Fran Wogden – MPsych Advanced Psychology graduate

“I would absolutely recommend the University of Plymouth! The campus is so contained with an amazing Students’ Union... My role as a Student Ambassador even took me to Sri Lanka in September to work with the British Council. I loved my course and met some friends for life. I wish I could do it all over again!”

When I finished university in May, I flew to Sri Lanka for the summer and completed a Mental Health Placement for ten weeks, which was truly a life-changing experience. Upon returning, I worked in a local GP surgery before securing my dream graduate job working in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT). My role as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner Trainee has taken me back to university for my training.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get into the same line of work?

I would definitely advise students to research undertaking a placement year between years two and three of your degree course. I worked in Bristol in an Early Intervention in Psychosis team and the experience was second to none, ensuring that I had the invaluable experience psychology graduates require when applying for jobs and the real world contacts for advice, guidance, and references.

How did studying at Plymouth help you?

I completed the undergraduate masters degree and the masters year was the most challenging yet rewarding experience of my five years at Plymouth. I worked alongside amazing course mates and lecturers in small cohorts, thoroughly enjoying the Clinical Psychology modules which were specific towards my career path – such as the Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy module and Issues in Clinical Psychology. This, alongside my placement, helped me to secure my job in IAPT and I am incredibly lucky that I could do this unique course.

Did you undertake a placement during your degree and if so, how did this benefit you?

The placement year was probably the most valuable thing I did in terms of securing my current job. I worked in an Early Intervention in Psychosis team in Bristol, gaining experience and real-world contacts for advice, guidance, and references. Although it was an unpaid placement, it was challenging yet so rewarding working with young people who were experiencing symptoms of psychosis.

What is your favourite memory of studying at Plymouth?

Graduation is one of my favourite ever days. Being stood next to some of the funniest, kindest, most intelligent and supportive people I’ve ever met from the course and being cheered on by my family was the cherry on top of an amazing five years at the University of Plymouth.

Do you stay in touch with other University of Plymouth alumni or lecturers?

My course mates and I are still close and we are desperately trying to arrange to meet up. My housemates I miss each other every day and we chat all the time.

Would you recommend undertaking a course with the University of Plymouth, and why?

I would absolutely recommend the University of Plymouth! The campus is so contained with an amazing Students’ Union and is surrounded by beautiful coastline and scenery. Alongside my studies, I worked as a Student Ambassador for four years and as a result of this, I am confident giving presentations and talking to large groups of people. My role as a Student Ambassador even took me to Sri Lanka in September to work with the British Council. I loved my course and met some friends for life. I wish I could do it all over again!