Julia is studying BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling here at The University of Bradford. She explains what it means to study psychology and her experience of being a student here at Bradford.
Julia, BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling
Graduating from college and starting university can be a stressful period in life. There’s so much to think about! This includes where to apply, how to deal with financial struggles, what to do with your life… There is one question, that is crucial and can help to shape answers for the rest of the questions.
What course should I choose?
Maybe I can help you decide.
Who are Psychology students?
I can’t tell you who all of the psychology students are, but I can tell you who I am. My name is Julia and I’m an international student, but I don’t like to think about myself like that. So, let’s start over.
My name is Julia and I’m a Psychology with Counselling student at the University of Bradford. Yes, much better. I’m right in the middle of my second year (and I’m already thinking a lot about the third year). I moved to Bradford around a year and a half ago and I live in a cute little studio apartment, just 10 minutes from the University. How would I describe myself in terms of being a Psychology student?
I’d say I’m busy but satisfied. And always reading something.
What’s the deal with this “counselling” part?
Here at Bradford, we’ve got two undergraduate courses related to psychology: Psychology with Counselling and straight Psychology. Both are interesting and engaging and we’ve got the majority of lectures together. But the one I chose and the one I would recommend the most is Psychology with Counselling.
The counselling modules are kind of an addition to the general psychological knowledge that is taught during my course. They are more practical and allow students to use the information in real situations, try different techniques and learn about several types of therapy (there is more than one, believe it or not!). When you learn about counselling, you learn how to think and how to speak, and the most important part – how to listen. Also, teamwork or working in pairs is something you do on a daily basis. Sounds fun, right?
It is. It is fun. It is also hard work, especially when you move from light, pleasant topics to more advanced and morally demanding ones. But if you’re really interested in the subject, you will find the content truly engaging and the chances are you’ll start your own research to find out more about the things you talk about in lectures.
Back to the future
When I was choosing my course, I was thinking not only about what I’d like to study but also how it would affect my future. I was looking at the bigger picture. What will happen after graduation? Where would I like to work? Will the course I’m considering be useful in my future, ‘adult’ life?
I bet you ask yourself the same questions.
The good thing about Psychology is that it teaches you a lot of transferable skills. I know that after three years at university, I will be great at critical thinking and teamwork; I will have analytical skills and I will know how to manage projects and information. All these qualities are desired by employers and are used in pretty much every industry, whether you want to go into business or want to work for the NHS.
Psychology is the future.
Life as I know it
For me, choosing Psychology with Counselling was one of the best choices in my life. I enjoy student life, I spend hours in the library and I learn important things. I still have time to go for coffee with my friends, watch Netflix or play with my cat. The course gives space for independent study and for asking questions. It also gives answers.
Psychology? Yes, please. I’ll take three years.
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