University of Kent

My name’s Sofiia, I’m Ukrainian, and I have been studying in the UK since my A Levels. After enjoying A Level Psychology, I did my BSc in Psychology at the University of Bath, and am now doing MSc in Clinical Psychology here, at the University of Kent. Outside of uni work, I write for Mental Elf blog, where I summarise recent psychological research on various topics.

When you first started your Master’s degree, how were you feeling?

It was easier to settle in because I was kind of doing it the second time (after BSc) but, of course, I was still feeling a mix of emotions. What helped me to settle in was going outside as much as possible, which was difficult at first since I am very much an “indoor cat”, as my mom would say. But getting to walk around campus, going to the city centre, and then meeting my flatmates and course mates gradually made me feel that “yes, I like it here”.

Favourite thing about the course?

It’s hard to choose! I like the content, it’s very relevant to what I want to do in the future. I can also pick optional modules that allow you to explore more specific interests. For example, Developmental Psychopathology and Neuropsychology of Ageing have been my favourite ones. But, of course, it wouldn’t be fun without the lecturers, who are very approachable and friendly. I find it incredibly valuable to be able to talk to the professionals in their field, especially about things like clinical practice, which you won’t find as readily elsewhere.

I am also thoroughly enjoying my dissertation project, which is about exploring the lived experience of companions/carers of people with Parkinson’s. I am very lucky to work with Dr Emma Travers-Hill and Wesley Pyke at the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy on campus. My favourite part is carrying out the interviews with companions and carers, knowing that what I do will have a real-world impact, and that is incredibly rewarding!

What are your plans for the future?

I am hoping to do a PhD here, building on my master’s dissertation, and then, hopefully, pursue a DClinPsych to become a Clinical Psychologist. I also would love to lecture and, ideally, have a mix of clinical practice and the academic work. And, on the other note, I am hoping to travel more around the UK with my friends!