Gurmel Singh, Psychology BSc

Gurmel Singh, Psychology BSc (2023)

1. Why did you decide to study your programme?

During my time in sixth form, I grew a fascination with the psychology of human behaviour, thoughts and emotions whilst studying for my psychopathology and attachment modules. After doing further research into the career prospects with a psychology degree, I found that studying psychology at a university level can be beneficial in the long run due to its versatility and wide applicability. The knowledge and skills that are acquired through studying psychology, such as critical thinking, research methods and interpersonal skills, can be valuable in fields like counselling, human resources, marketing, and education. So, it was the perfect option for me as I did not know what I wanted to do as my career long-term.

2. Why did you apply to study at UCL?

I decided to apply for UCL’s psychology degree due to the nature of the course being research focused and accredited by the British Psychological Society due to the many transferable skills that can be gained. Furthermore, UCL’s psychology programme is renowned for its excellence and is ranked highly worldwide. Thus, this recognition assured me that I would receive high-quality education and be exposed to ongoing cutting-edge research in the field.

Moreover, UCL has a vibrant and diverse community of students and faculty who are passionate about psychology. The opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals, collaborate on projects, and participate in stimulating discussions greatly appealed to me. UCL fosters an environment that encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a multidisciplinary approach, which I believed would broaden my understanding of psychology and enhance my learning experience.

Furthermore, UCL's location in the heart of London was an important factor for me. The city offers various opportunities for psychology students, including internships, field placements, and access to a diverse population for research purposes. Being situated in such a dynamic and multicultural city provided me with invaluable exposure to real-world applications of psychology and enriched my overall educational experience.

3. What do you find inspiring at UCL and why?

One thing I found inspiring at UCL was the dedication to strive for success by both students and experts and researchers in the field. Interacting with and learning from each other is highly inspiring. The expertise and passion motivated me to achieve the best I could whilst building strong connections along the way. Alongside UCL’s world-class faculty and multicultural environment, one aspect that particularly stood out to me about UCL was its commitment to social impact. UCL places a strong emphasis on addressing societal challenges and making a positive impact on the world. The university's dedication to social responsibility and sustainability also inspired students like myself to implement small changes such as walking more as compared to taking the Tube everywhere.

4. What piece of advice would you give for current students?

One piece of advice I have for current students is to take advantage of the resources UCL has to offer. UCL offers many resources to support both your academic and personal growth including the academic support services as well as UCL careers. University life can be challenging at times so I would definitely recommend seeking support when needed whether that's help with academics, guidance on career planning or support for your wellbeing.

Also, do remember that your university experience involves having lots of fun. As UCL students we follow the “work hard, play hard” motto. So get involved in the community by participating in societies and clubs that interest you. This not only helps you take a break from studying but will also allow you to create lasting friendships.