Before starting my masters degree, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I didn't know how much the difficulty would compare to undergraduate, I didn't know if the workload would be the same, and if they would grade it the same. I had so many questions as it was fairly daunting to wonder what I was signing myself up for.

I had managed to survive undergraduate but how would I manage getting a second degree?

I am half way through my second trimester of Masters therefore, I feel like I can now share my experience to provide some idea of the differences between masters and undergraduate degrees.


How does the workload compare?

This was something I was incredibly worried about and it was a very justified worry. Although we no longer have any exams (which is great!), our coursework has doubled (or maybe tripled). I have been used to doing one piece of coursework per module however, at masters we're doing 2-3 pieces instead. To add to this, the word limits have increased dramatically too, as most of the assignments are portfolios rather than just essays.

On top of this, we have our dissertation to work on too, but coming straight from 3rd year meant I was used to this balance.


How does the grading compare?

Our work is graded more harshly but this was expected. We were given a new grading scheme and there has been changes in terms of which percentage fits what grade, meaning achieving a 2:1 or a 1st will take a bit more work.

The aspect that I still struggled to understand though was what was expected of my work and writing style. I was incredibly nervous when writing my first piece of coursework as I felt like I was still producing something similar to undergrad level and I was worried it wouldn't be enough. However, at the same time I wasn't sure how I could improve it.

Although I did struggle with this, when getting the grade back I had managed to get a 1st, so I must have done something right. That did make me relax a little and feel as though in terms of writing style, they were not asking for much more, as the actual work has become more challenging. However, I am still a little nervous that the work I am producing isn't quite enough.


How does the difficulty compare to undergraduate?

To sum it up - I have found every piece of coursework we have done so far incredibly difficult and at times, really lost any belief in my capabilities in studying this degree. I did find our undergraduate work difficult but now looking back, I realise how much of a step up Masters is.

Of course I expected this and I didn't think it would be easy but it really has been a challenge. I have experienced huge amounts of stress and it's most definitely been the most difficult semesters I have had since starting university. If you're planning to do a Masters degree, just be prepared for this!


What are the modules like?

I have absolutely loved the modules we have studied at Masters (besides statistics but that's another point). Undergrad is very broad and we tended to study a range of different topics, many of which I wasn't interested in. However, it's now amazing to just focus on the ones that really hold my interest (clinical psychology) and to gain knowledge of them at a much deeper level.


What don't you like about studying a Masters in Psychology?

Statistics is the simple answer. As part of undergrad Psychology you have to study research methods and statistics, and the same applies for Masters... you can't escape it! We have a module of statistics each semester and it has been a huge challenge. It's not something that comes naturally to me however, I am trying my hardest in hope of it not dragging my grade down.


Is it best to take a year out before starting a Masters?

If you're finishing undergraduate feeling a little overwhelmed, it may be useful to take a year out before starting a Masters. It will be an incredibly intense year and that may not be what you need. Part of me wishes I had taken a year out and done some travelling or something fun before jumping straight in, however at the same time I love studying so much that it just felt natural to go straight into it. I have also found it super useful coming straight from undergrad as I have all the knowledge pretty fresh in my mind (that's been even more useful with statistics). I worried that if I waited a year, I may struggle a little more when I did finally go back.


Overall... what can you expect when studying a Masters degree in Psychology?

Lots and lots of work... but I'm sure that's already assumed. Masters most definitely is not easy, it has been a challenge but it is so much fun too! I love learning and I have loved all of my lectures (besides statistics). I can't pinpoint a single one that has lost my interest. It's amazing to finally focus on one topic within Psychology which I absolutely love and gain a more in depth knowledge of it too.


Having a Masters degree will be incredibly beneficial, not only as it's another qualification but because of the extra knowledge I have gained from it too.

If you are a University student, you will probably be able to relate to that huge mood changer that comes along when the end of a semester is in sight, whether that be the build up to the Christmas holidays, or the month of May when final deadlines are handed in and exams begin.

It can be very easy to get caught up in the panic and stress of how much work you have to do and then in return feeling like your head is going to explode. The idea of working through essay after essay and then having to spend the few weeks building up to exams shut away in your room revising can become very overwhelming. However, amongst all of this, it is so important to always put your mental health first.

If you don't feel right in yourself and you're not in the right frame of mind to focus, then it's only going to make matters worse. Until you begin to look after your mental health, you're never going to be able to put your best self forward, to finish off the essays and revise for those exams. Therefore, it should always be your primary focus, guilt free.

Stress is something I have always struggled with throughout my academic years and it has also linked closely with my anxiety. Therefore, around this time of the year my whole body becomes extremely sensitive to every little thing that's happening around me and can trigger the worst at any point.

The overload of work and things to be thinking/worrying about can all get a bit too much and with each year of University I have always experienced that sudden break down, where I just want to cry and give up. However, each time this has happened I have always been able to look back and feel extremely glad that I never did.

Although it is very normal to get stressed over exams/deadlines, it's not okay to let it consume your mind and take over your life. Your mental health is much more important than getting a good grade. You need to focus on getting yourself well, happy, and in the right mindset to continue.

I may not have it all figured out just yet, but I have learned that when I begin to feel overwhelmed, it is time to take a step back. I don't feel guilty for taking some time to myself, whether that be taking a walk in the fresh air or taking a few days off from work completely. Either way, I know it's so important to allow myself that time, so I can come back and feel ready to tackle those deadlines once again.

If you ever feel like you're struggling and feel overloaded with deadlines that you can't cope with, take a step back. Speak to your housemate, a close friend, or even contact your university's wellbeing service for a bit of support. You are most definitely not alone, and I can assure you that so many people will be able to relate and will be very willing to help you out.

You shouldn't ever have to feel alone through these critical moments in your degree. Make sure you are looking after yourself and getting the help and support when you need it. You're fully capable of reaching the end and finishing your degree, and you will do it.

When people say you can only do your best, that doesn't mean working yourself so hard that it leads to a breakdown and puts your mental health at risk. Instead, do your best while being aware of your limits and take a steadier approach to success. Always put your mental health first.

A topic was brought up on Loose Women the other day regarding children taking mental health days off school. There was debate on whether or not this was a good idea and although I can understand both arguments, I didn't agree with all the comments mentioned.

One of the arguments made was the following...

“I don’t want to underplay mental health, but personally, for me, I don’t think this is a good idea. Look, life is life and we have to know how to cope with mental health in everyday life. You can’t just take time out from school.”

This comment is problematic for me because it instantly lessens the struggles individuals can face with mental health difficulties. It is suggesting that these people should just get out and get on with it, as though it's really that simple. This highlights the bigger issue surrounding mental health and the lack of understanding that comes with it. These kind of comments create that stigmatised view causing those suffering to be too scared to speak out, with fear of their struggles being seen in this way.

I don't believe this was a fair comment as if this were a physical illness being spoken about, it would be seen as acceptable to take a day off. Someone with the flu who doesn't feel like getting out of bed, wouldn't be told to just get up, get out and deal with it. We wouldn't expect them to just 'learn how to cope with being ill in daily life' and instead, we would tell them to rest and get better. So why when it comes to mental health do we still take this unfair view? How can we expect someone with a mental illness to just 'learn to cope' and get on with it, when someone with a physical illness is given sympathy and is cared for.

Although conversations regarding mental health are increasing and it is making a positive impact on the way it is viewed, comments like these do highlight how far we still have to go. There is still a looming stigma and lack of understanding surrounding mental health, that leads people to hold these unfair views. I believe that the more we talk about mental health, and the more we share experiences of it, the more education it will bring. Hopefully this will allow people to emphasise a little more with those struggling, rather than telling them to just 'get on with'.

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Photo credit: https://financialtribune.com/articles/people/1651/mental-health-needs-extra-care

So this is something I was incredibly reluctant to share however, I then realised that the fear was me sinking into a mindset I work hard to help people out of. All of my volunteering is based around helping to remove the sigma surrounding mental health and giving people the confidence to speak up and seek support! Therefore, I thought it would be silly of me not to share my own experience in hope that it gives someone else the confidence they need to get help too.




How it all started:

So a month ago I started group therapy for my Anxiety and this was a massive thing for me. I had originally been offered therapy when I was in sixth form however, was very quick to shut it down as the mention of it terrified me. However, fast forward a few years and I finally bucked up the courage to head back to the doctors and accept it, knowing that I couldn't put it off any longer.

When I stepped into that building on my first session, I didn't know what to expect. I had already stood outside for a good 20 minutes, debating with myself if I should just turn around and leave... however, I didn't. I pushed myself to do it and I am so glad that I did.


My expectations & experience in a group:

I know for many (and for myself) the mention of group therapy can feel incredibly daunting. Why would anyone want to sit in a room with other people and have to talk about all of your problems? I hate even mentioning when I'm feeling a little low to my own friends and family so why would I tell strangers?

This was a thought that continued to run through my head right up until the end of my first session when I came out feeling so high spirited and like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Sitting in that room with 5 other people (and two therapists) was not as scary as I had built it up to be and instead had been incredibly reassuring. I went from feeling alienated and as though I was the only one feeling that way, to feeling much more reassured.

Every session I grew more and more confident in what I was doing and more sure that my fear of group therapy had all been for nothing. It felt great to listen to what other people had to say and to see that we were really all in the same boat.

The mention of a group had been the aspect that had put me off for years however, it ended up being nothing to worry about. Instead, it had been something I enjoyed and looked forward to every week instead! Therefore, if group therapy is something you're put off about, then just give it a try and I promise that you'll be pleasantly surprised.


The Course Content:

In the 4 weeks we covered a range of different material but nothing got too personal. That was my biggest fear when it came to the group as I wasn't too keen on sharing my personal life with anyone (little lone strangers). Therefore, I was reassured when the aim of these particular sessions was to provide tips and resources to help deal with the anxiety, rather than our own experiences.

They were always so open for us to share our own personal concerns however, this wasn't forced on us either. It was the perfect balance.

The course was based around CBT and every week we were provided with a booklet full of information and useful ways to help ourselves. Some of the topics/resources that were covered included:

• The vicious cycle (ABC)
• Worry Diary
• Setting goals
• Classifying worries
• Worry Time
• Autonomic symptoms and managing them (briefly covering panic attacks)
• Refocus practice and abdominal breathing
• Problem solving

Making plans and getting excited. Dreading them the day before or chickening out and changing your mind. Reaching for opportunities but turning them down when they are passed your way. Constantly battling with your anxious self that ruins every chance to have fun or do something different. Constantly feeling angry that you are and will always be your own worst enemy.

Considering it's mental health awareness week I really wanted to write a post dedicated to such an important topic of conversation. Firstly, it's amazing to have days/weeks like this whereby the time is dedicated to opening up and talking about a topic that is still so heavily stigmatised. It's not just the act of doing something to make a change, it's encouraging the conversations and for it to be talked openly about so people no longer feel so alone.

I read something the other day which really stuck with me and it was frightening how true it really was. The quote read...

'I will never understand why every organ in your body gets support and sympathy when it is ill except for your brain'

It's sad how true and accurate this is. If you have a broken leg or come down with the flu there will be some sort of help immediately present with people around you providing care. In comparison, the moment something is a little out of place in your head, it suddenly becomes something to be embarrassed about and ashamed of. There is the fear of people judging you for being 'pathetic', 'making a fuss' or 'putting it on' and it all comes down to the fact that people just don't understand.

Looking back to my school years, I never remember being educated on mental health and this probably plays a huge influence in why it's so badly misunderstood. If we are not educated in it as children/teenagers and if it is always hidden as though it's something to be ashamed of then soon enough, that's what it all turns into.

I believe that education is the key to kickstart the improvement in mental health as the more people understand, the easier it will be to open up. People will no longer feel ashamed to admit they don't feel okay, just like they aren't ashamed to admit they have the flu. People will no longer feel like they have to suffer in silence and they will soon realise that it is okay to not be okay.

There is support out there (although it still has a long way to go to be as equally accessible), it's just all about taking that brave step to go out and get it.

As part of my volunteering at University, I help run student led support groups for those who feel like they need someone to talk to. We are not trained to give therapy and not there to give advice but we are there to just provide some support. It's a place whereby people can feel safe and secure to not feel alone and vent how they are feeling. I think things like this are such an important first step as not only does it start the conversations but these conversations can be the start of a recovery.

Talking about something with like-minded people or just people who are willing to listen can make all the difference. It can make you feel as though you are no longer alone or make you feel as though you do have someone to turn to in times of need. Therefore, I think it's important to always be open to the conversations.

It can be scary as you may feel as though that person is looking for you to give them the advice and all the answers but you don't need to provide that. All you need to do is be able to listen, it's that simple. By listening you are already making that person feel as though they are not alone. By listening you are already giving them a place where they feel safe and can free themselves of the thoughts that may be consuming their mind for a little while.

Of course you can give them a little guidance of where to go to seek help, as that push may be what they need however, they won't need you to cure them. Just being open to listen and let them know you are always there to do that is the most powerful thing.


Empathy is such a crucial thing when it comes to mental health. In our training this was something that was stressed to us but it is also something that can sometimes get very mixed up with sympathy. Below is an incredibly useful video we were shown which highlights the difference and encourages a way of approaching someone in a way that will prevent them from feeling alone.