Sarah Greenwell

Psychology MSc

Where are you from?

Whickham, Gateshead

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I chose Northumbria because it's local to me and gives me the chance to study a Masters while living at home. That way I can save some money!

What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?

I used to be an air hostess and I've travelled all over the world but I always come back to Newcastle. It really is the most beautiful city and the people here are some of the kindest people I've ever met.

Did you find Northumbria University welcoming? Was it easy to fit in?

Before the welcome session I was really nervous about meeting people on my course and finding the right room but this session made things a lot easier. There's a wide range of people studying my course but I found it really easy to make friends. I'm surprised that we have all gelled so quickly.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

I really enjoy my course. It might be challenging at times and I have spent a lot of sleepless nights in the library but the results are so worth while. I have surprised myself with my grades. I know now that this is the career I want to pursue.

What is your favourite place on campus?

My favourite place on campus is the Postgraduate hub. It's a lot quieter than the library and there's guaranteed easy access to a computer and a printer. It also offers a relaxed atmosphere where I can chat with my course mates between lectures. When I'm not working I like sitting in the quad on a crisp sunny day with a cup of tea from the Uni Shop.

What is the best thing about your course?

The best thing about my course has to be the freedom that we are given. As masters students we are treated with a lot more respect. The lecturers are fantastic and are always available to offer help or their opinions. I feel like I've learned a lot by interacting with the lecturers, rather than just sitting and listening as you would at Undergraduate level.

What do you want to do in the future? What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?

I want to become a Clinical Psychologist. Through my course I've gained a lot of research experience. Previously I had none.

Have you taken up any opportunities to travel with your current course/undertake field trips? If so, please tell us about them.

I had the chance to go to a primary school and conduct some research into children's drawings. It was really interesting and I loved talking to the kids about their drawings.

How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria University, Newcastle (e.g. confidence)?

I don't feel like I have changed as a person as I'm only studying for a short period of time but my experiences on the course have confirmed that this is really where I want to be and what I want to be doing. I enjoy my course so much, I definitely feel like I have made the right choice for my future career.