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After studying psychology at college, I knew I wanted to help others facing the same challenges.
Turning a competing into a degree
I used to compete in fencing for England and Great Britain, but I struggled with the mental side of performance—especially under pressure in selection events. I performed well all season, but when it really mattered, I would struggle. Sports psychology wasn’t widely discussed back then, so I started reading about it myself and became fascinated with how the mind affects performance. After studying psychology at college, I knew I wanted to help others facing the same challenges.
I visited multiple universities before choosing USW. Their open day was interactive, and the staff genuinely cared about students. The head of the sports psychology department even remembered my name, which made a huge impression. That sense of support carried through my degree, and after completing my undergraduate studies, I left for a master’s but returned for my PhD, thanks to the connections I maintained with my lecturers.
Find your courseGetting career-ready at the University
During my studies, I gained practical experience through placements like mentoring school students and working at the behaviour analysis clinic. These experiences helped develop my people skills, even though they weren’t directly related to sport. I also had access to great facilities, including psychology labs, which provided hands-on learning opportunities.
Now, I’m a qualified sports psychologist working with teams while finishing my PhD. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to ask for help—my grades improved dramatically once I did. The support at USW made all the difference, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a career in psychology.
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Interested in Psychology?
Psychology at USW opens doors to more careers than you thought possible, allowing our graduates to consider more than the traditional fields and make a difference in the process.