Kate enrolled onto an undergraduate Psychology course in Wales but left during the first year of it due to feelings of general unease, before successfully completing a Law degree at the University of Leeds between 2017 and 2020.

However, she knew throughout her studies that it was most likely not the career path she was going to pursue, with her passion still lying in the people skills-orientated industry of psychology. That is how she found her way to Leeds Trinity University, enrolling onto the MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme in September 2022. 

Without the knowledge provided by a full undergraduate psychology degree, the course was bound to be challenging for Kate. However, her determination allowed her to overcome that challenge and graduate with a Merit, restoring her enthusiasm for academia as well as her self-confidence.

Reflecting on her achievement, Kate said: “I have come full circle on my aspirations, something I never imagined would be possible. Without the support of Leeds Trinity University and the incredible people in it, it wouldn’t have been.

“The level of support at the University is phenomenal. I previously experienced a huge knock to my self-esteem and confidence by dropping out, so I was very nervous to start studying again but the various avenues of support and opportunities to become involved in the culture at Leeds Trinity mean I have never looked back. I am elated and so grateful to be graduating.”

The MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme leader and Kate’s personal tutor, Dr James Jackson, added: “The programme is high-intensity and the nature of it requires adaption to a new discipline effectively and within a short pace of time. Kate’s undergraduate degree was Law, but she responded well to the challenges presented by a new academic discipline.

“She is a bright and engaging woman with a good track record of working independently, holding down a full-time job while completing her degree with us. Having faced some personal challenges while studying, I would suggest that Kate has shown significant personal resilience too.  She takes constructive criticism well and has shown a certain amount of flexibility and determination to succeed that bodes well for her future career. I wish her the very best of luck in whatever comes next.”

The Careers+Placements team at Leeds Trinity has helped Kate secure a “dream job” working in a psychology department with offenders, a role that will complement her long-term ambitions of becoming a qualified forensic psychologist.  

For more information on the MSc Psychology (Conversion) programme at Leeds Trinity University, visit the website.