at NTU?

"I have always had an interest in crime and forensic settings, through the TV I watch and books I read, as well as my undergraduate course modules, so I really wanted to incorporate that element into my course. Also, psychology is of course closely linked to mental health so thought that would be a good avenue to pursue. Forensic Mental Health was the perfect marriage of the two elements and there were only two universities that teach a Forensic Mental Health course. One of which was NTU.

When reading about the course I knew straight away it would be right up my street. I also came to an open day and enjoyed the feel of the university campus and had a really good chat with Jenny, one of the lecturers who explained a bit more about the course and answered my questions which sealed the deal for me, and I knew I wanted to study here!"

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

"I have really enjoyed studying my course so far! I wasn’t quite sure what to expect in terms of the module content, but it has been super interesting and all new, which is always nice! I feel like I have learnt a lot of stuff that I can apply to my future work and that has helped me during interviews I have recently had.

In terms of highlights I would say the Forensic Mental Health module specifically has been so varied and engaging and I have looked forward to it every week. Coupled with that has been seeing my course mates whenever we’ve had taught sessions. Our course is quite a small cohort so it’s been nice to be able to chat to everyone and have class discussions where we can all hear from each other. The course is very diverse in terms of student ages and what we were all doing before studying this course, so it’s been cool to hear different peoples' perspectives or the sharing of experiences."

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

"I joined both the canoe and archery club during my time at NTU. I have also always enjoyed canoeing but never really done it other than when on holiday so when I saw it was a club at the Freshers Fair, I thought I might as well join it and I'm glad I did because it’s been such great fun! We practice in the high school pool and play canoe polo which is very exciting. I also shot archery before I started this course so thought it would be a good way to keep up with my hobby."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"I think the Social Sciences are super important. To me it’s the merging of theory and practice where we are learning about the different ways in which we can support people that are engaging with different services. Working with people is an amazing thing and no matter the service user group I always find myself thinking that people are amazing and that it’s such a privilege to be able to support them when they are in need."

Support...

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

"The support has been really helpful. It’s been made clear to me where to find it if I need any, and who my tutor is that I can chat to about any issues I'm having. Staff are also really good at answering questions and are happy to explain things because at the end of the day they want you to do well."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

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

"I’d say on the whole, yes. I think I'm quite good at making friends, although other than people on my course I’d say I’ve had to put in effort to join clubs and chat to people to make my other friends, but I have enjoyed this. I didn’t know anyone when I moved to Nottingham which was scary, but I think I settled in pretty quickly.

I’ve made really good friends with the guy I'm currently living with. I put out an advert on spare room before I moved and we connected on there. It's been nice to be living with a fellow postgrad student and we share lots of similar interests which is always helpful!

In terms of settling into the course, we kind of hit the ground running which was good in a sense because it meant we could get stuck in straight away and always had things to be doing."

The Next Steps…

What’s next for you after NTU?

"After NTU I’m hoping to get a job as an Assistant Psychologist. That’s kind of the next step for me. I’ve had a couple of interviews but haven’t been successful yet, but they’re very encouraging and happy to give feedback which will help me out when I have my next interview."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"I’ve made use of the careers team to discuss what I can do to improve my application and how to approach interviews. Studying the course in general is helping me to achieve my career goals as I feel closer to being ready to undertake the DClinPsy. A little more work experience and I’ll be ready."

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

"I have spoken to the team about ways in which to enhance my CV and make myself known in the world of psychology which has been helpful."