James Duah, 29, is graduating today from the MSc Psychology (Conversion) course at Leeds Trinity, ahead of pursuing his PhD at the University.

Originally from Finland, James has been with Leeds Trinity since his undergraduate days, completing an LLB (Hons) Law degree before pivoting to Psychology. James originally studied law in the hope to follow in his father’s footsteps, but realised it wasn’t the field for him.

A musician by night, James reached a point where he decided to change something about his life. James said: “There was a time when the few hours I would spend rehearsing with my band every evening were my happiest moments. I knew I had to find a balance between work and music, where both made me happy.”

This is why James came back to Leeds Trinity to study a postgraduate course in Psychology. Though not without its challenges, the degree helped James find his path in academia. He is now taking his next step at the University to undertake a PhD in Psychology and Artificial Intelligence.

James said: “Leeds Trinity is a small University, and I’m staying on for this very particular reason. There is a lot more time and opportunities for students than at bigger universities. It’s a very unique University with very unique capabilities for students to emphasise their individuality.

“I received a lot of support from Leeds Trinity when I failed a number of my assessments in my first semester, having faced significant personal challenges. This is a marker of how good the University is at caring for their students. They took my personal circumstances into account and allowed me to re-sit those assessments. I went from being in a position of barely finishing with a pass, to finishing with a distinction.

“Finding out those results has been my proudest moment at university. I’m very proud of myself and very grateful to Leeds Trinity for treating me with the clemency and kindness that I needed in that moment.”

James encourages other people considering applying for the MSc Psychology (Conversion) to “fear not”, as the degree is tailored to non-Psychology graduates and the lecturers are “very helpful in understanding everyone’s context.”

Now content with his chosen path, James is planning to build his career in academia, while continuing to create music.

Dr James Jackson, Programme Lead for MSc Psychology (Conversion) at Leeds Trinity University, said: “To graduate successfully, James had to apply himself to an entirely new way of approaching academic work, and within a very short space of time. In his first semester, James was coping with significant personal circumstances. With support from the University and commitment on his part, James delivered an impressive set of results, including an excellent 85 (exceptional distinction) for his MSc thesis. This was the equal top mark in the cohort, and James and his supervisor are hoping to submit this thesis for publication in a peer-reviewed academic journal. A superb and inspiring turnaround.”

The MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme at Leeds Trinity University is aimed primarily at non-Psychology graduates who wish to undertake further training as a Psychologist, but do not wish to undertake a second undergraduate degree.

Successful completion of the course provides eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS), enabling further training and a career as a psychologist. To find out more, visit the website.