Student Profiles

Amanda Walcott, BSc Psychology
'I decided to study Psychology at Goldsmiths because of the array of course units available, and because you are not expected to do any studies involving animal cruelty. The course also provides you with a good background in basic computing which is vital for many prospective employers. The Department staff and undergraduate students are all very friendly and supportive. This course also reflects the diversity of cultures and religions you can find at Goldsmiths and this helps to make everyone feel welcome. I love it - despite the hard work, these have been the best years of my life.'

Pia Gasberg, BSc Psychology
'Coming to Goldsmiths as an overseas student I was naturally apprehensive. Even though I have only been away from studying for a few years, it is always difficult to go back to full-time education, and studying in a language other than your mother tongue does not make it any easier. But I had nothing to worry about - although it is a demanding course, I truly enjoy it. Goldsmiths has a great atmosphere to it and there is a very good social life. I live in halls not far from the College and with easy access to central London. At first I didn't fancy the idea of living in South London, but I've realised there's a lot more to it than I first thought.'

Anna Stone, BSc Psychology
'At 35 I started to get bored with my career in IT and so I decided to go back to university to study a subject that really interested me - people. I have never regretted my decision. I chose Goldsmiths because of its energetic and informal atmosphere and because it has a relatively high proportion of mature students.

The degree spans a wide range of topics within Psychology, and both theory and practical work are challenging and stimulating. Staff are approachable and always pleased to help. I am now working harder and enjoying my work more than ever before, and I am learning to question my own assumptions. One of the best aspects of the degree is the opportunity to discuss ideas with other students and with friends - psychology is a subject most people have some interest in. One of the worst aspects is having to reassure people that I really don't want to analyse their dreams!'

Julie Avenell, MSc Psychological Assessment in Organisations
'I began my career working in Personnel, after having completed A-levels, one of which was Psychology. While pleased to find some application of Psychology to the workplace, I wanted to develop a greater understanding of Psychology in general. I returned to full-time education as a mature student, and studied for a degree in Psychology; keen to learn more about Psychology in the workplace, I decided to study for a Higher Degree. After considering a number of courses, I joined the Masters degree programme in Psychological Assessment in Organisation at Goldsmiths, University in 1992. I was self-funded, and being able to study part-time allowed me to continue working full-time. The course was well-structured and provided valuable learning in a range of areas, including Recruitment and Selection, Assessment Centres, Personality, and Test Design. I was awarded my Masters degree with distinction in 1994, and now work for an International firm of Human Resource Consultants. I am currently working towards gaining status as a Chartered Occupational Psychologist, and feel that my Master's degree has greatly assisted my career progression.'

Catherine Haddow, MSc Occupational Psychology
'Following seven years in investment banking I was increasingly looking for a career change and decided to pursue Occupational Psychology.

The Goldsmiths course was accredited by the BPS and I therefore decided to apply. I had been to interviews at other universities but as soon as I walked into Goldsmiths I knew this was the place I really wanted to be. Everyone was so friendly and helpful.

The psychology department has an outstanding research reputation and to be taught by lecturers who are so influential in their field was inspiring.

The course is very practical using 'workshops' to give you experience of various skills. The Distinguished Speaker Programme is an excellent addition enabling you to find out what reseach is occurring and also what careers people have pursued after graduation.

Although the course has been very intense, it has been an excellent start to the pusuit of my new career.'

Jessica Mahdavi, MPhil/PhD Psychology
'I first came to Goldsmiths as an undergraduate, and the friendly atmosphere in the department, as well as its excellent academic reputation made me decide to stay to do my postgraduate studies.

The postgraduate training programme is a great way of helping us to think more clearly about our individual research questions, and at the same time it provides a good theoretical grounding in various aspects of statistics and other research methods. I'm really enjoying this opportunity to pursue my own research interests, while the postgraduate seminar series enables all MPhil/PhD students to learn about others' research.

This opportunity to practice giving presentations, along with the encouragement and support from supervisors to think about publications means that MPhil/PhD at Goldsmiths provides good preparation for an academic career. There are many excellent supervisors in the Psychology department. Since I started my PhD I have found my supervisor to be friendly and approachable and have heard similar praise from other postgraduate students.

So Goldsmiths provides an environment that is good to work in and also good to play in! There are plenty of opportunities to socialise and get to know other students and staff, both within the department and the college as a whole.'