Members

Student Profile

Name: Hannah Chamberlain
Age: 20
Course: BSc Sociology with Psychology
Year of study: Third
Hometown: Amersham, Buckinghamshire

Why did you choose to go to university?

I chose to go to university because I wanted to continue studying my favourite subjects at a higher academic level. Also getting a degree opens up many opportunities for getting a job.

How did you choose which university to attend?

I chose the subjects I wanted to study and then looked for the universities that did the courses. I then chose Portsmouth because it’s only a short distance from home and when I came to visit I really liked the sound of the course and how it was assessed. I also really liked how the campus was laid out.

How did you decide which subject area to study?

I studied sociology with psychology at A-level and really enjoyed it. I also did really well in the subject. I also wanted to study both subjects, and Portsmouth offered the ‘with’ psychology part, so it is more variety than just doing sociology.

What does your course involve?

My course involves from a sociological side, the study of society and the institutions within it, such as family, education and crime. We study the traditional theoretical concepts of it and then analyse this within contemporary sociology. In psychology we study the social side of it such as how we develop from infancy to adults, how we interact and communicate and how we process thoughts.

What do you hope to do when you leave university?

After university I want to do a graduate scheme where I can work for a big company and then learn how to do marketing and eventually work my way up through the company.

What are the best bits about university for you?

My best bit of university is the independence. Everything is down to you, studying on your own, living on your own. It’s your choice how and when you do things but you have to try hard and get the degree. I really enjoy my course and the assessments. I am also a member of the university hockey team where it is good exercise, social and its fun being in a team.

How did you find the transition from college to university? What help did you receive? If you moved away from home, how did you find it?

I found it to be a big move. Living away from home was hard at first, but its easy now, like the cooking and doing laundry. The work was a big step, it is harder, however they are always willing to help you and have many facilities to make the course easier.

What advice would you give to UP for It members who are not sure whether they want to go to university?

Even when you leave school and think you know what you want to do, it is better to get a degree in that area, or something similar, because it gives you better opportunities when trying to get a job. If you’re not sure about what you want to do, choose a degree that interests you as there are always other options to study other areas, but over the years it gives you an insight of what you might want to do in the future. There are lots of courses for everyone, whether you move to university or do it part time. There is something for everyone.