Johnny Dickins BSc Psychology 2012, MSc Research Methods

Currently studying PhD Psychology at Southampton

Hi, I'm Johnny Dickins and I studied BSc Psychology within Psychology at the University of Southampton.

For someone who has always had an interest in the research process, the great emphasis placed on this within the department at Southampton was a real draw for me.

 

Q: Why did you choose to undertake your studies in Psychology at the University of Southampton?
There were a number of factors which helped me to choose the University of Southampton; for someone who has always had an interest in the research process, the great emphasis placed on this within the department at Southampton was a real draw for me. Even more so, the wide range of topics that are offered to undergraduate students meant that someone like me, who had not yet found a specific area of interest within psychology, was able to experience and learn about many aspects of psychology, and decide which ones I enjoyed studying the most.

Q: What did you enjoy about studying Psychology at Southampton?
I was pleasantly surprised by the way undergraduates were welcomed to the department; lecturers were accessible and helpful throughout, and the department offered schemes to help undergraduates become more involved if they were inclined to do so. For instance, the Voluntary Research Assistant scheme was something I got involved with in my second year. I was placed onto a project which involved eye-tracking, and along with other volunteers was given considerable responsibilities. This helped me to narrow my own interests and is something I have continued to be a part of right up until the end of my final year.

Q: What have you been able to achieve as a result of studying at the University of Southampton?
The VRA scheme helped me to narrow my own interests and gain insight into the process of conducting research, and being given a range of responsibilities has helped me to feel more confident and competent in the areas I was involved with.