Helping the next generation of psychologists

BSc (Hons) Psychology, 2017

University of Central Lancashire Psychology graduate, Laura Campbell, has used her expertise in the field to help the next generation of psychologists.

Laura’s decision to come to the University of Central Lancashire was made after she had a difficult time at another university. She did incredibly well at A Level Psychology so the BSc (Hons) Psychology, within the University’s School of Psychology, was the obvious choice of course.

In 2017, Laura graduated with First Class Honours and won three awards, which recognised her ability and potential. Following this, Laura stayed in touch with her tutors which led to her securing a job as an assistant for Future U, a collaborative project between themselves and the University of Central Lancashire, which provides an outreach programme to support young people progressing onto Higher Education.

In March 2019, Laura moved on to her current role as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the University of Central Lancashire’s School of Psychology and she now teaches on the undergraduate and master’s courses, supporting workshops and lectures. Alongside her part-time job, Laura is completing a fully funded PhD working with academics researching how auditory distraction affects the reading process and hopes to get her dissertation published.

Laura also works in psychology outreach across Lancashire, working on student recruitment for the School of Psychology and the wider University.

Looking back on her student experience, Laura was actively involved in other opportunities outside of her degree course. She was a Student Ambassador and became a Research Assistant within the School of Psychology. Laura found this beneficial. She said: “It helped my personal and professional development immensely.”

Speaking fondly of her time at University, she said: “The fantastic staff and my amazing group of friends helped me greatly with settling in. The support and opportunities I received were ‘second to none’.”

When asked to give advice to students wanting to study Psychology and pursue it as a career, Laura stated: “Take every single opportunity that you’re offered. There are so many opportunities at UCLan. Talk to people and ask questions, you can never ask too many questions. Work experience, be it in or outside of UCLan is great. Try and bring your interests to your studies and you won’t go far wrong. Lastly, you only get to do your degree once, so make the most of it. It can take you far.”