Olivia

My name is Olivia, and I am studying Psychology with Childhood Studies.

What motivated you to study this course?

I've always been interested in people and how their mind works, especially children. I knew this was the path I wanted to take because I’ve worked as a PE teacher for some time, so I’ve spent a lot of time with children. I often found myself wondering what goes on in their minds, which led me to pursue psychology with childhood studies.

Did you have any concerns or barriers when thinking about joining your course, and how did the university help you?

No, I didn’t have any concerns when starting the course.

What aspect of the course do you enjoy the most?

I really enjoy learning about the different aspects of the mind, such as how alcohol or stress affects people, especially as they get older and how early childhood traumas impact on later life. That part of the course really fascinates me. I also enjoyed the social aspect during the Foundation Year, getting to know people and making new connections was a highlight.

How are you finding your tutors and the university in general?

They’ve been great, really helpful, especially when it comes to assignments. If you have any questions, they’re always happy to help.

What advice would you give anyone considering studying your course at Birmingham Newman?

Make sure you attend your sessions, especially in psychology, as you can miss important content. If you’re starting in the Foundation Year, take the time to figure out if the course is right for you. You have the flexibility to change courses early on if needed.