Case studies: Part-time psychology Masters student: Christina

Christina graduated with a BSc in Criminological and Forensic Psychology. She works as a resource assistant for the local police force, as well as a lifeguard and receptionist at a leisure centre, alongside studying part time for an MSc in Investigative Forensic Psychology

While at the University of Bolton, I undertook a work placement with a prison forensic psychologist and decided that rehabilitative psychology was not for me as there was far more paperwork than contact time.

After graduating, I looked for postgraduate courses geared towards the investigative side of forensic psychology as I enjoyed that part of my degree the most. The course I found at London South Bank appeared to be in line with my interests and ambitions, so I applied for it.

I was delighted when, after an interview, I was offered a place on the course. I was even happier once I began studying and found the course to be exactly as I'd hoped. Studying part time allows me to work, so I don't feel like a poor student.

There is no such thing as a typical day in my life. I only go into university one day a week so on a normal day I work at the police station until the early afternoon. Afterwards, I spend an hour or two in the leisure centre gym. I'll then do a shift until around 8.30pm.

If it's a uni day, it starts the same but after the police station I get a train into London. I usually do a bit of reading for the lectures as I don't get much of a chance any other time. I have two lectures - one is three hours long, the other is two-and-a-half.

Our small class is half graduates with a similar background to mine and half serving police officers/higher ranking investigative officers. This gives us the best of both worlds - theory and practicality. We have some excellent debates and everyone has a chance to put their point of view across. I get home around 10.30pm, with my brain thoroughly frazzled, ready to dive into bed.

The most challenging thing is fitting everything in. I plan my week out to make sure I dedicate enough time to my studies as that will ultimately be what leads me into my career. I'm still unsure of the exact role, but I know I'd like to work in investigation or intelligence, possibly in the private sector since public sector jobs are so unstable.

Although my course will not guarantee me a job, it will give me a huge advantage over other applicants because of the breadth of knowledge and its unique content. As well as the skills I'm learning, I'm sure it'd be nearly impossible to be effective in some of the roles I am considering without it.

In five years I hope to be in stable employment using at least some of the skills and knowledge I have gained from both my degrees. I am conscious that jobs are hard to come by, so I am content to work towards my dream job at whatever pace is necessary.

AGCAS

Sourced by AGCAS editors

Date: 

July 2012

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