Stephanie Kelly

I had always wanted to be a Clinical Psychologist. Studying at Northumbria opened many doors, the option of a placement module in final year was so helpful - gaining relevant real life experience was so useful upon graduating. The week I graduated I began my first job in the NHS due to the skills I had learnt on placement and through the course itself.

What are you doing now?

Currently I am completing the Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at University College London and am due to qualify in 2019.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

One of the best things about studying psychology at Northumbria is that you are based in a city with the largest mental health trust in the UK who have great volunteering opportunities so you have the chance to combine the academic with practical skills.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

Studying at Northumbria gives you a range of skills from team working in psychology labs, writing skills through coursework and exams but also research skills through the dissertation project.

How connect was your course with industry?

I completed a placement at Mind during my time on the course, this was invaluable and hugely respected by prospective employers.

If you took on a placement during your course how did you feel this helped you in your career/ with your studies?

Being on placement meant I had references that could comment on relevant experience when going on to apply for paid posts. In addition to this, placement is a brilliant networking opportunity I am still in contact with many of the people I was on placement with years later.

What was the best thing about your course?

The staff team on the course are part of what makes it so good, I transferred in second year and the staff were so approachable and supportive.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

Northumbria got the best out of me, the tutors spent time getting to know me and through that my strengths were honed. Being aware of what I was really good at and the things I needed to work harder on was something I truly valued about the course.

Which skills/ knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

I still refer back to my statistics leactures!

What advice would you give somebody who is thinking of studying at Northumbria?

I’d say go and visit - meet the team and you’ll get a sense of how supportive the academic staff are which is something I think really makes a course.