Tell us about yourself – why did you decide to study a master’s with King’s College London?

I’m from England but was raised in New Zealand. Although, I’ve always wanted to come back, and in 2019, I finally made the move. At that point, I had graduated with my BSc, majoring in psychology. During my course, I also took biomedical papers, and this is what made me recognise my love of Neuroscience. My love of psychology stemmed from year 12 when I first got to choose it as an option. I absolutely loved it and did well in it! My life goal has always been to make a difference, and I knew from then that the way I would make my difference was in psychology, and I have followed the pathway ever since!

Following graduation from my BSc in 2019, I knew I wanted to do my MSc straight away. Almost as soon as I arrived in the UK, I began researching what courses would work for me. This course at King’s College London ticked every single box, and I immediately got started on my application form. The other things that sold it to me were how well-regarded King’s and the IoPPN (Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry & Neuroscience) are. I appreciate the student support, the online lecturers and the set up of this particular course. I was also taken by the availability for future study because I know that I’m going to do my doctorate – DClinPsy. Knowing I could do that through King’s too was really appealing.

What did you think about the academic staff? And the student support you’ve received?

The academic staff are just unbelievable. I feel lucky to learn from people who’re so advanced and knowledgeable in their field. The academic team have such a passion for psychology and are doing some incredible work to help develop and improve the field. They inspire me to keep going, so I can one day be in a similar position.

The student support has been incredible.

The academic tutors assigned to me are so easy to reach and always happy to help. I enjoy engaging with them and knowing that my education is free of judgement. The Student Success Advisors are also so wonderful – I so enjoy my catch-ups with my Student Success Advisor as they help put my mind at ease and put everything into perspective. I have a bad habit of running away with my thoughts and thinking I’m not doing well enough – but they’re always there to help and support me, again, completely non-judgementally.

Why did you choose an online course? How do you fit study in with your day-to-day life?

Originally, I did want to do an on-campus course, however, because I hadn’t been living in the UK for 3 years, I wasn’t eligible for student help. I decided I couldn’t fund this myself and also live in London! Online study has allowed me to continue working and gain experience at the same time.

In terms of time management, sometimes I do struggle. I work a full-time job and also have a part-time (soon-to-be-full-time) assistant psychology role – so it’s a balancing act. But for me, it works well because I enjoy being busy and having things to do! And it’s especially easy when those things are in areas I’m so passionate about.

What modules have stood out for you, and why?

All my advanced modules! I’ve only done two so far, but the level of depth and expertise is just fascinating, and I’m learning so much that I’m already using in my personal and work life.

Did you connect with other online students via the discussion board – how did you find this aspect of the course?

I’ve figured out a system to keep track of the discussion boards, which is important. I enjoy engaging with other students in them; it’s nice to see what other people are thinking and what perspective they take.

What difference is this course going to make to your career?

The knowledge, 110%. I was a bit upset to see it’s not BPS accredited, meaning I’ll need to rely on my overseas BSc to get my graduate membership so I can apply for DClinPsy courses and jobs. But I’ve been fascinated with the course and its content.

Also, for personal development – learning the balancing act, learning more about the field itself, learning where the research gaps are, feeling more connected to my career and meeting others as passionate as me!