We asled soon-to-be graduate Robyn some questions about her experience here studying Clinical Psychology with a Placement year.
What made you to choose Psychology at Kent?
Kent is high in the league tables for Psychology so that definitely played a role but I would say the area and campus played the biggest part in me choosing Kent!
“I quickly fell in love with Canterbury. It was lively, history, scenic and had so much to offer.”
The campus itself was beautiful and it felt it could easily be my home away from home. The campus ticked all my boxes as I did not want to go to a city university where building and halls were located all across the city. I loved how the campus was on its own but also very close to everything you would need to the city centre.
Can you tell us about your favourite module over the past 3 years? What about a favourite assignment?
As a clinical psychology student I would definitely say my clinical modules. I took a clinical optional module in my first year and I had two compulsory clinical modules. I found my final year clinical modules extremely interesting especially when they were taught by guest lectures and clinical psychologist working in the field.
“I also found these clinical modules were where the most discussion happened during lectures”
Everyone got so into it and there were just so many thought provoking moments which really deepened my understanding of what we were learning and many times where I learn from both my lecturers and my fellow students.The psychology team were also really helpful in giving us information and career help for our life after university if we were looking to take a clinical career.
Can you tell us about one of your favourite memories at Kent?
One of my favourite memories is definitely when I joined Kent Sing and we took part in masters (show choir competition). We met twice a week to learn the songs and choreography for our set and it really brought us together and we all became so close. Then travelling to Sussex to compete against other groups was so exciting, especially as we were not sure if we were actually going to be able to do it as the show was just before everything went into lockdown in 2020. I met amazing people through Kent Sing and even ended up running the society as president in my final year! I made amazing friends in Kent Sing and it definitely all started with masters!
What has it been like studying in Canterbury?
I can honestly say that I am not the same person I was when I started university and this is definitely for the better. I have learnt so many life skills and transferable skills alongside advancing my knowledge of Psychology. I have found amazing people, had so many great opportunities, and have learnt and grown so much as a person.
Can you tell us about your placement?
I completed my 30 weeks of clinical psychology placement at Canterbury hospital. I worked in the school age ASD department, meaning I worked as part of a multidisciplinary team to help diagnose ASD in 3-8 year old children and helped support families with their child’s new ASD diagnosis. As part of this placement I observed clinics from multiple different professionals including psychologists, clinical nurse specialist, paediatric doctors and speech and language therapists. Everyone in the team were so supportive and happy to answer any questions, they even helped enhance my placement by helping me observe an occupational therapist clinic and even set me up to observe an adoption meeting! As part of my placement I had conducted my own research project with guidance from psychologists and this really prepared me for my research project in my final year. Overall though doing a placement is hard work, you gain so much experience and knowledge to really help kick start you career after university. I also strongly believe it helped me in my final year modules as I could draw in my own experiences on placement to help me understand content and consolidate my knowledge.
Where do you hope to go next with your career?
I am about to go to London to continue gaining experience working with individuals with mental health difficulties and trauma. I have also applied to do postgraduate training to become a psychological well-being practitioner at UCL. After that I am hoping to do my doctorate in clinical psychology. I am hoping to come back to Kent and do this under the Salamons Institute as during my placement year I got to know the trainees doing their doctorate at Salamons and it sounded great!
How would you say the last four years have shaped you as a person?
I can honestly say that I am not the same person I was when I started university and this is definitely for the better. I have learnt so many life skills and transferable skills alongside advancing my knowledge of Psychology. I have found amazing people, had so many great opportunities, and have learnt and grown so much as a person.
And lastly is if you could go back and give First Year You one piece of advice what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out for support if you need it! There are so many places to get support at Kent and the support I have been given has really helped me. Reach out to your lecturers for guidance and help, talk to Kent Union and student wellbeing is you need support for practically anything. Oh and try not to blow all your loan as soon as you get it!
Robyn White is studying for a BSc (Hons) Psychology with Clinical Psychology and a Placement year.