Brenda Kirkup

Psychology with Criminology

Where are you from?

Morpeth, Northumberland

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I decided to go to Northumbria as it had a good reputation, and it was also near to my home town. This was important to me as I am also looking after my family and home, therefore, I needed the University to be close to me.

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

I think Newcastle is an extremely friendly part of the country and it also has some very interesting places to visit. Newcastle has a very good city centre with a wide range of amenities. Newcastle hosts some very good nightclubs for the younger student.

What has surprised you most about living in Newcastle and this region? What has impressed you most?

As I already live in this area, I know most areas. However, I found that while studying at Newcastle, the people were really helpful and friendly. I was impressed at how easy it was to settle in to student life, with the support from staff and fellow students.

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

I found that Northumbria University was very welcoming. In particular, as I am a mature student, the staff appeared to go the extra mile to make me feel welcome and supported. I also found that making new friends was very easy, this was, I believe, due to being involved with group work.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

The thing I have enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University is the chance to gain a degree. I believe this has changed my life as I now have more confidence, as well as newly found knowledge that I can share with other people. I have also enjoyed learning about new topics with top professional tutors.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

I believe my project supervisor has been truly inspirational as he made me feel that my research was very important to the field of psychology. He gave me expert advice and made my final year project enjoyable. It was reassuring that he was there to discuss any element of my project should I have needed it.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

I believe that one of my module tutors (Louise Ridley) has been very inspiring during my time at Northumbria. I came to Northumbria thinking that Prisoners had an easy life in prison, and I am due to leave university with an appreciation of the difficulties that prisoners face while incarcerated. I also have her to thank for getting me the opportunity to work with families visiting prisoners. This has also contributed to my knowledge in this area.

What is your favourite place on campus?

My favourite place on campus has to be Lipman Cafe. This was where I met up with friends and also where friends and I carried out group meetings. The atmosphere was relaxing and the staff were really friendly and welcoming.

What is the best thing about your course?

I feel the best thing about my course was that the modules were taught in an interesting and (where possible) fun way. This made the learning experience more pleasurable.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?

The most valuable lesson that I have learned is that I appreciate that people have there own opinions, but I can also discuss other explanations with them. I feel this has given me the chance to share my knowledge with other people, and hope that it broadens other peoples knowledge as well.

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 would like to have a career working with victims of crime. I have developed excellent listening and communication skills, as well as developing research skills. As I have also been a victim of crime on several occasions, I feel that learning other aspects of victimisation has contributed to my experiences by providing extra knowledge in the area.

If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?

If you are a mature student, you will be supported in your time with Northumbria by helpful staff. You will also be welcomed regardless of your background. Just go for it, you will be glad you did.

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

I have become more confident as a person since coming to Northumbria University. I have also developed more self-esteem and motivation, which in turn has improved my self worth and emotional well-being. I have experienced a colourful life in terms of experiences and it left me feeling unworthy of anything, but this has changed now, as I know I am worth more than I was made to feel.