We caught up with Sofiia, a Clinical Masters’ student here at Kent. She tells us all about why she chose Kent, her fave research, and her advice.
Tell me a bit about yourself!
My name’s Sofiia, I’m Ukrainian, and I have been studying in the UK since my A Levels. After enjoying A Level Psychology, I did my BSc in Psychology at the University of Bath, and am now doing MSc in Clinical Psychology here, at the University of Kent. Outside of uni work, I write for Mental Elf blog, where I summarise recent psychological research on various topics. I also love reading, especially stream-of-consciousness fiction that lets you get into the character’s head (and stop thinking about studying for a bit); cooking something new or Ukrainian comfort food, and then getting everyone in proximity to try it; and just sitting down with a nice cup of tea listening to some 70-80’s songs – even better if outside!
What made you apply to Kent?
This might be a bit silly, but if I had to pinpoint the specific moment, it would be the first time I saw the Templeman Library when doing my A Levels in Canterbury. My school organised a chat with postgraduate students of the University of Kent, and the awe from seeing those students and imagining my older-self studying at the Library stayed with me. So, last summer, when applying to different programs, I saw that Kent has the exact course I want to do, I liked the content covered, and the fondness of Canterbury came flooding in – and I applied! (And am very happy to be here now ).
When you first started your Master’s degree here, how were you feeling? Was it easy to settle in?
It was easier to settle in because I was kind of doing it the second time (after BSc) but, of course, I was still feeling a mix of emotions. What helped me to settle in was going outside as much as possible, which was difficult at first since I am very much an “indoor cat”, as my mom would say. But getting to walk around campus, going to the city centre, and then meeting my flatmates and course mates gradually made me feel that “yes, I like it here”.
Fave thing about the course?
It’s hard to choose! I like the content, it’s very relevant to what I want to do in the future. I can also pick optional modules that allow you to explore more specific interests. For example, Developmental Psychopathology and Neuropsychology of Ageing have been my favourite ones. But, of course, it wouldn’t be fun without the lecturers, who are very approachable and friendly. I find it incredibly valuable to be able to talk to the professionals in their field, especially about things like clinical practice, which you won’t find as readily elsewhere.
I am also thoroughly enjoying my dissertation project, which is about exploring the lived experience of companions/carers of people with Parkinson’s. I am very lucky to work with Dr Emma Travers-Hill and Wesley Pyke at the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy on campus. My favourite part is carrying out the interviews with companions and carers, knowing that what I do will have a real-world impact, and that is incredibly rewarding!
How are you finding Canterbury?
I like Canterbury, it’s quite nostalgic for me, in some way, because this city was the first one to welcome me to the UK. I love the local Waterstones, they always have great book recommendations. There’s also the Long Rest board game cafe, which is perfect for having a cozy time out with your friends. I like how I can experience both the city centre and nature around it. And it’s great to explore the towns around Kent, too!
Fave research you’ve done/come across?
This will be rather miscellaneous, or else I can ramble on forever :). In my first year, I really enjoyed learning about happiness, what it is, how do we measure it, and how to cultivate it. I found this paper’s idea of ‘psychological richness’ very intriguing. I also recall reading up on moral licensing and applying it to explain bystander behaviour. This year, I am enjoying my dissertation research (qualitative) and the opportunity to explore the experiences of my participants in depth.
What are your hopes and dreams for your future/career?
I am hoping to do a PhD here, building on my master’s dissertation, and then, hopefully, pursue a DClinPsych to become a Clinical Psychologist. I also would love to lecture and, ideally, have a mix of clinical practice and the academic work. And, on the other note, I am hoping to travel more around the UK with my friends!
Advice for your first-year self?
Be cautious with how you compare yourself to other people. That goes for both thinking you are not enough (you are!), or that you have definitely figured something out (likely not, but it’s okay!). In your first year, the amount of new experiences can make it too easy to fall into the comparison trap. Remembering that you are already at the right place and are fully capable of growing is, perhaps, the most important thing I would tell my first-year self. (If you are a bit like me and want to read up on the psychology of it, look up Festinger’s theory of social comparisons or research on personal relative deprivation.)