Ellie is a student on the MSc Clinical Health Psychology programme.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what originally brought you to 黑料正能量…
My name is Ellie and I have recently completed the MSc in Clinical Health Psychology. Before choosing to continue my education at the University of 黑料正能量, I had just finished my undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Glasgow. I knew I had wanted to continue my education to postgraduate level, but I found that it was challenging to find a postgraduate degree that would further develop the knowledge and skills I developed in my undergraduate studies. However, when I found the MSc in Clinical Health Psychology at 黑料正能量, I knew I had found the perfect postgraduate route.
What drew you towards your chosen degree?
I was drawn to the MSc due to its combination of applied learning and research alongside practical workshops with clinicians in the second semester. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed my undergraduate studies, I felt that I had experienced a lack of practical learning and thus hoped to correct that by undertaking a postgraduate degree and I am pleased to say that the MSc lived up to my expectations.
What specialist knowledge/professional skills did you develop whilst studying the course?
I learned specialist knowledge about different therapeutic modalities, for example Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Person-Centred Therapy. I gained this knowledge through practical workshops led by qualified practitioners who observed student roleplays. Additionally, I gained professional knowledge of ethical and professional standards expected of psychologists and psychological practitioners. For example, learning about the British Psychological Society (BPS) code of conduct and principles in addition to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards of conduct and standards of proficiency for psychology practitioners. The aforementioned areas were scarcely touched upon in my undergraduate studies and so gaining this knowledge was significant and interesting.
What was the best part of studying your programme (e.g. unique selling points of programme, personal experiences, staff/academic support?)
I think the focus this programme has on applied learning, whether that is workshops on psychological formulation and assessment or using research methods skills to develop novel information leaflets and initiatives through evidence-based research is extremely unique and important. Whilst these assessments and learning opportunities are challenging, they have pushed my learning to new heights, and I feel they have developed how I critically think and analyse research. Furthermore, I know it sounds cheesy but being able to meet other people, creating new friendships and connections with students and staff alike has been incredibly rewarding and heart warming.
Can you tell me more about your dissertation topic and how the process was for you?
My dissertation focused on understanding how Scottish informal caregivers experienced nature and its therapeutic benefits using a qualitative approach. Scotland has a wealth of natural resources and significant amounts of research highlight nature's restorative and relaxing qualities which are associated with improving mental health and physical well-being. With informal caregiving becoming more common in Scottish society, the need for accessible and sustainable support initiatives is rising, thus my dissertation research and goals were created!
I really enjoyed the process of researching and writing my dissertation. It was my first time using pure qualitative methods for a large-scale research project. Additionally, it was my first time using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Whilst this was intimidating, my two supervisors were incredibly supportive and held weekly 2-hour meetings with my dissertation group filled with skills workshops, weekly presentations of our independent research and data analysis, and discussions with past students to develop our skills and knowledge for writing a high-quality piece of research. Furthermore, being able to directly gather my own data through one-to-one semi-structured interviews was extremely valuable. Not only did I fill another gap in my own skills and knowledge, but it also increased my connection to my research which drove me to continue to give my best efforts when writing my dissertation.
What are your hopes for the future?
As many other students studying psychology, I aspire to complete the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) and go on to work as a Clinical Psychologist. This has been my goal since starting my undergraduate degree in 2021 and it continues to be my career aspiration. In the immediate future, I am hoping to secure employment related to psychology, whether that is in an applied practitioner role or in a research role, as I am eager to put my learning and skills to use alongside making connections in the field. However, spending time in the Higher Education environment has created a passion for Higher Education and supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds, like me, to access Higher Education, and so this is another career area that I am exploring.
What advice would you give to prospective students interested in applying for this programme?
Overall, I have enjoyed my time studying the MSc. However, the MSc is intense and can be costly. I would urge students who are interested in the MSc to think about if they can commit to the amount of time needed to appropriately study and complete the coursework expected of students. For example, weekly research goals across three modules alongside seminar prep and assignment working often took around 3-4 hours per day, excluding time in lectures. Additionally, I would urge students to think about if they can financially commit to the MSc as SAAS does not completely fund it unlike an undergraduate degree.
