The Faculty of Science Alumni Scholarship Award offers a life-changing opportunity for students to ease financial pressures and focus on their academic goals.
For two first-year psychology students at the University of Nottingham, this scholarship has made a meaningful difference in both their academic and personal lives. They share their journeys, from their inspiration to study psychology to how the scholarship has positively impacted their university experience.
What brought you to the university?
Student A
“I have lived in Birmingham my entire life with my mom, sister, and brother, and I am the youngest in the family. Growing up and watching my family members attend university to pursue their careers greatly inspired me to follow a similar path.
“I remember working hard for my GCSEs because I desperately wanted to exceed my predicted grades. Thankfully, I achieved this goal, and I was able to attend Solihull Sixth Form College. During my A-levels, I studied psychology, religious studies and chemistry. In my exams, I managed to get A*AB, which I was pleased with. I also completed an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) during Year 12, in which I achieved an A*.
“Since studying psychology at GCSE and A-level, I have known that I wanted to take the psychology route. I have an innate curiosity for uncovering the motivations behind human behaviour, which has driven me to want to learn more about this subject.”
Student B
“I have lived in Ukraine for most of my life with my family, where my brother and I went to school in Kyiv. My mom worked as a cashier, and my dad was a tester in an IT company for the last few years. I was planning to go to university in Kyiv until the war started, and after two years of preparation and living in the UK, I was able to enter here. I am very happy about this because it is a big breakthrough for me and my family; no one in my family has ever lived or studied anywhere other than Ukraine.
“School in Ukraine was not easy, as there was a lot of workload and pressure from teachers. I liked biology, English, and foreign literature the most. Although I had never encountered psychology during my studies in Ukraine, I knew this was what I wanted to connect my life with since I was 14. I was always interested in how the human mind works and in helping people.
“My passion for psychology started when I came across a book about it. I was hooked by how many questions it answered about me and other people around me. Then I started reading more books, watching videos and lectures and finally decided to study psychology.”
Why did you choose Nottingham?
Student A
“I knew I wanted to study at the University of Nottingham for several reasons. First, I was drawn to the university's diversity, as I knew it would give me the opportunity to meet and make friends with people from all different backgrounds. Additionally, I really liked the campus; it’s beautiful, especially when the sun is shining, making it a pleasant place to walk around.”
Student B
“What initially caught my attention at the University of Nottingham was the opportunity to study psychology. For example, the university developed PsychoPy, the software used for programming experiments and research, and I thought this would provide me with great opportunities.
“Additionally, when I first visited, I was captivated by the natural surroundings. Walking around the lake, I felt as if I were not on a university campus but in a peaceful location outside the city, which gave me a sense of comfort. I truly appreciate the combination of excellent educational opportunities and the beautiful natural environment here, which allows me to study in such a beautiful setting.”
Favourite module and campus life
Student A
“My first term at Nottingham has been great so far. I am staying at Riverside Point, which is a self-catered accommodation. Everyone has been so kind and welcoming. I find my course so interesting, and I have signed up for modules on Psychological Approaches to Therapy, and Addiction and The Brain. Once I complete my undergraduate degree in psychology, I would like to do a master’s degree in clinical psychology.”
Student B
“My time at Nottingham has been great so far. I’m enjoying my studies, and I’ve also decided to take philosophy as an extra course. It’s really interesting, and I enjoy being able to apply my psychology knowledge to it.
“I live in Madison Gardens and really enjoy the walk from there to the university. My accommodation is spacious and cosy, and my flatmates are very friendly. I also joined the Russian-speaking society to connect with others who share a similar background, and it has been a great experience. I’m excited for the rest of my studies here.”
How the scholarship has helped
Student A
“When I learned about the applications for this scholarship, I knew I had to apply because it would have a significant positive impact on my university life. I found out that I had been successful in my application on the same day I had just completed paper two of my A-level psychology exam. I remember that news really brightened my day and filled me with hope for starting university.”
Student B
“I found out that I was awarded the scholarship a couple of weeks after I applied. At first, I couldn’t believe it was happening to me, and I was incredibly happy knowing that it would bring me stability, allowing me to focus more on my studies."
It means a great deal to me to be able to study while feeling financially secure. This scholarship will have a huge impact on my future and will help me become a better psychologist.
Student B
Related courses
