Ask a Psychology Student!
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Original post by Labrador99
Yeah, that makes sense reasoning wise.
Wow, that's cool that you are now a writer! Did you originally plan on doing that after your degree, or was it more due to what you said before about needing more training/education for the types of jobs you wanted?
Wow, that's cool that you are now a writer! Did you originally plan on doing that after your degree, or was it more due to what you said before about needing more training/education for the types of jobs you wanted?
To be honest, I started doing a few bits of work for a friend of the family, then found another client through them, and then they recommended me to someone else.. etc. I got past graduation and took on more work while I was looking for a "real" job, and then just thought hang on what's the point, I like what I'm doing and I'm earning more than I would entering the workplace. So that was that!
Original post by Labrador99
Thanks for answering
That's really interesting and I never knew it was so varied! (as someone who knows pretty much nothing about it
)
Was there something in particular that changed your mind, or was it more gradual as you did the course?
Hope you are able to work on it and keep doing well
Thanks for answering
That's really interesting and I never knew it was so varied! (as someone who knows pretty much nothing about it
)Was there something in particular that changed your mind, or was it more gradual as you did the course?
Hope you are able to work on it and keep doing well
It was a gradual thing I think, though it was mainly this year where I was swayed to go into research. During my second year I volunteered as a research assistant in the department, and at Christmas meetup with my supervisor she remarked that I would be a good researcher. After finding out about a couple of funding opportunities, I thought I would try to apply for them. I didn't get the one I initially applied for (3+1, which would have funded both Master's and PhD), but I will be receiving a studentship from the university instead, so I think I've made the right choice.
Original post by xoxAngel_Kxox
To be honest, I started doing a few bits of work for a friend of the family, then found another client through them, and then they recommended me to someone else.. etc. I got past graduation and took on more work while I was looking for a "real" job, and then just thought hang on what's the point, I like what I'm doing and I'm earning more than I would entering the workplace. So that was that!
Glad it is working out for you!
Original post by Claros
It was a gradual thing I think, though it was mainly this year where I was swayed to go into research. During my second year I volunteered as a research assistant in the department, and at Christmas meetup with my supervisor she remarked that I would be a good researcher. After finding out about a couple of funding opportunities, I thought I would try to apply for them. I didn't get the one I initially applied for (3+1, which would have funded both Master's and PhD), but I will be receiving a studentship from the university instead, so I think I've made the right choice.
Glad you think you've made the right choice, and well done on the studentship!
Original post by Claros
I might as well ask a question for curiosity's sake. For those of you currently doing a psychology degree:
A) If you're undergraduate, what is your favourite aspect of course you're taking?
B) If you're a postgraduate research student, what is the area you're specialising in?
My answers:
A) I have recently graduated, but as an undergraduate my favourite topics revolved around cognitive psychology, specifically visual perception. This year I also took a module that investigated illusions, hallucinations and delusions, as well as things like paranormal belief. It was my favourite module of this year and also the one I performed the best in.
B) My research area is motor learning using virtual reality. However, I also work in the lab on projects based on visual perception, action, and bodily perception.
A) If you're undergraduate, what is your favourite aspect of course you're taking?
B) If you're a postgraduate research student, what is the area you're specialising in?
My answers:
A) I have recently graduated, but as an undergraduate my favourite topics revolved around cognitive psychology, specifically visual perception. This year I also took a module that investigated illusions, hallucinations and delusions, as well as things like paranormal belief. It was my favourite module of this year and also the one I performed the best in.
B) My research area is motor learning using virtual reality. However, I also work in the lab on projects based on visual perception, action, and bodily perception.
I'm an undergrad- my favourite so far has been developmental psychology, I loved learning about how different personality traits and characteristics develop at different ages, and also the various errors children make and when they grow out of them (for example object permanence).
Original post by madboo
I'm an undergrad- my favourite so far has been developmental psychology, I loved learning about how different personality traits and characteristics develop at different ages, and also the various errors children make and when they grow out of them (for example object permanence).
You're very different to me then - developmental psychology was one of my least favourite modules! Though this year I took a 'neuroscience of typical and atypical development' module which I found quite interesting, probably due to the neuropsychological aspect and focus on disorder.
It's good that you've found something that interests you!
Original post by Noodlzzz
Hi! I studied psychology at UCL, so may be able to help out here.
I applied before the MSci was launched but I BELIEVE you are considered for the BSc if you don't make the first cut, but best email the department for clarity. Do you have any specific questions about UCL I could help out with?
I applied before the MSci was launched but I BELIEVE you are considered for the BSc if you don't make the first cut, but best email the department for clarity. Do you have any specific questions about UCL I could help out with?
Thank you so much for your fast reply! If I don’t manage to find a definitive answer when I return to school in September, then I’ll probabbly write to the department as you suggested.
My decision to study abroad was made quite late (I guess by the standards of some probabbly VERY late) since I’ve been thinking abut it only for a little less than a year and there are sooo many things to research and do when applying as an EU or international student. I’m coming close to finishing my general research from different universities’ sites and other stuff like that, but when I’m done with that I’m sure I’ll have many questions and I’ll definetly ask
A few of the questions I can think of right now are:
- How many students are there approx. in one year? That might sound funny lol, but for comparison, Slovenia has only four Universities, of which only ONE is considered good & others are just kinda there, offering spaces to other students but have no quality at all, so it’s a bit hard to imagine how many students are accepted for one course in the UK, is it like here where there are around 60, or maybe more since the population is much bigger/maybe even less because there are lots of other Unis anyways?
I found the data for Psych&Linguistics at their website but nothing for Psychology
- What other Unis did you apply to?
- Do you know if people who were accepted had mostly the same grades as specified on the entry requierments or were their results much higher, for an instance 3 A* instead of A*AA
- What extra curriculum activities did you write about in your personal statement or what do you suggest one should get involved with that would make you “look good”. I find that a bit tricky when it comes to psychology, since I think there isn’t much actual work you can do if you don’t have any qualifications
- Do you believe psychology was a right choice, as in do you think you’ll be able to find a good job, was the course exciting (not exactly the word I was searching for but still) and did it provide you with practical knowledge that you think you’ll use in the future or do you have a feeling you were there just for attendance and to pass the requierd assesments?
Okay that was a bit long, I’ll stop now (and of course if you have an answer and you attended a different University fell free to help me out too
+ I’m sure there are typos, oopss).
Original post by sarabugar
Thank you so much for your fast reply! If I don’t manage to find a definitive answer when I return to school in September, then I’ll probabbly write to the department as you suggested.
My decision to study abroad was made quite late (I guess by the standards of some probabbly VERY late) since I’ve been thinking abut it only for a little less than a year and there are sooo many things to research and do when applying as an EU or international student. I’m coming close to finishing my general research from different universities’ sites and other stuff like that, but when I’m done with that I’m sure I’ll have many questions and I’ll definetly ask
A few of the questions I can think of right now are:
- How many students are there approx. in one year? That might sound funny lol, but for comparison, Slovenia has only four Universities, of which only ONE is considered good & others are just kinda there, offering spaces to other students but have no quality at all, so it’s a bit hard to imagine how many students are accepted for one course in the UK, is it like here where there are around 60, or maybe more since the population is much bigger/maybe even less because there are lots of other Unis anyways?
I found the data for Psych&Linguistics at their website but nothing for Psychology
- What other Unis did you apply to?
- Do you know if people who were accepted had mostly the same grades as specified on the entry requierments or were their results much higher, for an instance 3 A* instead of A*AA
- What extra curriculum activities did you write about in your personal statement or what do you suggest one should get involved with that would make you “look good”. I find that a bit tricky when it comes to psychology, since I think there isn’t much actual work you can do if you don’t have any qualifications
- Do you believe psychology was a right choice, as in do you think you’ll be able to find a good job, was the course exciting (not exactly the word I was searching for but still) and did it provide you with practical knowledge that you think you’ll use in the future or do you have a feeling you were there just for attendance and to pass the requierd assesments?
Okay that was a bit long, I’ll stop now (and of course if you have an answer and you attended a different University fell free to help me out too
+ I’m sure there are typos, oopss).
My decision to study abroad was made quite late (I guess by the standards of some probabbly VERY late) since I’ve been thinking abut it only for a little less than a year and there are sooo many things to research and do when applying as an EU or international student. I’m coming close to finishing my general research from different universities’ sites and other stuff like that, but when I’m done with that I’m sure I’ll have many questions and I’ll definetly ask
A few of the questions I can think of right now are:
- How many students are there approx. in one year? That might sound funny lol, but for comparison, Slovenia has only four Universities, of which only ONE is considered good & others are just kinda there, offering spaces to other students but have no quality at all, so it’s a bit hard to imagine how many students are accepted for one course in the UK, is it like here where there are around 60, or maybe more since the population is much bigger/maybe even less because there are lots of other Unis anyways?
I found the data for Psych&Linguistics at their website but nothing for Psychology
- What other Unis did you apply to?
- Do you know if people who were accepted had mostly the same grades as specified on the entry requierments or were their results much higher, for an instance 3 A* instead of A*AA
- What extra curriculum activities did you write about in your personal statement or what do you suggest one should get involved with that would make you “look good”. I find that a bit tricky when it comes to psychology, since I think there isn’t much actual work you can do if you don’t have any qualifications
- Do you believe psychology was a right choice, as in do you think you’ll be able to find a good job, was the course exciting (not exactly the word I was searching for but still) and did it provide you with practical knowledge that you think you’ll use in the future or do you have a feeling you were there just for attendance and to pass the requierd assesments?
Okay that was a bit long, I’ll stop now (and of course if you have an answer and you attended a different University fell free to help me out too
+ I’m sure there are typos, oopss).1. About 120/130 in each year
2. Oxford, Durham, Royal Holloway and Bristol
3. Not sure about predicted but those I spoke to had an average of A*AA
4. I didn't. They're really not important in the PS. Just talk about wider reading you've done
5. It was the right choice for me for going down the academic route, not sure about other occupations but psychology and UCL offer good skills and knowledge that could help you get a job outside of psychology. Yes course was very exciting!
Hey guys, I just finished Year 12 and am planning to apply to study Psychology next year.
I have a few questions if you don't mind answering them
1. What A Level subjects did you take? (I take Psychology, English Literature and Biology)
2. What were the entry requirements of your course?
3. Do you have any tips for writing your personal statement? (I'm about to start mine)
4. I got a B in GCSE Maths and generally don't enjoy it, will I survive a Psychology degree? How much maths is there exactly? (I can generally do the Research Methods unit in A Level Psychology, but I'm worried about degree level stats)
I have a few questions if you don't mind answering them
1. What A Level subjects did you take? (I take Psychology, English Literature and Biology)
2. What were the entry requirements of your course?
3. Do you have any tips for writing your personal statement? (I'm about to start mine)
4. I got a B in GCSE Maths and generally don't enjoy it, will I survive a Psychology degree? How much maths is there exactly? (I can generally do the Research Methods unit in A Level Psychology, but I'm worried about degree level stats)
Original post by fireturtle
Hey guys, I just finished Year 12 and am planning to apply to study Psychology next year.
I have a few questions if you don't mind answering them
1. What A Level subjects did you take? (I take Psychology, English Literature and Biology)
2. What were the entry requirements of your course?
3. Do you have any tips for writing your personal statement? (I'm about to start mine)
4. I got a B in GCSE Maths and generally don't enjoy it, will I survive a Psychology degree? How much maths is there exactly? (I can generally do the Research Methods unit in A Level Psychology, but I'm worried about degree level stats)
I have a few questions if you don't mind answering them
1. What A Level subjects did you take? (I take Psychology, English Literature and Biology)
2. What were the entry requirements of your course?
3. Do you have any tips for writing your personal statement? (I'm about to start mine)
4. I got a B in GCSE Maths and generally don't enjoy it, will I survive a Psychology degree? How much maths is there exactly? (I can generally do the Research Methods unit in A Level Psychology, but I'm worried about degree level stats)
1. Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy and Ethics + EPQ
2. A*AA
3. Wider reading!
4. I got a B at GCSE maths too and survived just fine - most of stats isn't maths it's computational like SPSS
Original post by Noodlzzz
1. Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy and Ethics + EPQ
2. A*AA
3. Wider reading!
4. I got a B at GCSE maths too and survived just fine - most of stats isn't maths it's computational like SPSS
2. A*AA
3. Wider reading!
4. I got a B at GCSE maths too and survived just fine - most of stats isn't maths it's computational like SPSS
Thanks for the quick reply, do you have any examples of wider reading?
Original post by fireturtle
Thanks for the quick reply, do you have any examples of wider reading?
For me (and what I mentioned in my PS) was online uni lectures + a couple of books I discussed as opposed to just stating what I'd read/watched.
Original post by strontium-
Question: What types of (paid) jobs would be relevant and useful to get while studying for a psych degree? Also is it harder to get a part time/temp. job if you're an international (non-EU) student?
I would recommend seeing if your university has any paid research assistant posts available. These jobs tend to be very flexible to allow you ample time to study, and provide important experience for your dissertation later on. Even if you can't find any paid ones, becoming a voluntary assistant is still beneficial.
If you're interested in clinical psychology, you might want to look into whether you can get some experience in a clinical setting, such as as an assistant psychologist or mental health worker (though the requirements usually state that you need to have the degree under your belt already). I'm not sure how feasible this would be during term-time, but it could be something to consider during the holidays.
I don't have experience with your last question, but I doubt it would be harder to get a part-time job as long as you can commit to the hours they need and have relevant documentation.
Original post by Claros
I would recommend seeing if your university has any paid research assistant posts available. These jobs tend to be very flexible to allow you ample time to study, and provide important experience for your dissertation later on. Even if you can't find any paid ones, becoming a voluntary assistant is still beneficial.
If you're interested in clinical psychology, you might want to look into whether you can get some experience in a clinical setting, such as as an assistant psychologist or mental health worker (though the requirements usually state that you need to have the degree under your belt already). I'm not sure how feasible this would be during term-time, but it could be something to consider during the holidays.
I don't have experience with your last question, but I doubt it would be harder to get a part-time job as long as you can commit to the hours they need and have relevant documentation.
If you're interested in clinical psychology, you might want to look into whether you can get some experience in a clinical setting, such as as an assistant psychologist or mental health worker (though the requirements usually state that you need to have the degree under your belt already). I'm not sure how feasible this would be during term-time, but it could be something to consider during the holidays.
I don't have experience with your last question, but I doubt it would be harder to get a part-time job as long as you can commit to the hours they need and have relevant documentation.
Thank you for the info!!
Another question: I know the answer will probably vary because uni's don't run 100% the same way but how long does a lesson last? I saw people commenting about lab reports, what are lab lessons like?
Original post by strontium-
Another question: I know the answer will probably vary because uni's don't run 100% the same way but how long does a lesson last? I saw people commenting about lab reports, what are lab lessons like?
I'm at University of Bristol, in first year all our lectures/tutorials are 1 hour, whilst our Lab Sessions are 2 hours (we collect data and then analyse it in various ways). However in second year all our lectures become 2 hours long as well
Original post by madboo
I'm at University of Bristol, in first year all our lectures/tutorials are 1 hour, whilst our Lab Sessions are 2 hours (we collect data and then analyse it in various ways). However in second year all our lectures become 2 hours long as well
Oh, that makes sense. Thank you, really appreciate your reply
Original post by minivampire
Hey! 
Okay, I am not sure on what to ask really...
In September I start at staffs uni for Psychology. I am so excited and already have the reading list.
I've already started reading the books, and wow so far everything is from A-level (plus the random psyc research I do).
What are your tips for the first year?
First class?
How different are the exams?
Okay, I am not sure on what to ask really...
In September I start at staffs uni for Psychology. I am so excited and already have the reading list.
I've already started reading the books, and wow so far everything is from A-level (plus the random psyc research I do).
What are your tips for the first year?
First class?
How different are the exams?
Sorry for not getting back to you sooner! But it's great you've already started the reading list! First year is very like A level in content, they just expect you to go into more depth and write about it in a different way. My main tip is just to enjoy it! You won't find the content too hard which is a big advantage, so keep up with your reading but try not to worry too much. Focus on meeting people, making friends and getting into good study habits for the later years.
I can't comment to much on the difference in exams, it depends uni to uni and also I didn't take A level. But you should be given a fairly good idea of what to expect beforehand and they won't expect you to get every mark- a 2:1 is 60% normally to give you an idea. Does this help?
Original post by fireturtle
Hey guys, I just finished Year 12 and am planning to apply to study Psychology next year.
I have a few questions if you don't mind answering them
1. What A Level subjects did you take? (I take Psychology, English Literature and Biology)
2. What were the entry requirements of your course?
3. Do you have any tips for writing your personal statement? (I'm about to start mine)
4. I got a B in GCSE Maths and generally don't enjoy it, will I survive a Psychology degree? How much maths is there exactly? (I can generally do the Research Methods unit in A Level Psychology, but I'm worried about degree level stats)
I have a few questions if you don't mind answering them
1. What A Level subjects did you take? (I take Psychology, English Literature and Biology)
2. What were the entry requirements of your course?
3. Do you have any tips for writing your personal statement? (I'm about to start mine)
4. I got a B in GCSE Maths and generally don't enjoy it, will I survive a Psychology degree? How much maths is there exactly? (I can generally do the Research Methods unit in A Level Psychology, but I'm worried about degree level stats)
1) I did IB but I took Psychology, English Lit and Spanish HL (I did Biology SL and it has been so useful!)
2) 38 points (666 HL)
3) Mention how any extra curricular/ volunteering demonstrates your love for psychology
4) I'm at University of Bristol and the stats are completely fine! Most of it is done on a computer (just make sure you listen when they explain how to do it lol)
I've added this thread to my HUGE list of similar threads where you can find help and advice from current and former students of loads of universities and courses.
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