Huma
MSc Psychology Distance Learning
Huma previously completed her BA (Hons) degree Working With Children, Young People and Families, at the University of Bradford. Securing a job straight after university, she has been working in health and social care across West Yorkshire ever since.
She has now started the journey towards becoming a clinical psychologist or therapist, by joining us to study her MSc Psychology through our new distance learning programme.
This is Huma’s story.
My teenage experiences helped me choose a degree
"I suffered with my mental health as a teenager which led me to volunteering with Barnardo’s, a children's charity."
"I always wanted to help other people in the same boat as me, and it was my time at Barnardo's that kick-started my career choices.
"I chose to study Working with Children, Young People and Families, at Bradford, to help me progress with my ambitions. I have worked in the field ever since graduating, first at Barnardo's and then at my current job at the NHS.
"However, this year I decided to go back to university to do a postgraduate course in Psychology.
"But the great thing is, I’m doing it via a distance learning model so I can continue to work full time alongside my studies."
I knew studying psychology and becoming a therapist was something I wanted to do eventually.
Finding the right course
"I want to help young people with mental health and wellbeing needs."
"I'd like to do this by possibly becoming a clinical psychologist or therapist, perhaps specialising in music. I’ll need to do a PhD if I want to become a clinical psychologist, but I can do that at Bradford too.
"I’d been looking at Master’s options in Psychology for the last 10 years, but nothing fit my requirements, especially because I wanted to be able to work while I study.
"When I saw this course at Bradford advertised on Instagram, it ticked every box."
The MSc in Psychology at Bradford now offers a distance learning option, which has allowed me to keep working.
Returning to my studies
"I had no major expectations, but it took a while to get back into this level of education, alongside working full time."
"I’ve found the course content to be really well thought out, marrying well to on-campus learning. There’s lots of video, text and different activities, not just loads of reading, and the study is manageable if you manage your time well.
"You can’t ask lecturers live questions as if you were in a lecture hall. But if I have any complexities that I need help with, I can email lecturers, book in appointments with them, and have discussions with my course mates on the online portal.
"I have a lot of social interaction with other students and my tutors via online meetings and forums.
"I’ve been studying research and ethics so far, but I’m really looking forward to the clinical psychology module, and learning about neuroscience. I never particularly enjoyed science at school so it’s out of my comfort zone, but I think I’ll find it fascinating."
Balancing work and study
“Distance learning gives me the flexibility I need."
"If you’ve got a busy and hectic lifestyle, it’s a great route to consider. You can balance life better and work alongside your studies, so you don’t have to take a hit with income. I’m really disciplined so I still enjoy a social life – as long as you are strict with your time management, it’s doable!
"I’d definitely encourage others to explore this type of postgraduate option. And I might be biased as I’m Bradford born and bred, but the university here really is the best – there’s a lot of expertise and the support services are brilliant."
Taking control of my future
“This has been such a positive change for my life."
"The course will allow me to really change my life for the better. I’m glad I’ve made the decision and taken control of my future. It’s hard work but it will be worth it.
"I’d like to specialise in music therapy or CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) for people with long-term health conditions."