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Course review
Review by: Sophie P
University: University of Leicester
Course: Psychology
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
I have 9 hours in the average week.
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
For my course, I would recommend English Literature and Language, Media Studies and Psychology. This is because the English would help alot with essay writing and other forms of written work that is needed.
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
During my teenage years, I didn't really make many close friends who I could share my problems with. I began to wonder about why Counselors existed and the importance of this. At the start of 6th Form, I began making new friends and I really reached out to those who needed a close friend or two to share an ear. I volunteered for many Mentoring Schemes within school as I really wanted to be there for someone as I knew how it felt to be alone. When I had an opportunity to study Psychology in 6th Form, I quickly grasped this chance as I wanted to know why people would behave the way they behave. I wanted to know the feeling of being a counselor or social worker, and I wanted to know how I could help people who were really stuck. After a successful Psychology A-level, I was sure that Psychology at University of Leicester was the course for me.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
I wish I known that the transition of A level Psychology to Undergraduate Psychology was a very wide gap. This is because in A-Levels, there was alot of memorising to do in regards to case studies whereas in University level there is more independent study and even the CW requirements are different.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
My lectures usually start at 11:30, so it's not too early. I would have to walk to University from my Student shared house and attend a lecture which lasts for 1 hour. At the beginning of the Lecture, we have to take a handout which is put at the bottom of the lecture room where the students walk in. After everyone is seated, we await the lecturer's arrival and then the lecture commences. A PowerPoint presentation is usually shown whilst the lecturer talks through the main topics.
There are no seminars or tutorials in the second year of my course.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
I am required to do alot of independant study out of Lectures. Such as; private research on the internet at home, using the PsyINFO Digital Library at the University Library and also taking out library books that are needed for the current topic. Although some information is already given in the handout, it is required to build upon this knowledge through reading and researching out of lectures.
Practical Reports and essay's are also given on a monthly basis which are compulsory.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
There are many aspects of the course that I enjoy and like, in particular, I like the fact what we have a 'Psychology Block' that is just for Psychology Students. Within this block, there are Psychology books that can be borrowed, and many other sources of Psychology information. Access to the information I needed for my research outside of lectures was very very easy and this is what I like best about my degree programme.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
I least enjoy the lack of opportunities to study abroad or do a international exchange. Although there are connections with other universities in the country, there is no way to study abroad during the course of the Psychology lectures.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
I feel that the fact that the University spent over 1 million pounds doing the David Wilson library a few years ago, was a very good investment. With the use of library cards it is also very secure. There is even a cafe in the library too for coffee! Another thing which I feel is a good facility is the Medical Building - it has been recently refurbished with the implementation of ID cards so if a student needs to do research in the building then this should be shown. The standard of teaching in my university is very high.
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
There are a wide variety of teaching methods that are used.
During a lecture, the lecturer would try and present the information on the PowerPoint in regards to the handouts. This is done in a logical manner with a few jokes which some lecturers use for entertainment and attention purposes. Sometimes, during a lecture, a brainstorm image may be shown to the students as this is a useful exercise for students to think in a creative, open minded way, taking into consideration all aspects. Another teaching method which is used is the use of videos and DVD's which shows a short clip of a past experiment or interview with a psychologist.
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Other reviews for Psychology
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Ben R, 3rd Year doing Psychology at York St John University Jess M, 2nd Year doing Psychology at Aston University Birmingham Alicia S, 1st Year doing Psychology in Education at Lancaster University Abi P, 1st Year doing Childhood and Youth with Psychology at The Manchester Metropolitan University Kitty K, 1st Year doing Psychology at University of Glasgow Amy C, 2nd Year doing Psychology at Bangor University Lauren M, 2nd Year doing Psychology at The University of Essex Bryony H, 2nd Year doing Psychology and Criminology at The Manchester Metropolitan University
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University review
Review by: Sophie P
University: University of Leicester
Course: Psychology
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
Leicester University is full of fantastic, friendly people who love to study and love to party. With its supportive atmosphere, the first year of my University life at Leicester University is definitely not wasted. It's also officially the best Campus-based University, as voted for by students themselves, and the title of 'University of the Year' for 2 years in a row is well deserved.
What is the academic life like at your university?
It is tough in the second year because alot is expected for the students in order to stay on the course. I expect the University wants to push students to reach a 1st or 2.1 when they graduate as this is good for the university's statistics. Although alot of reading and independant research is needed, there is still freedom if one can balance their time well. I don't think the academic work is too hard for those who can reach this balance.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
Freshers' Week for me (a non-alcoholic drinker) was actually pretty good. Although alot of emphasis is put upon buying cheap drinks and getting very hyper in a social sense, I still felt that I could have fun without getting drunk. I didn't like how the emphasis was on drinking though, since in my opinion this is not the only way to have fun and it's not a very good way to socialise. Cheap drinks to me do not mean I have to buy it. However, there were many other events that did no include alchohol such as joining the clubs and doing other various things like clubbing, dancing, attending gigs and concerts.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
The best thing about my university is definitely the diversity within the campus. No one will feel left out or alienated - everyone is accepted, whatever their race, religion and beliefs.
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
There is a huge range of sports and activities in my uni. This may because it is home to a race horse area and Leicester Tiger's. The sports that are offered range from Judo to Skiing! There are always opportunities at the start of the year for students to sign up to these. There is also a rugby union which plays matches monthly and people from the university are encouraged to support them. There is also a gym and a health club very near the University so it is convenient for the sports to book their own rooms. Apart from that, there are many sports fields which are used primarily for football and golf.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
The drinks in Leicester are fairly cheap, from £1 a shot or £1.50 for Vodka and Coke. Leicester has a huge social scene with many clubs which suit all tastes. It has everything from Gay Clubs (Quebeck) to Rock and Metal Clubs (Mosh). The student Union (which is on the University campus) is also very good, with a mere £2 to get in.
Again, as expected in most university life, it is indeed alcohol orientated.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
I initially was attracted to Leicester because it was very near the countryside with an amazing view and fresh air, but it is also very near to the city centre, train stations and shops. It is probably about half an hour walk from the university to each of these destinations by foot.
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
I live in halls of residence. I think that it is best to live in halls of residence for at least the first two years as the experience which comes with this is amazing and you cannot get this experience any where else. Meeting international students and getting to grips with different people's cultures is immense. I feel that the first two years should not be wasted by living in a house since when you grow older you will live in a house anyway and University gives the opportunity for students to live in halls which cannot be experienced any other way! The facilities in halls are very good as I lived in a room with en-suite. It was very comfortable for me with a nice view too!
If you are in a hall or college, is it catered or self catered? Which is better for the first year in your opinion and why?
For my first year I actually applied for catered but because I applied too late, I did not get this option so I was put into self-catering. However, I did not regret it and loved every moment of it. Being part of the self-catered halls, I got to participate in many events that GMS (Gilbery Murray Stamford Hall) had specifically put on for self catering students such as the Winter Ball and the Easter Ball! If you were not a self catering student and wanted to go, you had to pay! Another aspect that I thought was good for self catering was that the food and the chance to sit with other students and mingle (a unique opportunity). I feel that when you first go into university you are anticipating meeting new people and students are in their prime time for socialising so this means that in self catered halls students, you are literally forced to mingle and chat with each other. It gives it a good feel like you're eating with family and not stuck in your room eating alone infront of a laptop.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
About £3500 a year for what I had.
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