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The University of Southampton
Psychology

Charlie Cole BSc Psychology, 2015

Charlie Cole's Photo

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

I currently work with Mind as a peer support mentor and would love to develop my passion for mental health further in acquiring a Postgraduate Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at Southampton University.

Why did you choose to study at Southampton?

The University of Southampton ticked all the boxes in the application stage of the process. Firstly, I had heard great things from some friends who had been there! This was reflected in the National Student Survey, which proved that the accounts were widely agreed upon. Furthermore, as a Russell Group University I knew Southampton’s reputation for academic excellence would be demonstrated through high standard research-led teaching. As a psychology student this was an important selling point since it is a constantly evolving, scientific subject. But it was the actual open day that grabbed my attention. After the campus tour I was impressed at the variety of facilities on campus, the friendly atmosphere that was created by staff and students, and the beauty of its location. The whole experience felt ‘right’ and I knew I would fit in, leading to the decision that Southampton University was the institution of higher education for me!

Are there lots of opportunities/places to socialise and relax here?

Southampton University has over 200 clubs and societies – there is really something for everyone! Through talking to current students and alumni as a student caller I have been impressed by the diversity of activities that are on offer. It ranges from department societies to fancy dress and if there isn’t something for you, you can create your own. Beyond societies and sport teams the campus provides a number places to socialise, relax and engage in activity – there is an on campus cinema (Union Films), a club (Pulse), multiple bars (the Stags and the Bridge) and even a climbing wall!

What is your opinion about the University’s efforts to increase the flexibility of degree programmes and introduce more choice for personalised learning?

It is excellent that the University is committed to making degree programmes more flexible. The inclusion of Curriculum Innovation modules gives students a chance to diversify their learning – everyone is different and therefore it makes sense that each student can demonstrate their individuality by exploring subjects outside of their discipline. It will make students more versatile and provide further transferable skills, which is crucial for entering the workplace!

How do you feel the research-based teaching has benefitted your studies so far?

Having lecturers who are also researchers makes the whole education experience more captivating and I truly believe it benefits our studies. During the average two-hour lecture, the amount of passion that comes across is overwhelming. The up to date research material included in our lectures inspires us yet also provides us with cutting-edge knowledge to apply to our chosen degrees.

What is your opinion of support available for students on campus in terms of pastoral support, health services and student safety?

In my opinion the level of student support at Southampton University is its jewel in the crown! The University is dedicated to ensuring students fulfil their true potential by maintaining their physical, social and mental wellbeing. During my time at Southampton I have been so impressed by the support services on offer. Having come up against difficulty in the second year the faculty student support staff and the Enabling Services team have really tried their best to help me. Furthermore whilst working as a student caller it has been great to hear of all the ways the Opportunity Fund has benefitted alumni who have been in a variety of disadvantaged situations.

Does the University help its students get ready for employment?

Yes – very much so! Throughout my time at Southampton the level of contact between the careers services and students is outstanding. Starting from the first year there have been various career fairs, career panels and opportunities to prepare for employment via CV workshops or career interviews to name a few. At Southampton, career advice is not just for graduates, it begins from almost the moment you arrive – they are very willing to help students as they continually develop and seek to improve. Recently, concerning myself the faculty have provided me with excellent careers advice in how to approach my postgraduate goal of becoming a CBT Psychotherapist.

The University helps students find placements and internships to complement their studies, is this a good thing?

Although I haven’t had a placement myself, I am fully aware that many of my peers have benefited from the University’s help in finding paid or voluntary placements. The placement opportunities offered by the Excel programme are diverse and help students to build their CV’s, whilst also allowing them to earn.

What are the benefits of living in halls?

Living in halls is one of the best experiences to be had at University! I stayed in Romero, Archers Road small halls and my time there will be one of the most memorable parts of being a student. The hall itself was of great standard and location – a short walk to the clubs and the city centre, yet only a 10-minute bus journey to University! Luckily the free Uni-link bus pass that comes with halls residency in the first year meant that travelling was not an issue. Every halls complex has a JCR (Junior Common Room) team – who keep the time in halls safe and sociable. Good friends I made in halls will be friends for life! My highlight was probably being a Fresher Rep!

What are your plans for the future?

Once I have finished my undergraduate degree in psychology I would very much like to stay at the University of Southampton to take my studies further. The subject of psychology is one of my main passions in life, in particular the applications of psychotherapy to help others. I currently work with Mind as a peer support mentor and would love to develop my passion for mental health further in acquiring a Postgraduate Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at Southampton University.

 

Why did you choose to study at Southampton?
The University of Southampton ticked all the boxes in the application stage of the process. Firstly, I had heard great things from some friends who had been there! This was reflected in the National Student Survey, which proved that the accounts were widely agreed upon. Furthermore, as a Russell Group University I knew Southampton’s reputation for academic excellence would be demonstrated through high standard research-led teaching. As a psychology student this was an important selling point since it is a constantly evolving, scientific subject. But it was the actual open day that grabbed my attention. After the campus tour I was impressed at the variety of facilities on campus, the friendly atmosphere that was created by staff and students, and the beauty of its location. The whole experience felt ‘right’ and I knew I would fit in, leading to the decision that Southampton University was the institution of higher education for me!

Are there lots of opportunities/places to socialise and relax here?
Southampton University has over 200 clubs and societies – there is really something for everyone! Through talking to current students and alumni as a student caller I have been impressed by the diversity of activities that are on offer. It ranges from department societies to fancy dress and if there isn’t something for you, you can create your own. Beyond societies and sport teams the campus provides a number places to socialise, relax and engage in activity – there is an on campus cinema (Union Films), a club (Pulse), multiple bars (the Stags and the Bridge) and even a climbing wall!

What is your opinion about the University’s efforts to increase the flexibility of degree programmes and introduce more choice for personalised learning?
It is excellent that the University is committed to making degree programmes more flexible. The inclusion of Curriculum Innovation modules gives students a chance to diversify their learning – everyone is different and therefore it makes sense that each student can demonstrate their individuality by exploring subjects outside of their discipline. It will make students more versatile and provide further transferable skills, which is crucial for entering the workplace!

How do you feel the research-based teaching has benefitted your studies so far?
Having lecturers who are also researchers makes the whole education experience more captivating and I truly believe it benefits our studies. During the average two-hour lecture, the amount of passion that comes across is overwhelming. The up to date research material included in our lectures inspires us yet also provides us with cutting-edge knowledge to apply to our chosen degrees.

What is your opinion of support available for students on campus in terms of pastoral support, health services and student safety?
In my opinion the level of student support at Southampton University is its jewel in the crown! The University is dedicated to ensuring students fulfil their true potential by maintaining their physical, social and mental wellbeing. During my time at Southampton I have been so impressed by the support services on offer. Having come up against difficulty in the second year the faculty student support staff and the Enabling Services team have really tried their best to help me. Furthermore whilst working as a student caller it has been great to hear of all the ways the Opportunity Fund has benefitted alumni who have been in a variety of disadvantaged situations.

Does the University help its students get ready for employment?
Yes – very much so! Throughout my time at Southampton the level of contact between the careers services and students is outstanding. Starting from the first year there have been various career fairs, career panels and opportunities to prepare for employment via CV workshops or career interviews to name a few. At Southampton, career advice is not just for graduates, it begins from almost the moment you arrive – they are very willing to help students as they continually develop and seek to improve. Recently, concerning myself the faculty have provided me with excellent careers advice in how to approach my postgraduate goal of becoming a CBT Psychotherapist.

The University helps students find placements and internships to complement their studies, is this a good thing?
Although I haven’t had a placement myself, I am fully aware that many of my peers have benefited from the University’s help in finding paid or voluntary placements. The placement opportunities offered by the Excel programme are diverse and help students to build their CV’s, whilst also allowing them to earn.

What are the benefits of living in halls?
Living in halls is one of the best experiences to be had at University! I stayed in Romero, Archers Road small halls and my time there will be one of the most memorable parts of being a student. The hall itself was of great standard and location – a short walk to the clubs and the city centre, yet only a 10-minute bus journey to University! Luckily the free Uni-link bus pass that comes with halls residency in the first year meant that travelling was not an issue. Every halls complex has a JCR (Junior Common Room) team – who keep the time in halls safe and sociable. Good friends I made in halls will be friends for life! My highlight was probably being a Fresher Rep!

What are your plans for the future?
Once I have finished my undergraduate degree in psychology I would very much like to stay at the University of Southampton to take my studies further. The subject of psychology is one of my main passions in life, in particular the applications of psychotherapy to help others. I currently work with Mind as a peer support mentor and would love to develop my passion for mental health further in acquiring a Postgraduate Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at Southampton University.

 

 

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