Frances Sales

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

I’m Fran, I am 22 years old and am from a small village in North Yorkshire. I am in my 3^rd year of study but my 4^th year at Leeds as I completed a year in industry. At A-level I studied Biology, Chemistry and Psychology and came straight to University after this.

What motivated you to apply to study your chosen course and why did you choose Leeds?

I was attracted to Psychology with Education after tutoring children during my a-levels and finding the different learning styles and attitudes to education that each child had interesting. I chose Leeds as it is not too far from where I am from and I really liked the campus on the open day.

What do you think of your course, have there been any particular highlights for you?

I have really enjoyed my course so far. I love the mix between psychology and education modules, particularly when the theories in one module compliment those in another. The way the course is taught varies from lectures of over 200 people to small seminar groups and computer based learning (CBL).

How would you describe the help and guidance provided by the staff within the School?

The school of education and in particular my tutor have been so supportive and welcoming. Due to it being a small school it has a really friendly atmosphere, and everyone seems very helpful. I have found the support in finding a placement to be excellent and always feel comfortable in emailing staff at the school with any questions.

How would you describe the facilities at the University?

The university libraries have been fantastic places to work as well as offering skills classes and even working with lecturers to deliver content. Additionally, the student union is a great place to meet up in groups socially with lots of different areas to sit, different cafes and bars.  

Have you had the opportunity to study abroad, or complete a year in industry?

My year in industry was a particular highlight as it has helped me to decide what I would like to do after university. I worked for a year in the Leeds Community Learning Disability Team (CLDT) and learnt a lot about how the NHS is run as well as clinical skills.The experience has really motivated me to become a clinical psychologist and I have come back to my final year with a newfound focus.

I found out about the placement through the university where there were a number of NHS clinical psychology placements offered. You apply to the scheme with an application form and then if you get an interview you rank the services/ in order of where you would most like to work.

While on placement I worked in a multidisciplinary team (MDT) alongside dieticians, nurses, Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs), Occupational Therapists (OTs) and psychiatrists. I was supervised by a clinical psychologist but also received supervision from the trainee psychologists on placements in the same service. The trainees helped myself and the other year in industry student by giving advice on what to do after Uni in order to gain the relevant experience and also worked with us on reflecting on the skills we learnt on placement. Some of the tasks I did on placement include delivering some mindfulness activities to a service user, analysing a transcript and writing a qualitative report on this and also writing reports and sitting in on meetings.

Have you been involved in extra-curricular activities?

I have worked as supply for Career Teachers which involved going to different schools to help out for the day. They are a good company to work for as a student as you just say your availability for the week ahead and then they offer you schools to go to. I found it a really good way to get experience as well as some money!

I am currently doing a placement in a SEN school as part of the Students into Education module. I do this for a day a week and am thoroughly enjoying it.