MSc Psychology
As an Oxford local, Oxford Brookes was the natural first choice.
The convenience of cycling to the Headington campus when the weather is good is a great bonus - good exercise and no traffic! I had previously studied for my PGCE at Brookes, so returning for my MSc felt familiar and reassuring. The alumni discount was also a helpful incentive in making my decision.
One of my favourite modules has been
Psychological Health and Disorders, which explores key conditions and the biological and psychological factors that influence them. I also found Cognitive and Social Aspects of Development fascinating, as it delves into how we grow and change throughout life. Right now, I’m studying Brain and Cognition, and it’s incredible to learn just how intricate and interconnected our brain and body systems are.
The lecturers are fantastic -
approachable, supportive, and always encouraging discussion. You can book individual tutorials whenever you need guidance, and there are also group tutorials twice a term, which provide a great opportunity to share ideas and get feedback. They’re quick to respond to emails too, which makes it easy to get help when needed.
The library has great resources,
and the system for finding books is really straightforward. Information cards show exactly where psychology books are located, and once you get used to searching, it’s easy to find or request what you need. Many books are available as e-books, which is really convenient, but sometimes it’s nice to switch off the screen and use a physical copy!
Returning to academic study after nearly 20 years
was a big adjustment, especially learning how to structure essays, reference in APA format, and navigate journal databases. The Centre for Academic Development was a huge help - I booked tutorials for support in these areas, and it made a real difference in building my confidence.
The MSc in Psychology is a conversion course,
so I didn’t need prior experience in the field, which was a huge advantage. Completing this degree will give me British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation and Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership - essential for the next steps in my career. Psychology offers so many different pathways, and one of the great things about this course is that I didn’t have to decide on a specific area right away. Instead, I’ve been able to explore my interests and refine my direction as I progress.