Starting university is a big step for anyone, but for Carly, a student on our Psychology with Counselling and Psychotherapy course, it’s the fulfilment of a long-held ambition. Motivated by her own experiences with mental health support, Carly is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Despite taking time away from education to raise her family, she never lost sight of her career goals. Carry on reading to hear about Carly's university experience so far.
Why did you choose to study your course – what or who inspired you?
I am studying Psychology with Counselling & Psychotherapy, and I am currently in first year. I was inspired to study this course because I have had various times in my life where I have needed mental health support. I have lived experience of how valuable this support can be for those who are in a difficult place and now feel that I am in a place where I am able to offer that support to others.
Why did you choose the University of Cumbria over other universities?
I chose the University of Cumbria because I am a mature student. I am a homeowner, wife and mother and have my life here in Cumbria, so studying away from home would not have been an option for me. I was so pleased when I looked online before applying for university and found that the University of Cumbria offered a course which would allow me to do exactly what I hoped to do.
What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
For me, the biggest challenge has probably been fitting in time to study around my family life. However, in the first few weeks of the course, we spoke about time management and keeping things organised to try and stay on top of the workload. I then bought myself a weekly planner so that I can keep track of the time that I have available to schedule in studying.
I usually spend most of the two days of the week that we are not on campus working at home from my desk, but I also sometimes like to go and work in the Learning Gateway as it is such a lovely, bright building with nice views across the city from the top floor, which helps keep me inspired.
I enjoy eating out with family and friends
How have your tutors supported you during your studies?
My tutors have been incredibly supportive. Before coming to university, I didn’t expect lectures to be as interactive as they are. On the counselling side of the module, we spend a lot of time having group discussions and this has enabled all of us to build a great relationship with the tutors, meaning that we feel comfortable enough to speak to them if we have any worries or concerns.
We often receive feedback from our tutors regarding our counselling practice and this is always very helpful and constructive and means we can continue to develop our work weekly.
Furthermore, we are all assigned a personal tutor who we can arrange to have tutorials with if we have any concerns. These tutorials are very helpful and supportive and are conveniently arranged via email.
How is university life beyond your studies?
Before starting university as a mature student, I was concerned that I would be the only one who was slightly older, and it may be quite a lonely experience for me. That has not been the case at all. Not only are there other mature students on my course, but we are also all friends with each other, regardless of age. I have already, within the first year, made some great friendships and we have had some fantastic nights out.
What would be your top tips for people thinking of doing the same course as you?
Before starting university, aside from doing a short course with The Open University, I had been out of education for over 12 years, so the thought of going back into full time education was slightly daunting. However, the learning environment is so supportive at the University of Cumbria. Not only with peers and tutors, but there are so many other areas of support available if you need it.
If you are thinking of applying to study Psychology with Counselling and Psychotherapy, I could not recommend this course more. It has already given me a great insight into the skills I will need in employment as a counsellor, allowing me to practise and develop my skills every week. Having the psychology element of the course alongside the counselling has given me a greater insight into how the human brain works, meaning I have a better understanding of people when using my counselling skills.
Once you have started the course, the best tip I think I could give is to just try and be yourself as much as you can. It can be difficult at first in a group of new people, but you will get to know the people on the course in such a unique way and this will allow you to start to feel comfortable in who you are as a person. I have friends who have studied other degrees and from what they have said, comparing their courses to mine, Psychology with Counselling and Psychotherapy is a very special and unique course, in a great way.
Here is my psychology study space at home, it’s the perfect place for study!
What advice or guidance do you have for people thinking about applying for university?
During the application process, I was constantly worried that I wasn’t good enough to be going to university and something would happen that would mean I couldn’t start the course. I wish that I had more belief in myself so that I could have enjoyed the build-up to starting the course more, rather than worrying so much. So, my advice would be: believe in yourself, visit the university on open days and offer holder days to get a feel of the university environment, and try to enjoy the process.
What are your plans for the future, and how is your course preparing you for your potential career?
My plan for the future is to become a person-centred counsellor working within an organisation, such as a charity. My course is giving me the skills, knowledge and confidence to reach my goals. Having the opportunity to practise and develop my counselling skills every week is preparing me incredibly well for the future.
I think that having a placement in a supervised practice setting next year will also give me a great idea of what the future might look like for me. I have realised though, since starting the course, that I would not rule out doing further education after completing my degree as I am enjoying studying a lot more than I expected I would.
What’s been the highlight of your time at university so far?
The highlight of university so far for me has been developing such an amazing bond and great friendships with the people on my course. We have a really great group and are all so supportive of each other, which is making my university experience so enjoyable.