Kathryn Graham

Psychology

What appealed to you about Northumbria University / studying in Newcastle?

I think Newcastle is an exciting place with lots going on. It’s not too far from home so it's easy enough for me to go back for weekends and a couple of my friends are also studying here.

What was it about the course / subject area that particularly appealed?

I enjoyed Psychology when I studied it at A level and I wanted to further my studies. I am hoping to join the Police in the future so I thought that combining it with Criminology would give me an insight into this. Also certain aspects within Criminology appealed to me; prisons in particular. The course is three years too, and in other universities it was four years so this was also a bonus for me.

What qualifications did you have?

I applied through UCAS and I got Psychology (B), Biology (C), French (C) in my A levels.

How did you feel during your first week at Northumbria?

When I first moved in I was both nervous and excited but once I was in my room and had met the others along the corridor my parents didn’t stay around for long; it didn’t take me long to settle in. It was a busy week going out and socialising with others every night. I met so many great people, I loved it!

What do you like most about the course?

In the third year, I was able to pick options for Criminology which allowed me to study areas that I’m particularly interested in; this is the same for my dissertation as I’m researching an area that I want to further my knowledge in.

Can you give an example of a piece of work you’ve been involved with recently?

I have recently just finished carrying out a sleep study for another student which involved four phases and I started it last year.

How do you get on with your tutors?

I’ve had the same Guidance Tutor for all three years and he is also my tutor for my dissertation so I feel comfortable talking to him about everything. This is the same for all the other tutors who have taught me in various modules.

What do you do when you’re not studying?

I’m a member of the Dance Society for the Student's Union which has involved practice most weeks and some performances. We were winners of 'Northumbria’s Got Talent' last year. The shopping in Newcastle is good and there are many cafes where you can go with your friends to chill out. I’m a member of the gym on campus which has very recently been refurbished and I try to go between three and four times a week if I have time. The city cinema which is in The Gate is also good for nights with friends if you don’t fancy going out; I often go. Then there’s obviously the nightlife – there’s something going every night, it’s great! I’m also a student Mentor for the first year Psychology students.

What’s your accommodation like?

This year I’m living about 15 minutes walk away from uni which is pretty perfect for me. I’m living in quite a big five bedroom house of three floors. I live with four of my friends, all girls. The area in Heaton is quite quiet and friendly. All of the bedrooms are quite big and its not too expensive.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

I’d like to join the Police once I’ve graduated but I’m not fully certain in what area as many aspects interest me. This has been my idea since coming to the University and starting the course.

Do you have any advice for anyone applying for your course, or for university in general?

If you are interested in the course in particular I’d just like to say that the two subjects; Psychology and Criminology, aren’t linked like I expected they would be and unfortunately you don’t get to pick any Psychology modules but you do get to pick options in your final year for Criminology. Apply for your finance early as sometimes it takes a while to clear and when looking at accommodation, I found that you don’t have to stay in the best place to have the most fun; it’s not the place, it’s the people you meet. Make the most of it as time flies by!