graduation newsletter - july 2014 - swansea university newsletter jan 2014 final.pdf · graduation...

College of Human and Health Sciences

Graduation Newsletter - July 2014

Graduation Newsletter 2014

CongratulationsCongratulations to all our students receiving awards from Swansea University this year. You

have all worked hard to get to this point; hours of studying, burning the midnight oil to deliver assignments on time, the stress of examinations and for some attending work-based placements.

Graduation is a time of pride and celebration in higher education and the College of Human and Health Sciences has much to celebrate, with students completing courses across a wide range of academic subjects and professional programmes.

The staff are committed to ensuring that we deliver teaching that is both research-led and practice-driven and take great pride in knowing the contribution our students will make to society, locally, nationally and, for some, internationally.

These are challenging times in which to be entering the world of work, but you can have confidence that your award from Swansea provides a positive start as you begin the next phase of your lives. Some of you may choose to continue your studies immediately or may choose to come back to us in years to come – we warmly welcome our former students back into the fold for postgraduate and research studies, and have a raft of options to enable you to develop further knowledge and skills for work or for more personal development.

Whatever you choose to do we wish you every success in your future careers.

Professor Ceri PhillipsHead of College


After having children, 34 year old petrol station worker Rachael was drawn towards a career in care.

She embarked on an access course and began work at a nursing home before applying to study Adult Nursing at Swansea University. On completion of the course she said: “The highlight for me is achieving a First Class Honours. This is something I never thought possible when beginning my course. I was a married mother of three boys in my thirties and was just hoping to achieve enough to be able to complete the degree and be able to begin a career as a nurse. So to do as well as I have, I am

Rachael Brown

Rachael said: “I am totally overwhelmed at being honoured with this award. I feel privileged and shocked to be receiving it. Melanie Jasper, who very sadly passed away this year, was a fundamental resource within my learning and reflective work. She dedicated her time to improving nurse’s skills through professional development and reflection. To be given an award in her name is a great honour, I hope that over the years throughout my nursing career I am able to show the same amount of dedication and professionalism as Melanie did.

“I would like to thank my family and friends for supporting me through this amazing rollercoaster ride, something which a few years ago seemed very unachievable. I have had the privilege of having a very helpful and supportive tutor in Fiona Murphy, she was always willing to listen and help me with any worries or concerns I may have had. I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to Fiona, all the University staff and all the clinical staff I have had the privilege of working alongside who have helped me achieve my degree.”

The Melanie JasperMemorial AwardRachael Brown

“It has been a pleasure and privilege to be Rachael’s personal tutor on the course. She has been an outstanding student and her reports back from practice have always been extremely positive and complimentary with practitioners highlighting her caring and compassionate approach to patients together with a good work ethic. Her reflective essay demonstrate all these qualities along with her self awareness, her commitment to providing excellent care and a set of values that puts the patient first.”

Dr Fiona Murphy, Lecturer

completely overwhelmed.”

Rachael has already taken the next steps towards establishing her nursing career. She said: “After spending eight weeks on placement in Cardiac Intensive Care, I knew that I would love to begin my career in this environment. I have been offered a permanent contract working in Cardiac Intensive Care in Morriston Hospital and have been working there for three months. It is everything I had hoped for and I have an amazing supportive team to work with. As for the future I intend to further my knowledge within this area and I strive to be the best nurse I possibly can.”

Professor Melanie Jasper served as the Head of the College of Human and Health Sciences for seven years, before sadlypassing away in 2014. Described by those who knew her as an inspirational leader, supportive colleague and caring friend, she left a donation to the College in her will that was to be used to acknowledge the success of the nursing student with the best final year project. This generous donation will allow Professor Jasper’s legacy to live on, supporting the nurses of the future.


Q&A with Hywel Dda Outstanding Achievement Award Winner: Holly Georgina DaviesHolly Georgina Davies, 22, from Llanelli is the recipient of this year’s Hywel Dda Outstanding Achievement Award and a BN Adult Nursing qualification.

What did you do prior to studying at Swansea University?I studied for my A-Levels at Coleg Sir Gar in Llanelli and worked in HSBC for 3 months immediately prior to starting university.

Why did you choose to study at Swansea University?The University was close to home and my sister completed her degree there and recommended it. Can you tell us about your course?I thoroughly enjoyed my training. My time spent in university was very beneficial as I learnt the

underpinning knowledge required to become a competent staff nurse.

What has been your favourite part of the course?I enjoyed the practical elements of the training...out on the wards and in the community. I also enjoyed the practical lessons we had where we were able to practice our skillset before applying these in practice. What’s been your highlight whilst studying at Swansea University?The wonderful campus, the very friendly staff and students, a beautiful location and supportive tutors.

What are your hopes for the future?I want to develop my nursing career and progress as far as possible.

Holly’s mentor at Hywel Dda Health Board highlighted her many outstanding qualities including:

• Her excellent communication skills with colleagues and patients alike

• Her patience, compassion and consideration with patients and families

• Her keenness to learn and use new knowledge and also to support others

• Her awareness of the importance of showing patients respect and maintaining their dignity

• Her exceptional patience, kindness as well as the potential to become an outstanding staff nurse.

Holly Georgina Davies

The IPEM (Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine) Student prize for best project has this year been awarded to Joseph Flaherty for his dissertation entitled External Beam Radiotherapy Delivery in Pregnant Patients.

Joseph’s tutor, Dareyoush Rassi said: “Joseph has been an exemplary student. He has embraced the course with energy and enthusiasm and we have received consistently positive remarks about his performance during hospital placements. It was no surprise that he received job offers long before even sitting his final exams and he has already taken up his position in the Radiotherapy Department at Singleton Hospital. Joseph’s dissertation on radiotherapy during pregnancy has deservedly won the IPEM student prize and we wish him every success in his chosen career.”Joseph Flaherty


Andrea Surridge, Emma’s tutor said: “Emma has been a very diligent individual, who has worked exceptionally hard in order to achieve her desired goal. She achieved an average of 92% throughout all modules leading to the attainment of the Specialist Practice Qualification.

“One of the most outstanding achievements for Emma was her work based learning module where she sought to develop and introduce a protocol within her Health Board for improving tracheostomy care in the community setting.

“Throughout this module she worked tirelessly with her nurse colleagues, managers and ambulance service personnel so that the care pathway for people with a tracheostomy is significantly enhanced. Throughout the period of study she has demonstrated excellent professional knowledge and will be an asset to any organisation.”

What did you do prior to studying at Swansea University?“After achieving a first class honours degree in Adult Nursing at the Carmarthen campus I worked in Withybush ACDU, then gained a sister’s post in the Pembrokeshire Acute Response Team. I have been working as a full time community nurse in Newport, Pembrokeshire for 2 years whilst I completed my postgraduate studies.”

What attracted you to Swansea University?“Swansea has an excellent reputation for nurse education having recently been awarded the 2014 Nursing Times award for best undergraduate programme.”

What are your hopes for the future?“I have recently submitted a community tracheostomy resource pack to Hywel Dda University Health Board for ratification in the hope that it can be utilised across the health board to improve care delivery and standards for this unique group of patients.

“On the recommendation of my tutor I am about to streamline my last piece of academic work and submit to a peer reviewed journal for publication.

Ana Winstone

Q&A with Emma Cottrell,

Postgraduate Diploma Community Health Studies (Specialist Practitioner- District Nurse)

Winner of the QNI Award

Emma CottrellThe programme develops the indispensable knowledge and skills required to manage a caseload of patients in diverse locales.”

“I hope to commence PhD study in 2015 at Swansea University. I aspire to embark on qualitative research exploring the ‘lived experience’ of tracheostomy patients in community settings. This will be a huge personal undertaking as I will be working full-time but feel that research is essential in shaping the future of clinical practice. Nurses are in a unique position at the forefront of nursing care and have the necessary skills to drive and change practice; as such we are ideally suited to pursuing research initiatives.”

How do you feel about winning this award?“I was in shock when my tutor stated that she had nominated me and that I had won an award from the Queen’s Nursing Institute. I feel very proud to accept the award from an organisation that champions district nursing and promotes nursing excellence in community settings.”

How will your studies help you pursue your chosen profession?“This postgraduate programme is a prerequisite in becoming a qualified district nurse. It encourages self-awareness, holistic care, and reflective practice, promoting the development of community


Stephens Family Today Complete their Trio of Nurses...

Delma Stephens, 22 was part of a very happy trio of nurses, as she graduated with a BN (Hons) in Adult Nursing, and celebrated with her mum, Louise, and sister, Donna, who both graduated from the same course back in 2012.

All three of the Stephens family, who live in Tumble, Llanelli, studied for their Adult Nursing degrees at Swansea University’s College of Human and Health Sciences’ Carmarthen campus; St David’s Park. Mum, Louise, 49, graduated two years ago in January 2012, and Donna, 25, graduated in July of the same year.

Delma said: “As a family of nurses let’s say that our house over the past five and a half years has been slightly stressful, disorganised, sleep deprived, frustrated, tearful, joyful, and finally relieved after I completed my three year degree.”

“We each chose to study at Swansea University because it is known to have a highly regarded College of Human and Health Sciences. The bonus was that the University had a campus in Carmarthen which was closer to home, with equal facilities and teaching standards.”

“We all agreed that we enjoyed the community feel at Saint David’s Park. We found that the support we received from tutors, lecturers and library staff alike was invaluable. Without their help we wouldn’t have been able to achieve our goals of becoming Nurses.”

All three of the family are now practising nursing: Delma has secured a Staff Nurse position in the Clinical Decision Unit in Glangwili Hospital, where Donna also works as an Accident and Emergency Staff Nurse. Louise is a Practice Nurse in a surgery in Ammanford.

Delma’s advice for prospective nurses:

“By choosing to do nursing you are embarking on a versatile and rewarding career that will open many doors for you. Ensure you study hard, and take advantage of every opportunity that arises in the variety of placements you will experience, because when you qualify the world is your oyster.”

Congratulations to Cardiac Physiology Students Anna Jen Griffiths Harris who won the Best Dissertation prize and Gavin Wells who won Student of the Year

Cardiac Physiology tutor, Emma Rees said: “Anna’s dissertation explored whether the ultrasound measurements performed by staff at a Welsh hospital were accurate and performed according to National Guidelines. The results showed that the hospital was providing a very good service but she identified areas where improvements could be made. These results have been presented at a Welsh cardiac physiology conference.

“Gavin embodies the values we hold in high regard; professionalism, honesty, integrity and altruism. This coupled with his warm personality, technical and academic ability makes him an excellent cardiac physiologist and true ambassador for the programme.”

Gavin Wells


Winner of the Una Bowd Award for Best Graduate Annie Price BSc Medical Sciences and Humanities, First Class Honours

““Annie has excelled in a broad and challenging degree course. Within an excellent year group, Annie has proven her academic versatility in achieving first class marks in modules as diverse as history applied to healthcare and pathology.”

Dr Andrew Bloodworth, Tutor

Annie Price

What did you do prior to studying at Swansea University?“I considered taking a ‘gap year’ but instead decided to pursue a degree in Medical Science and Humanities immediately after completing A-levels in Chemistry, Biology and Geography.”

Why did you choose to study at Swansea University?“Swansea University was my first choice since it promised an unrivalled student experience, an unrivalled location (surrounded by award-winning beaches and parks) and a high graduate employment rate. I can personally say that it has met (and surpassed) these claims.”

Can you tell us about your course?“Medical Science and Humanities (MeSH) is varied and diverse. Especially in the first year, the modules appear distinct and separate from one another but by the end of the three years, the elements ‘MeSH’ together and you get a real sense of how the various aspects relate to each other. From learning about the microbiology of a cell to attending hospital placements and gaining knowledge of the NHS’ origins, the course really does leave no stone unturned.”

What part of the course did you enjoy the most?“The varied nature of the course, although somewhat daunting

at first, maintained my interest and broadened my concept of healthcare and illness. The hospital placements especially provided an insight into the NHS in its current state and showed the importance of the doctor-patient relationship; something I am particularly interested in.”

What’s been your highlight whilst studying at Swansea University?“Of course, achieving a BSc degree has been the pinnacle of my time spent studying at Swansea University however, the University has provided me with so much more. Meeting new people, experiencing different cultures, partaking in various educational and social events and maturing both academically and on a personal level has made my student/university experience a truly spectacular and memorable one.”

What are your plans/hopes for the future?“My second period of study at Swansea begins in September. I plan to complete a MSc in Long Term and Chronic Conditions and hope to apply for post-graduate medicine during the upcoming academic year.”

Would you recommend Swansea University to other students? “Absolutely! Swansea University provides students with a respected degree and offers

support and encouragement at every stage of study. The personal tutors I’ve been assigned to have provided great assistance and the lecturers have provided consistent feedback which has helped me to progress onto the subsequent level. The University has recently won the Best University Prize at the Student Choice Awards 2014 and judging from my personal experience, this award is most definitely deserved.” How do you feel about winning this award?“I’m extremely honoured to be receiving the Una Bowd Award (albeit a little shocked!). I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my three years as a student and feel very privileged to be in receipt of a First Class Honours degree. This award is simply the cherry on top.”


Charlotte Earle

BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care student, Shoshi Khan, 21, celebrated achieving her first class degree and the inaugural Sue Philpin Award.Shoshi said: “I feel honoured to receive this award because I have worked very hard throughout my three years at Swansea. My highlight has been meeting new people who I hope to stay in touch with. The course is small in comparison to other degree courses, and because of that, everyone gets to know one another.”

Shoshi now plans to continue to study at Master’s level, and to go on to a career in Health and Social Care.

“It has been a pleasure to know Shoshi. She has been active as a subject representative and student ambassador whilst studying health and social care at Swansea. In addition to being an exemplary student who has achieved academic success, she is also a modest and unassuming individual who has worked hard in her own studies and has also been a source of support to others. I am sure that Shoshi will be successful in whatever she decides to do next. I wish her all the best.”

Julia Pridmore, Programme Manager for BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care

Shoshi is the first class winner of the first Sue Philpin Award

Congratulations to Respiratory Physiology Students Alain Fildes and Charlotte Earle who jointly won the Prize for Best Dissertation.Respiratory Physiology tutor, Nikki Williams, said: “We have seen Alain develop over the last four years into a confident and mature professional. Alain takes his clinical role very seriously and always tries to do the best for his patients and his colleagues. He has achieved excellent marks in his assessments.

“His dissertation reviewed the use of a test of functional capacity – the 6 minute walk test – as a prognostic tool in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The project was very well-executed and Alain demonstrated his ability to critically analyse and synthesise the literature and to communicate his ideas in a mature and coherent way. I think Alain is looking forward to travelling around, whilst working

as a locum respiratory physiologist, so that he can decide which hospital is going to be lucky enough to have him on their staff!”

On Charlotte Earle, Nikki said: “Charlie has a great passion for research and this has been evident throughout her time with us. She volunteered to assist with a research project in the College of Engineering whilst in her 3rd year, as if she didn’t have enough to do with her own studies!”

“Charlie’s dissertation used audit methodology to explore whether correcting for haemoglobin levels provides more accurate results when measuring the transfer factor for

carbon monoxide, as opposed to the current practice where standardised haemoglobin levels are used. Charlie produced an excellent piece of work, which she subsequently presented at an ARTP conference earlier in the year.”

“Charlie’s ambition is to be awarded the Nobel Prize – we can’t offer her that, but we can help her on her way with this award and we can only hope she will remember us when she makes her Nobel acceptance speech.”


Talking about her course, Elinore said: “Even though it was hard work I thoroughly enjoyed it! It was challenging, interesting and it was great learning new practical techniques, which I will use within Osteopathic treatment. The lectures were patient with us and it was good to have different opinions on treatment approaches.

“My highlight while studying at Swansea University was becoming an Osteopath and helping patients get better as it is a rewarding experience. Another highlight to the course was meeting all my course mates as we became very close due to the

course being so small.” Elinore has already been offered two jobs in Cardiff at well-established Osteopathic Clinics and will take up a position as an Associate Osteopath.

On winning her award she said: “I feel very privileged to win an award and would like to thank my tutors, friends and family.”

Osteopathy Programme Manager, Bob Davies, said: “Elinore undertook an integrative review for her dissertation relating to: ‘A comparison of osteopathic treatment to dental treatment as a viable alternative

Elinore Lewis

Osteopathy Best Dissertation Elinore Lewis, MOst OsteopathyElinore from Cowbridge was tempted by Swansea University’s “brilliant location surrounded by beaches” and of course, the fact that the University offered the only Osteopathy course in Wales.

for Temporal Mandibular dysfunction in adults.’ She was awarded 85% for her dissertation. The markers of the work described its various aspects as demonstrating ‘independent thinking’; ‘insightful’; ‘thorough’; ‘of great relevance’ and ‘exemplary’.

“She has also been strongly encouraged to try and get this piece of work published.”

Bob Davies, Programme Manager for Osteopathy said: “Tanja not only averaged 70% in each of her previous three years of study, her consistency towards her study bore fruit in her final year of study too. Having received the highest marks in two out of the four programme modules during this year of study, it is far from surprising that she also obtained a highly impressive and commendable final year average mark of 75.59%. Her award for her commitment and energy is a thoroughly well earned first class honours professional master’s degree in osteopathy and an award for osteopathy’s ‘student of the year’.”Osteopathy Student of the Year

Tanja Jakobs, MOst Osteopathy

Tanja Jakobs

Tanja said: “I have studied horticulture, been a physician’s assistant and have been self employed as a shiatsu practitioner for the last eight years. I enjoyed the combination of research and hands on practical work of the osteopathy degree. I enjoyed the variety of lectures and tutors and the opportunity to work in our clinic on site. Bodywork has been a passion of mine as I do yoga and meditation too. Osteopathy offers a beautiful approach to

healing which I love.”


CONGRATULATIONSto our first cohort of Osteopathy students

Swansea University’s first cohort of M.Ost Osteopathy students celebrated their graduation this week at a Degree and Award Congregation for the University’s College of Human and Health Sciences, held in the City and County of Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall.

The first cohort of 11 graduates comprised Frances Carey, Bethan Davies, Jayde Fowler, Tanja Jakobs, Rosemary Jones, Lisa Lamont, Elinore Lewis, Natalie Foulser, Christopher Parker, Cari Pellard, and Nirosan Sriskandarajah.

Bob Davies, Programme Manager: Advanced Initial Degree (M.Ost) Osteopathy, said: “This is the first cohort of Osteopathy students to graduate

from Swansea University. Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievement.

“The Osteopathy programme is an extremely demanding one and high levels of professionalism are expected throughout. The fact that all our Osteopathy graduates were awarded high degree classifications is a testament to their energy, dedication and commitment to their studies over the past four years and provides an important benchmark upon which their future careers can be built.

“Both myself, as Programme Manager, as well as all of my teaching colleagues from the Osteopathy team, offer our sincere congratulations to all our new graduates. We are sure that they will do well.”

Swansea University’s four-year, full time programme has formally received recognised qualification status from the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), which defines osteopathy as a manner of detecting, treating and preventing conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, namely muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints, in a holistic and scientifically based way.

Swansea’s programme is an advanced initial degree in Osteopathy and students successfully completing the course gain a Master’s level qualification. Students gain hands-on experience in the application of their clinical skills with patients under supervision in the Swansea University Osteopathic Clinic, which is open to the general public.

Graduation Newsletter 2014Michelle Lee from the College of Human and Health Science’s Deparment of Psychology explains why Rebecca Owen is this year’s worthy winner of the Head of Department Prize.

“Rebecca fully deserves the Head of Department’s prize for her outstanding contribution to the Department of Psychology and the wider academic community.

“Rebecca was elected as a subject rep in her second year and the undergraduate College student rep. Through this role she attended the College learning and teaching committee and made an impressive contribution to the L&T agenda. Rebecca represented the student voice professionally and demonstrated an ability to view issues from multiple perspectives.

“At departmental level Rebecca

has consistently volunteered to represent the department at open days and visit days. I will miss her presence, as she not only helped with the organisation on the day but she was brilliant with prospective applicants and their families – she has a great way of communicating which puts people at ease.

“Rebecca also assisted me with a SALT conference presentation. She spoke with such confidence and professionalism and dealt with questions from the audience.

“In her final year Rebecca put much energy into the role of president of the Mental Wealth

Society. She played a key role in invisible illness week and campaigned passionately throughout the year raising money for various mental health charities. I have been constantly amazed at Rebecca’s energy and am in awe what she has achieved.

“Gaining a first class degree is fantastic but to have done so whilst working so tirelessly for others is truly great!”

Rebecca Owen

BSc PsychologyHead of Department

Prize

Rebecca Owen

BSc Psychology graduate Hei Yin (Adam) Chan celebrated success today (Wednesday, July 16) as he received his 2:1 degree from Swansea University.

Adam, aged 22, originally from Kowloon, Hong Kong, first came to Swansea in 2011 as an international student.

Adam said: “After reviewing information on Swansea University’s location, and the course’s content and reputation, I decided that Swansea was the ideal place for me to study for my undergraduate degree in psychology – it has a splendid reputation for student life.”

After starting his course, Adam decided to transfer to a four year programme, to enable him to take up the opportunity of a year’s study abroad, which he spent at the University of New

South Wales in Australia, one of Swansea’s student exchange partners.

Adam’s year abroad in Australia was arranged by the University’s International Development Office (IDO). Sian Impey, Deputy Head of IDO, said: “Adam fully appreciates the value of time abroad in terms of enhancing both the student experience and student employability. He has been an advocate for the benefits of study abroad, assisting the IDO-organised Study Abroad Fair and presenting on his experiences at information sessions for students considering studying abroad. We hope his story will inspire other students coming to Swansea University to do the same.”

From Hong Kong to Swansea to New South Wales: study abroad enhances Adam’s student experience

Adam Chan


“Late-Onset Auditory Deprivation is the reduction in speech recognition abilities in the unaided ear in unilateral hearing aid fittings. First described by Silman in 1984, it is a theme of research in auditory plasticity and Tim conducted an excellent meta-analysis.”

Pille Pedmanson, 24, from Tampere, Finland gradu-ated with a first class hon-ours degree for BSc (Hons) Psychology.

Following her graduation from her Finnish high school, Pille worked to save money for trav-elling, and ended up living in Australia. Whilst still living there, she made applications to UK universities. She said:

She said: “As I was still in Aus-tralia when I applied, I didn't get a chance to come for open days or anything. I just picked

potential universities by googling the cities and the universities' reputations. I had only been to London so didn't really know where in the UK I should go. It was quite a random choice to end up in Swansea in Wales, but turned out to be a good one!”

One of Pille’s highlights of her studies at Swansea was help-ing Professor Ian Thornton with his research during her first and second year. As a result she was named as one of the authors in his paper – and had a paper published before she’d graduated!

She said:“I am aiming to be a Sport Psychologist one day but I also enjoy doing research. Swansea University has given me very good foundations not only for my Masters course but also for a possible PhD in the future. Working as a research assistant during my first two years as well as the third year independent project, have pro-

vided me with excellent skills to pursue a research career later if I wish to do so.

“I now have a place in MSc in Sport Psychology in Cardiff Metropolitan so I am starting in September. Before that I am going to present my final year project work at ECVP, the European Conference on Visual Perception in Serbia. I am very much looking forward to that and my Master’s course after-wards.

“Receiving the amazing grade for my final year project after all those hectic months of writing it was incredible. My project was in the area of cognitive psychology; it was about how biological mo-tion can induce shifts of attention and eye movements. It was a very interesting topic, I put a lot of effort into the research project; my third year mainly consisted of doing this research. It's an amaz-ing feeling and just incredible to find out that all the dedication and hard work paid off.”

Congratulations to Audiology Students Tim Smith who won the Prize for Best Dissertation and Yamin Win who

won the Student of the Year Prize

On awarding the prizes, Barry Bardsley, who runs the Audiology programme, said:

“Tim’s dissertation looked at the influence of fitting one hearing aid to someone who has hearing loss on both side.

“Yamin performed very well in her final year and achieved the best mark in the final exam. She showed great determination throughout the 4th year of the programme and really demonstrated her analytical skills in the final assessed piece of work.”

Pille-Riin Pedmanson

Best Final Year Psychology Student Project for Finnish Student Pille


What did you do prior to studying at Swansea University?“Before studying at Swansea I completed A-Levels in Psychology, Drama and Theatre Studies, Biology and Chemistry at Haybridge High School and Sixth Form.”

What attracted you to Swansea University?“I really liked the location, being so close to the beach was fantastic. Being so far from home also gave me the chance to become independent, which was a welcome challenge. The Swansea Student Union is brilliant and was a big part of my decision. Living in Swansea is also very economical, and there is plenty to do.”

Can you tell us about your course?“The Psychology course was always interesting, and always introducing me to new concepts and ideas. The third year is particularly engaging due to the freedom you’re given in choosing your final year project and other modules. The workload is manageable, as long as you’re organised!”

What part of the course did you enjoy the most?“My final year project was an intrinsically valuable experience. I was able to work with a leading figure in the field of sleep and dreaming and the challenge of

Ana Winstone

Q&A with Bethan Smith, who won the BPS Prize for the highest overall grade upon graduation AND was jointly awarded the Best Final Year Student Project Prize.

Bethan Smith

creating and running my own study was, although stressful at times, a wonderful experience.I also enjoyed the psychopathology module as it gave me the freedom to explore different mental health conditions, an area that I hope to work in as a career.”

What are your hopes for the future?“I am currently looking to gain experience in clinical psychology with a view to further study for a Master’s and Doctorate qualification in clinical psychology. Ultimately I’d love to be working with children in child and adolescent mental health services.”

How will your studies help you pursue your chosen profession?“The Psychology course at Swansea is accredited by the British Psychological Society, and this will stand me in good stead for future study and employment. I also feel I have a solid foundation in all aspects of psychology.”

What’s been your highlight whilst studying at Swansea University?“The freedom and fun of Fresher’s Week, ‘Sin Savers’ on a Thursday night, the yearly Varsity tournament, and seeing all of my hard work rewarded at the end of it.”

Would you recommend Swansea University to other students?“I would. The university and especially the Psychology department are always helpful and have been a wonderful source of support – especially during the stressful final year. The location, facilities and the city combine to make it a rewarding and exciting place to be.”

How do you feel about winning these awards?

“I am humbled and honoured to win the BPS Student of the Year award, and the Final Year Project Prize. When I started the final year I had no idea I would be in this position now. I would like to thank all of the people who offered me their support and their time in helping me achieve more than I thought was possible.”


Zoe Smith, age 23, from Newport graduated from BSc (Hons) Psychology with first class honours, and won the British Psychological Society (BPS) (Welsh Branch) prize, despite battling a debilitating heart condition, which at times threatened her ability to complete her degree.

Prior to studying at Swansea University, Zoe attained 3 A Levels from Coleg Gwent, and last year received the Katie Sullivan prize for the most outstanding academic achievement for a second year student in the field of Psychology.

She said: “I feel deeply honoured to have received this award both in recognition of the work I have put into attaining my degree. I truly believe that with dedicated study and the right support network it is possible to overcome setbacks and achieve your dreams.”

Searching for the opportunity to study in a research-led university renowned worldwide for its research excellence, Zoe attended a Swansea University open day and immediately felt that Swansea exuded a community vibe which was lacking at the other universities she had visited. The beach being a stone throw’s away was also a deciding factor!

She said: “I chose to do a degree in Psychology due to

the range of topics on offer with the option to choose modules to pursue in my third year such as Forensic Psychology, Applied Behavioural Analysis, Project Work and a Dissertation.

“The course offered the opportunity to study using a variety of teaching methods which, although at times were challenging, allowed me to develop a range of transferable skills which remain crucial in enhancing employment prospects. Additionally, a number of my Psychology lecturers were leaders in their field who brought enthusiasm to their specialist field adding to the student experience/atmosphere during lectures.”

“My favourite part of the course was being able to conduct my own piece of research in the form of a dissertation. Through the dissertation I developed a number of skills including self-discipline, critical thinking, time management, as well as managing and prioritising my work load.

“I also enjoyed not only being a participant in research projects conducted by other students, but also conducting my own piece of research on others which although very challenging was also very rewarding.”

Zoe’s hopes for the future are to continue studying at Master’s level in Investigative Psychology and ultimately, to progress on to study a PhD in the same field.

She said: “My studies at Swansea University have given me valuable skills which I will carry throughout my academic and professional careers. The University introduced me to the field of Forensic Psychology which I soon realised was both a passion and ultimately a career path that I wish to pursue into the future. The encouragement of my lecturers made me strive to reach ever higher goals.

“I would definitely recommend Swansea University to other students as it has the whole package of world leading research, teaching of the highest quality, outstanding employment prospects, the ultimate student experience and of course not forgetting a picturesque location.”

Zoe Smith

Zoe’s dedication to her dream wins her the British Psychological Society (Welsh Branch) prize at graduation

Zoe’s advice:“I would like to emphasise the need to gain voluntary experi-ence in relevant fields early on in your studies as this remains crucial when progressing on to either postgraduate education or a chosen career path.”


Dr John KnightDistinguished Teaching Award

Dr John Knight has received an Excellence in Learning and Teaching Award at this summer’s graduation. These student initiated awards are to recognise and celebrate excellent teaching and as such are highly respected across the University. With only eight awarded each year, the award highlights John’s versatility as a teacher and the way he keeps the subject fresh, employing humour and a deep knowledge of biological science. His students specifically mentioned that he takes the time to find out their previous experience and then teach accordingly, instilling confidence in them.


For more photos from graduation, see our Facebook page

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