Olivia Rowlands
"My placement was an inspiring, unforgettable experience which has made me want to push myself as much as possible during my studies, after seeing how important work in psychology can be."
Course
Psychology BSc (Hons)Placement company
Royal Hospital for Neuro-disabilityChoosing Surrey
I chose to study at the University of Surrey because it was a local university and because of its beautiful campus. When I visited on an Open Day, there were lots of friendly helpers and inspiring academics to talk to – I felt excited to start here.
My course
I really like that Surrey offers a course that doesn’t require you to specialise in a specific area of psychology. We can become well-rounded in the main areas of psychology and then branch into our chosen career path through modules and learning options. The practical placement experience was also invaluable, and the lecturers have supported me throughout my studies.
I’m enjoying being in my final year and supporting first- and second-year students with their learning and career development by doing placement talks and being a mentor as part of the Peer Active Learning Scheme (PALS).
My placement
I did my placement at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability as an honorary assistant psychologist under the supervision of a clinical psychologist.
The work I did on placement involved:
- Working in a Level 1 inpatient rehabilitation ward, where I completed behavioural activation
- Running a mindfulness relaxation group for patients
- Helping to run family support groups and brain injury education groups
- Offering mood support to patients
- Learning psychological assessments for patients who had suffered a brain injury
- Learning about levels of consciousness post brain injury
- Completing training courses in challenging behaviours, talking mats and brain injury care.
The best things about the placement were learning strategies to support patients and their families, seeing improvements in patients’ rehabilitation, achieving individual goals when working with a patient and furthering my personal understanding of brain injury.
It was an inspiring, unforgettable experience which has made me want to push myself as much as possible during my studies, after seeing how important work in psychology can be.
Life at Surrey
I’ve been a part of the Equestrian and Polo Society since I started at Surrey, and I've been on the polo team and the committee in the Schools & Universities Polo Association (SUPA). I’m also a member of the Psychology Society. Being part of a club or society is a great way to meet new friends and socialise with like-minded people.
I also love being a member of Surrey Sports Park. I have Gold membership which has given me the opportunity to attend taster days of sports I’ve not tried before, use the gym, swim and attend classes, outside of my learning.
Looking forward
My time at Surrey has encouraged me to be my own person and develop my learning and understanding of myself and others.
I would like to work as an assistant psychologist for a few years, or potentially a psychological well-being practitioner in NHS Talking Therapies, before potentially applying to do a doctorate.
Find out more about our Psychology BSc.
