University rating
Tell us about your overall university experience so far.
Best aspects are the lecturers and the people you meet on the course. Of course there'll be some people that you don't like or get on with but the whole Department of Psychology are so helpful and engaging (back when it was the Department of Psychology). The lecturers are experts in their field and are always actively doing fascinating research and it's so interesting to hear about.
The facilities in this faculty are amazing, whether you want to track eye movement, body heat, use Virtual Reality, the list goes on really. You can always find a place to sit and work if you look hard enough and there's a good employability and careers team that can help with CVs and personal statements, as well as academic teams that help with your writing, assignments and maths.
The university provide good opportunities for placements within the courses, whether it's in a sandwich year or at the end of the three years of study. It can be hard to get your foot in the door for these opportunities however, but the careers website offer different jobs and volunteering opportunities all the time.
The main thing I dislike about the university is the restructuring they did last year of all of the faculties and departments. Doing a fire and rehire scheme for all of the staff to then have to reapply for the same job with a higher workload and the same amount of pay is shady at best. There's no need for forensic psychologists to be teamed up with sports science in the same faculty, it doesn't make sense and the university know it.
Course rating
Course rating
Most lectures are now in person again, after completing the undergraduate of this course where it was more blended due to coming out of covid restrictions. There's a good mix of lectures, seminars and workshops that are often interactive and helpful. Tutor contact time is less than in an undergraduate course but that is to be expected, and it's up to you and your thesis supervisor to determine when you'll meet but they are usually on top of it and extremely helpful. Lecturers respond in timely manners, to both emails and moodle discussion boards
University halls
What do you think about the safety, condition, location and cost of your accommodation?
I lived in Catherine House whilst it was still under the company of The Student Housing Company and transitioning to Yugo, so my experiences may be different to the current position. For the size of the room and the amenities within, it's good value for money. One full standing fridge, one full standing freezer, large oven, microwave for five people, with each person having 2 cupboards and a drawer each. The communal areas within each flat also have sofas, a TV, table and chairs to socialise with flatmates which was nice. The heating always worked when I lived there and the staff were reasonably helpful, especially with collecting parcels at the front desk. Maintenance were fairly helpful too, always coming when the shower became blocked, the lock on the door got jammed etc. Of course it's a student accommodation where hundreds of people have lived in before you so there'll be typical issues and complaints people would have but honestly I really enjoyed living there. Lots of space to decorate in your room, a small double bed, two pin boards, a big desk, deep windowsill, big wardrobe, under bed storage, lots of shelving, and your own ensuite. Whilst I lived there it was really good for social events, especially in the courtyard. We had multiple pet and animal therapy events where rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs etc. were brought into the common areas for students to spend time with. Christmas time there were reindeer in the courtyard that you could see with mulled wine, mince pies etc. Summertime had inflatable courses in the courtyard and loads of activities to do. Super close to the university buildings and library so you don't have to wake up too early for a 9am. I met some of my best friends in this accommodation and we had such a wonderful time there.
