Angela Wearn

MSc Health Psychology

Where are you from?

Newcastle Upon Tyne

What undergraduate course did you study and where?

Bsc Psychology at Northumbria University.

Why did you decide to study a masters?

I decided to study a Masters as I have a huge passion for health and biological psychology. Eventually I want to progress onto a PhD so a Masters was the perfect next step.

Why did you choose Northumbria University? Why did you choose your specific course?

I really enjoyed my time as an undergraduate at Northumbria. I also felt my research interests aligned well with Northumbria's psychology department. I had heard a lot of good things about the Msc Health Psychology course anyway so it was an easy choice!

What makes your specific course challenging/inspiring/different? How would you sum up the difference between Undergraduate and Postgraduate study?

My course covers so many different aspects of health psychology; in the morning we can be learning about research design and statistical techniques and in the afternoon we are discussing the benefits of cognitive behavioural therapy, every day brings something new and different. We have also had practical sessions measuring and analysing our own salivary cortisol - which I found fascinating! Whilst undergraduate study provided me with the knowledge to progress to the next stage I feel postgraduate study is a lot more personalised to my own career aims and interests.

What was it like studying at Northumbria? What are the different ways that you learn on your course?

As well as traditional lecture material we also engage in a lot of class discussion. For example we often have 'journal clubs' where we discuss recently published journal articles as a group - this is generally really popular and has been so useful for understanding some of the more complex research studies. We also have a day long conference coming up soon to develop our professional skills which I'm really looking forward to.

How connected is your course with industry? Do you have the opportunity of placement, work on projects?

There are no specific placements on my course but the staff and programme leaders are well connected to those working within health psychology research and practice. Due to this we have a lot of really interesting guest lectures from people who are experts in their field.

What impressed you most about our academic staff?

I love how passionate staff are when teaching, it is infectious!

How accessible do you find our staff? Do you feel at ease?

The staff at in the psychology department are so approachable and actively encourage us to contact them if we have any issues or further questions we want to discuss.

What doors do you think this course will open for you? How will your course help you achieve your career goals/give your career an edge?

Although I achieved a good undergraduate degree I feel my course has given me a deeper understanding of my subject and has improved my connections to academics and professionals within the area. Some of the things we are taught within the Msc (for example applying for research grants) will really give my career an extra edge!

How would you describe Northumbria in 3 words?

Challenging, Inspiring, Accessible.

Do you feel that your course has been a worthwhile investment in your future?

Definitely! I think gaining my Masters is an important stepping stone for me, without it I don't think I would have as many opportunities for progression.