Why I chose a masters in Occupational Psychology

By Vicky Xian, MSc Occupational Psychology

I am currently studying a master’s in Occupational Psychology. I also have completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology. I can understand that choosing a degree can be challenging and at times overwhelming. So, in this blog post, I would like to share with you my experience of how I ended up choosing this course and the Management School. 

Like most students, I was unsure what my next steps were after university. I didn’t feel like I was ready to take that big leap into working a 9-5 Monday to Friday. So, I took a step back and assessed my situation, through both logic and emotion. Firstly, ‘did I enjoy what I was learning?’ I knew I did, I have always been fascinated by psychology before I started my undergraduate degree. 

Secondly, I asked myself, ‘was what I was learning going to realistically lead to a career that I wanted?’  With a straight psychology degree, my options were fairly open. But I was confused by the amount of options, and the obvious paths were such things like social work or clinical psychology. I knew that these realistic career choices were not what I wanted, I wouldn’t be happy. 

Thirdly, I then asked myself, ‘am I ready to go into work?’  I knew I wanted to learn more, and become more specialised in a field. This could be a conversion course, or a more specialised psychology course and this would also increase my employability. However, I felt that I needed another year in education to really give myself that step up into the right path. 

So, I concluded that I would look into the available masters’ courses that the university offered. You can search for postgraduate courses yourself ‘here’: 

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught 

As I did my undergraduate degree here, there was an alumni discount to consider and I also was confident in the quality and student environment. I therefore did extensive research into possible careers with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I found that Occupational Psychology (OP) ticked all my boxes: it was relevant to what I had already learnt, I enjoyed the type of work a typical OP would do, and most importantly I would be happy studying and working in this field. In order to become an OP, I would therefore have to complete a master’s course in order to gain the right credentials. 

Additionally, I also did research into the specific course the University of Sheffield had to offer. The Management School is well respected, with a Triple Crown accreditation. This gave me reassurance, which is important when choosing where to study as a postgraduate degree isn’t exactly cheap!

 

Exploring the Peaks

By Abigail Cook, MSc Management

If you’re looking to get out of Sheffield, explore the surrounding areas, and do something a bit different, there are plenty of exciting places to visit nearby. These are a few places that I found out about and enjoyed visiting at the weekends when I wanted a break from lectures and the library.

Poole’s Cavern:

Poole’s Cavern is a natural cavern in the Peak District, approximately an hour’s drive from Sheffield. A one hour guided tour takes you around the cave and you can also learn more in the exhibition centre. Remember to take a jumper or a coat as it can be a bit chilly underground in the cave! You can also spend some time visiting the café and the shop. While you’re there, it’s also worth visiting the panoramic viewpoint at Solomon’s Temple. It’s a very pretty and tranquil walk through the woodland which takes about 30 minutes. Poole’s Cavern makes a great day out if you’re looking for something a bit different or unusual. 

Renishaw Hall and Gardens:

Renishaw Hall and Gardens is another enjoyable day out. It is still a lived-in family home, so it can only be viewed by a guided tour which lasts about one hour. You can also explore the stunning gardens and, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can walk through the woodland and down to the lakes as well. If you start to feel hungry after all your exploring, the café also has a great selection of food and drinks. There are lots of different events that take place here throughout the year, so it’s worth checking out their website before you go to see if there’s anything exciting on.

Stanage Edge:

My final recommendation for a day out in the Peak District is Stanage Edge. This is one of my favourite places in the Peaks that I never get bored of exploring because of its amazing rock formations and beautiful views. Stanage Edge is particularly popular with rock climbers, who can usually be seen clambering up the dramatic rock face. There are several different ways that you can walk to Stanage Edge across the Peak District and you can take in some of the scenic views along the way. This is definitely worth saving for a sunny day, especially because it can get a bit windy and chilly near to the top!

Top tips from my year in Sheffield

By Abigail Cook, MSc Management

After living in Sheffield for the past year, I have discovered several things which I would like to share with other students to help them make the most of their time in Sheffield. 

Join societies and clubs:

My first top tip for any student, whether they’re new to Sheffield or not, is: join societies and clubs! At the start of the academic year, it’s worth going along to the Activities Fair at the Students’ Union, where you can get involved with hundreds of different societies. Societies allow you to meet new people, try new things and develop your hobbies and interests. It’s also fun to be involved with something outside your degree course. 

One of my favourite things about this year was being a member of the Dance Society, which is actually one of the biggest societies within the University. The Dance Society holds workshops and weekly classes in lots of different styles which range from beginner to advanced level, so there is something to suit everyone. This year, I joined one of the competition teams, so I was able to compete at several competitions against other universities. Competitions are great fun because you get to travel around the country and meet other people who share the same interests as you from different universities. I also enjoyed going to lots of socials and balls throughout the year with the Dance Society. Overall, being part of the Dance Society was a great experience, which is why I would highly recommend joining societies and clubs during your time at Sheffield.

Explore the Management School’s opportunities:

My next top tip is to explore what the Management School has to offer. In addition to teaching, lectures and tutorials, the School offers lots of different opportunities for you to get involved with outside of your degree programme. It’s also worth taking the time to visit the Employability Hub located on the School site, which enables students to access careers support, job and placement vacancies, and attend skills workshops. 

This year, I was fortunate enough to go to Canada with the Management School to attend the International Graduate Competition. I spent one week in Montreal with three other students from the Management School, and we met, worked with and competed against teams from other universities from around the world. As well as attending lectures and workshops, and putting together our own reports and presentations, we also had a bit of free time to explore Montreal. This was definitely one of the highlights of my year in Sheffield, and it was all arranged through the Management School.  

Discover Sheffield:

My final tip for anyone studying at Sheffield University is: explore the city! Sheffield has so much to offer for everyone, and there are always new things happening. If you walk around the city centre, you’ll find some lovely cafes, shops and restaurants which are only a short walk from the Students’ Union and the IC. Many different events also take place in Sheffield throughout the year, such as Tramlines, a three-day long festival in the city. Whilst you’re studying at Sheffield, it’s a great opportunity to explore and discover the city that you’re living in.  

 

Preparing for exams over winter break

By Vicky Xian, MSc Occupational Psychology

As we all know, exams can be very stressful. After many weeks having to settle into your new masters course, juggling assessments and scribbling lecture notes, it’s finally winter break. You’re relieved as you’ve just finished first term, but you can’t celebrate too early as now you have exams in January!

Different courses require different types of exam preparation, and each person has certain preferences. However, here are some general top tips I have found useful to help you prepare for your exams, as a University of Sheffield student.

  1. Know what work you have to do

It’s not a very good approach to just jump right into revision and to think “as long as I plough through, I’ll work things out later”. A key factor in effective revision is before anything else, look ahead. See how many lectures you have to cover, how much time you have to prepare and what type of exam it will be. This will not only help you plan effectively, but also help you not feel rushed.

  1. Keep everything documented

This should be done from day one. But if not, it should start as soon as possible. All types of notes should be filed as soon as you can remember and kept in a safe place. This also goes for the revision period, all revision notes, helpful diagrams or cheat sheets should be carefully filed away in its corresponding lecture and subject in a neatly organised ring binder. You can find ring binders at the school shop in the Students Union at an affordable price. This also applies for your computer, with a document saved in a “masters” file, then in its module code, then its lecture, shown below. This is something that most people look over, but if done early and correctly, finding your feet when you start your revision or even throughout is much easier.

  1. Finding your study space

Whether it be at home , in a coffee shop, or at one of the libraries at the university, everyone has their own preference when it comes to study environments. Personally, I like a mix of both studying at home and the library. I realised that one of the main downsides with libraries is that over exam periods they become extremely busy. It can be difficult to find a space all through January, never mind a computer. To combat this, I have found a couple of tips just to get the most out of your Sheffield library:

  • Wake up early, in order to grab the best space, in general, you need to get to the library between the times of 8am to 10am to get a good desk/ computer. It becomes more like 7am to 9am for silence study spaces. If you’re not a morning person, some people like to go later and study in the evening.
  • Check online at https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/findapc/now, as it provides live information on what computers are available at any given time. Not only do they tell you about where free computers are, but they also give you an idea how empty a study area is in general, and also what possible study spaces are available.

And remember, try to not push yourself too hard. Exams are difficult but if you try to study every waking moment, you’ll end up burnt out. The secret to revision is there is no secret: you just need to prepare your revision as soon as possible, to be organised as well as putting in the time to study hard. One important thing I’ve learnt is that you need to take small break throughout the day, as well as at night or in the weekend. Also, try to not study throughout the night as this may affect your sleep quality.

How to manage your time better

By Zaneta Gudowicz, MSc Management (International Business)

Time is precious, isn’t it? Especially now in December, when most of the students are in a rush dealing with deadlines and exam revision. So, how to become more productive during this busy period?

In this case, you’ll need good time management! These are my top five tips to help you to achieve this.

1. Write everything down

Write down each of the deadlines of your assignments, exams etc. in either a calendar notebook, daily planner or schedule organiser – anywhere that you would check every day. Notebooks and organisers have become popular, so there are plenty of choices with different variety of design in shops.

If you would prefer to get reminders about upcoming deadlines or meetings, you can use your laptop’s calendar, Google Calendar, or apps created for time/project management and productivity, such as Trello, Wunderlist, or Evernote. There are loads of them available, so search and find the one that’s right for you. You can use traditional or more ‘technological’ solutions. Personally, I am a fan of writing in my planner, but mixing it up might be a good idea too – find a way that fits you the best

2. Prioritise short- and long-term goals

Once every assignment or exam is written in one place, it is a good moment to set your short-term goals. These should be done as first, and as soon as possible to give yourself more time for preparation for exams, or writing individual essays. Those short-term goals can be things like group assignments or short essays, and completion of these easier things will make you feel like you’re progressing. Once you’ve tackled some of the smaller tasks, you can move onto the bigger, long-term goals.

3. Prepare a to-do list for every single day

Of course, it is not necessary to list every single activity you’re going to do, but just point out things which should be done on a particular day. You may make two separate columns, such as ‘studies’ and ‘spare time’ (such as shopping, cleaning, meetings, etc.). I find the best time to make these lists are before I go to sleep, so that I know exactly what my next day will look like.

 4. Start your day with your MITs (Most Important Tasks)

If your classes or part-time jobs are not held in the morning, it is an excellent time to spend on your most important and challenging tasks when you are full of energy, and your brain had enough rest. Afterwards, you have more free time during the day. You will also be less stressed that you have not done something that you had to. Having said this, I have some friends that are more productive in the evening, so it’s really important to get to know your strengths and how you work!

5. Don’t be afraid to reschedule your plans

We know that not everything goes well and smooth as we planned. However, it is crucial to not become overstressed and don’t panic jsut because you had to postpone something. Reschedule your plans in a way that will be convenient for you – if you’ve taken the time to plan ahead, it’ll be easy to modify your plans and still meet deadlines.

Those are my tips which should be helpful for everyone who is struggling with deadlines! Good luck!

P.S. If you’re interested in time management and productivity, I’d recommend you read the book Eat That Frog!

Keeping a good work/life balance

By Vicky Xian, MSc Occupational Psychology

You may think that a masters course means long hours in the library, lack of sleep, and no social life. You may think ‘there’s no chance I’ll be able to work part-time on top of all that!’ But with the costs of a masters degree and no maintenance loan, it becomes an even harder decision.

Yes, a masters requires a lot more time and energy compared to an undergraduate degree. But, it doesn’t almost mean you have to compromise having a life outside of study! There is a lot of financial support for masters students, which you can find here.

But, what if you do get a part time job? And what about scheduling time to see your friends? Well, I’ve managed to keep all these balanced. Here’s what I’ve learnt and some suggestions:

  1. Limit your working hours

If you do have a part time job, with a masters, keep hours on or below 10 hours a week. What I’ve found so great is that the Students’ Union offer a wide range of different job roles, which are specifically catered for students. This means the hours are not contracted, and if you have a particularly stressful week, you don’t have to work! Earning money is important, but remember studies should come first.

  1. Keep a diary

Keeping a diary, where you write all your important deadlines, social interactions, and shifts in the coming week is very important. It helps you visualise what you’ve got on, and gives you a chance to plan your free time. Here’s an example of my normal weekly spread:

  1. Schedule in some down-time

Since being at university, I’ve found delegating alone time in the week really important for my mental health. Having so much on can really put a strain on someone’s happiness. This doesn’t have to be so serious, half an hour after dinner watching your favourite YouTuber can have a massive positive impact on stress. It’s important that you choose to do whatever works for you, whether it’s baking, watching a film or listening to some music!

  1. Socialise on a budget

Guilt can really creep in when I want to see some friends, as it takes time away from studies, and usually I spend more money than I mean to. I’ve come to realise that you can have fun, but not spend too much. Cooking a home meal with a group of friends can be very cheap, and it’s enjoyable! Bar One, located in the Students’ Union, is one of the cheapest bars in Sheffield. Sometimes their burgers are 2-for-1, which makes it even cheaper.

  1. Get extra support when you need it

There has been times where I’ve felt like it’s all too much, and I get really frustrated with how much I have on. If you’re really struggling, and you have similar feelings, please don’t keep it in. The university offers a wide range of mental health support and information for students:

Activities for a rainy day in Sheffield

By Abigail Cook, MSc Management

If you’re getting tired of grey British weather and looking for something to do on a rainy afternoon, Sheffield has plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained. These are a few of my favourites that I enjoyed whilst living in Sheffield.

  1. Jump Inc

Sheffield Jump Inc is one of the largest trampoline parks in the UK with 120 trampolines under one roof. The warehouse is full of wall-to-wall trampolines so you can bounce away and free-style to your heart’s content. If you fancy trying something new they also have different activities including an obstacle course, bouldering wall, a 3-sided walk the wall, and loads of others. This is a unique fun activity that is fun to do by yourself or with a group of friends. It’s also a fun way of getting some exercise! Another great thing about Jump Inc is that its prices are affordable – perfect if you’re waiting for your student loan to come in! Jump Inc is located close to Meadowhall, just a short drive from Sheffield city centre.

  1. Planet Pot Ceramic Cafe

If you’re looking to get in touch with your creative side, Planet Pot Ceramic Café is the perfect place for you. After choosing from a big selection of pottery which piece you want to paint, let your imagination run wild and paint whatever design you want. Drinks, cakes and cookies are available to keep you energised and fuel your creativity, and the lovely staff will help you if you have questions or need assistance. When you’ve finished your masterpiece, it goes into the kiln, and can usually be collected a week after painting. This is the ideal activity if you want to relax and create something unique and personal. It’s also a great place to take friends. The pieces of pottery make perfect presents for friends or family, or to keep for yourself.

  1. Meadowhall

My final recommendation for a rainy day is Meadowhall – Sheffield’s biggest shopping destination! Meadowhall is the perfect place for a bit (or a lot!) of shopping therapy. With over 280 stores, there is something to keep everyone happy. If all the shopping has made you feel peckish, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can have a rest and re-fuel. There is also a cinema inside Meadowhall, so you can go and watch a film without even having to leave the building! Meadowhall is just a short drive from Sheffield city centre, and also offers free parking.

Attending International Summer School in Barcelona

By Nicola Hodson, MSc Marketing Management Practice

One of the things that attracted me most to the masters courses at the University of Sheffield was the option to attend an International Summer School. I have just returned from studying at ESADE Business School in Barcelona for two weeks, which was the most incredible experience, both academically and personally.

During my time at ESADE, I took classes in Global Entrepreneurship and Design Thinking, which proved extremely interesting, particularly as an aspiring entrepreneur! It gave me the opportunity to learn about things I would never normally have the chance to learn about, and the lectures were really fun and engaging. I learnt a huge amount and I’m excited to be able to apply it all in both the remainder of my studies and in a work-place setting. After studying for the day, we would sometimes have company visits- A highlight has to be visiting Barcelona Tech City and learning about all of the amazing innovative solutions they are developing there! During the Summer School, we also had time to explore Barcelona, including looking around the famous La Sagrada Familia, watching the Magic Fountain show, visiting Park Guell, and spending many hours on the beach! There were also excursions during the weekends- I was able to visit Tarragona, a beautiful Roman town, and learn about the history there, as well as visit the old amphitheatre.

One of the most invaluable things I took away from my time at the Summer School was the lifelong friends I made during the trip. I met people from all over the world and was able to learn about so many other cultures, which was honestly one of my favorite things about the Summer School. I now have friends in Estonia, New York, Brazil and many other places, and we have all been excitedly making plans to visit each other at some point in the future!

My experience of the Postgraduate Advantage Scheme

By Abigail Cook, MSc Management

A significant aspect of my University experience this year was my involvement in the Postgraduate Advantage Scheme. This is available to all taught postgraduate students within the Faculty of Social Sciences and aims to provide work experience with organisations that may otherwise be unable to take on an intern. Each of these internships are 100 hours long, and you can receive a bursary to cover expenses.

I undertook my internship from January to March 2019 with Breast Cancer Care, the only specialist UK-wide charity which provides care, support and information to anyone affected by breast cancer. As a member of the Community Fundraising Team, I was involved with several different projects and tasks during my internship, including bucket collections and leaflet distributions in addition to office-based administrative responsibilities. However, my main role was to support the planning and delivery of the Pedal the Pennines fundraising campaign, an annual office-based cycle challenge with companies from across the UK competing against each other to cycle a virtual 350km route.

The event took place in March and was a huge success, raising almost £30,000 for Breast Cancer Care. Before and during the event, I was able to visit several different companies within Sheffield and meet all of their participating teams. The two-day event was really fun and exciting for everyone involved, and it was great to see all the hard work that we’d put in over the previous few months paying off!

The internship was an incredibly valuable and unique experience that provided me with the opportunity to develop my personal and professional skills outside of my degree. I enjoyed being involved with the local community external to the University and knowing that I was doing something worthwhile in addition to studying for my degree. I also made many long-lasting friendships within the fundraising team and enjoyed learning about the important work that the charity does.

I would highly recommend applying for the Postgraduate Advantage Scheme as it provides unique opportunities to gain valuable work experience, establish links with external organisations and enhance your CV. It’s also a great way to meet new people and explore Sheffield beyond the University.

Fun days out in the Peak District

By Abigail Cook, MSc Management

If you’re looking for somewhere to go on a day trip and escape the city, the Peak District has many beautiful and exciting places that are waiting to be explored.

  1. Chatsworth

One of my favourite places that I have visited whilst living in Sheffield this year is Chatsworth. Less than an hour’s drive from Sheffield, Chatsworth is a stately home that has been featured in several films including Pride and Prejudice. You can spend a whole day exploring the grand house and the impressive 105-acre gardens. In addition to guided tours, Chatsworth hosts several events throughout the year, including a Flower Show, arts and crafts workshops, garden parties and outdoor cinemas. This is the perfect place to take friends or family if they are visiting Sheffield and want to explore the surrounding area.

  1. Bakewell

Famous for the sweet treat, the Bakewell tart, the quaint market town of Bakewell is located on the River Wye, a short thirteen miles from Sheffield. The town is busy all year round with several attractions including gardens, coffee shops, museums, pubs and shops selling books, clothes and gifts. There are also plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling, climbing and horse riding in the area. One of my favourite places to go in Bakewell is the Bath Gardens, a beautiful, peaceful place in the heart of the town which is free to wander in. The gardens are not that big, but the vibrant flower displays are well worth a visit.

  1. Castleton

Castleton is a beautiful village situated at the Hope Valley in the heart of the Peak District. The village is popular for its caves, history, shops, Winnats Pass, Cave Dale and numerous walks in the area. The village is surrounded by dramatic hillsides and overlooked by Mam Tor (the shivering mountain). It is also possible to walk up the hill to the ruins of one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses, Peveril Castle, which stands above Castleton. One of my favourite things about doing this is the beautiful views over the valley, which make a good reward for climbing the hill! Another unique thing to explore in Castleton is the caves, which are accessible by guided tour. In the caves you can see the stalactite formations, and even take a boat along a flooded tunnel. This makes Castleton a unique and exciting day out for anyone looking to escape the city!