Harriet - BSc Psychology with Education

Harriet is currently a fourth year BSc Psychology with Education student in the School of Education.

Why did you choose your degree? 

I’ve had an interest in Psychology since secondary school and so I always knew I wanted to study psychology at university; I had a slight change at plan once at Leeds but my degree now allows me to combine both of my interests. I originally studied BSc Psychology before I transferred to BSc Psychology with Education after my first year. I decided I wanted a different focus to my degree and although I was still passionate about psychology, I really wanted to combine this with my interest in educational practice. Leeds had recently formed my programme and it was an exciting opportunity to be part of. As my programme is still accredited by the BPS, I’m able to study a combination of psychology and education modules. I enjoy the balance of theory and application, which I hope will allow me to have a broader understanding of the influence psychology can have within education and wider research.

What has been your favourite part of your course so far?

I have really enjoyed the opportunity to become a Course Representative for my year. We meet a few times across the semester with other course representatives and members of academic staff, to help review our course and hopefully suggest improvements for further years.

What have you found most challenging about university?

I found managing my time quite tricky at first. I tried to make sure I used time between lectures to my advantage and would often work with friends on campus, common ground in the union is one of my favourite places to work and I find cake is the best reward!

What did you study at school and/or college?

I studied Psychology, English Language & Literature, Health & Social Care and Photography at A-level and more recently, an Access to HE Diploma in Psychology.

Why did you choose to study at the University of Leeds?

I chose Leeds as it was the only university that felt ‘right’ and I loved it from when I arrived at the open day. The School of Education felt really welcoming and with the programme being quite small, there’s a sense of community amongst us all. With campus being so close to the city, everything is within easy reach and everyone has been very friendly. This all helped when making my decision!

Have you been involved in any extra-curricular activities?

I’m a member of the University Boat Club. I’d never rowed before coming university but really wanted to try it and I joined the Novice Women squad in my first year. I love being out on the water and I’ve been able to represent the club at a few races over the years. After January exams we went to Durham for a training weekend with all of the novice squads, it was a good way to end the exam period and was a particular highlight. I’m also a member of the Baking Society, I highly recommend the annual cakely run, where we tour Leeds eating cake for the day.

What are your top tips for applying for University?

I would say don’t rush into a decision too early. There’s a lot of pressure to know what you want to study at university when you choose your A-levels and my advice would be to choose subjects you enjoy or are interested in. Make sure you go and see universities before applying if possible, they are all different and each have their own strengths. Try and have a look at module specifics for each course as if it doesn’t interest you, it may not be the right choice.

Sum up your university experience (so far!) in one sentence!

I’ve achieved things I didn’t think believe I could do with challenges along the way but I’m a stronger person than I was when I first started!