University of Plymouth: Calibrating students for career success
Source: University of Plymouth

Prospective international students who are looking for a university that moulds career-ready graduates might want to consider the University of Plymouth in England. Plymouth boasts of several accolades under its belt, including being among the top 10 UK Young University in the 2019 Times Higher Education Young University Rankings.

It is also ranked eighth in the world – and best in the UK – for the quality and impact of its engineering research in the Marine and Ocean Engineering category of the Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2019.

Students can choose from a wide range undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across various fields, including the biological sciences; business, management, marketing, finance and maritime and logistics degree courses; chemistry; engineering and psychology, to name a few.

Meanwhile, postgraduate students keen on advancing their knowledge and skills in psychology also have numerous options to choose from, be it Plymouths’ MSc Psychology, MSc Advanced Psychology, MSc Clinical Psychology or even MSc Human Neuroscience programme.

There is also a range of postgraduate research degrees across all areas of their world-leading research – from digital art and dance to dentistry and geochemistry, to cater to varied interests.

Programmes that produce agile graduates

At the heart of Plymouth’s programmes are carefully curated courses that ensure students have numerous opportunities to put theory into practice, be it via their hands-on learning approach or work placement opportunities.

For instance, at the undergraduate level, students can enrol in the BSc (Hons) Psychology if they are keen on discovering how thoughts, feelings and motivations shape our behaviour. The programme offers a hands-on approach to learning across social, developmental, clinical and cognitive psychology and neuroscience, thus providing students with the skills relevant across a range of careers, from education and health to business and the media.

Calvin So Chun Kit. Source: University of Plymouth

International student Calvin So Chun Kit said that his PSYC519 Research Skill in Practice 1 class is highly applicable for aspiring researchers while PSYC514 Individual Differences, Social and Developmental Psychology class is ideal for students aspiring to branch into research or academia.

The 21-year-old BSc (Hons) Psychology student from Singapore felt that “every module has much real-world application” as it encourages students to use their integrated knowledge to effectively assess any given situation. Coupled with Plymouth’s lecturers and teaching staff who are “really nice and approachable,” Plymouth serves as an excellent place of study for international students.

The university also offers a variety of scholarships for international students who meet the eligibility criteria.

Students enrolled in the programme have the opportunity to spend their second year abroad or pick an optional psychology placement year (in their third year) to gain invaluable work experience that boost their career prospects. For the latter, students are free to apply to one of the organisations that regularly offer placements to Plymouth’s students, or find their own host anywhere in the world, giving them the platform to volunteer for work overseas.

Other opportunities that promote deeper learning and thinking include the Research Apprentice Scheme where students can work on real research projects, or the Student Council that helps to run the School.

These carefully chosen experiences are supported by reflection, critical analysis and synthesis, providing students with the critical framework that would help them understand what it is like to be a health professional.

Breadth and depth of learning

Plymouth’s approach in ensuring their students benefit from these experiences are backed by research.

Experiential learning is paramount in enhancing a high-level of retention among students. Studies note that it helps increase students’ interest, making the absorbing of complex material easier. Plymouth also exposes its undergraduate students to high-level research to promote deeper learning. The skills students gain by conducting research also translates into sought-after skills that make them attractive among employers, in addition to serving as excellent preparation for graduate studies.

Coupled with Plymouth’s state-of-the-art facilities, which include the Babylab – a research lab for the cognitive psychology of child development – in addition to the Brain Research and Imaging Centre (BRIC) – an advanced multi-modal brain imaging facility – students are fully supported to achieve career success.

This culminates in helping students explore their potential strengths and challenges in their future jobs, making them better prepared for the working world.

These factors only lead to one conclusion: The University Plymouth has all it takes to prepare graduates for career success. Apply today.

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