Mooskan Gul, Psychology BSc

"I was able to go further into numerous areas of the field and get a more thorough grasp of human behaviour, cognition, emotions, and other topics which I really enjoyed."

1. Why did you decide to study your programme?

I chose to study psychology, firstly, because I liked it at A-levels and wanted to learn more about it. By studying psychology at university-level, I was able to go further into numerous areas of the field and get a more thorough grasp of human behaviour, cognition, emotions, and other topics which I really enjoyed at university.

Secondly, I really liked how a psychology degree includes a variety of subfields such as clinical psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and more. All of which has allowed me to investigate numerous aspects of human behaviour and mental processes.

Thirdly, psychology is a field that provides several job options such as psychologist, counsellor, therapist, researcher, educator, or work in human resources, marketing, or social services, among others. This also provides a good basis for further specialisation through postgraduate courses.

2. Why did you decide to study your programme?

I chose to study psychology at UCL because the academic programme placed a significant emphasis on research and science, making it a good option for students interested in pursuing psychology from a scientific standpoint. The university also emphasises individual work and encourages students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This emphasis on individual study appealed to me since it allowed me to take responsibility of my learning while also developing self-motivation and time management skills, all of which are useful in any professional path.

3. What did you enjoy most about your degree programme?

I think I enjoyed discovering myself. Although challenging at times, through coursework, projects, clubs and societies and interactions with professors and peers from diverse backgrounds, I had the chance to delve into various areas of knowledge and identify my interests.

It was also a time where I could navigate independence, make decisions, and take responsibility for my own learning and growth. This process helped me determine what I was passionate about and want to pursue further in my career.

4. What is your fondest memory of your time at UCL?

Adapting to online learning and socialising was undoubtedly tough, but I think it was equally a time where we made some great memories because of the unique conditions we were under. For me, my fondest memory is being creative during virtual team meetings and hosting fun and unique online events for my clubs and societies. This helped maintain a sense of community but also fostered a spirit of innovation where we could have fun even in the face of adversity.

5. What would be your advice for current students?

I would like to give three pieces of advice for current students:

I would definitely prioritise self-care. University is a very difficult and mentally draining time. So, it's crucial to take regular breaks, engage in hobbies, socialise with people, and seek help when necessary. Speaking with other students in my course about our challenges and looking at things from an entirely new perspective all helped me get through some difficult periods. It is also critical to enjoy your favourite activities in order to be loyal to yourself and realise that you are more than just a student.
Stay organised and manage your time well. This is a really important habit that I believe students should develop as soon as possible because it is a skill that will help you stay on top of your work not only at university but also in later life. Personally, I found that this helped me feel less overwhelmed by my workload and provided me a sense of clarity about what work I needed to get done now and what work I could complete later.
Network, network and network. UCL is one of the top universities in the UK and globally famous, which means they have many connections with a variety of industries, which is extremely beneficial in terms of gaining access to opportunities. Not to add that UCL has a lot of wonderful faculty members and students that are eager to assist and encourage you. So, certainly take advantage of that!