Elizabeth Neal

Course: BSc (Hons) Psychology (2-year degree)
Graduation: 2025

I began my BSc (Hons) Psychology degree at The University of Buckingham in September 2023 as a nervous 22-year-old, arriving with more self-doubt than confidence and quietly wondering if I belonged in academic spaces. I worried about being older than others on my course and about not being smart enough. What I found was a University defined by warmth, diversity, and openness; my friends here were brought together not by age or background, but through a shared love for learning and the common experiences of university life.

Buckingham brings together an eclectic mix of people of many ages and backgrounds, and from this, a genuine community grows. The campus itself is beautifully calm. I have loved the outdoor spaces; we are surrounded by nature, which grounded me during periods of academic pressure. From the start of the course, I found myself jumping enthusiastically into academic life in a completely new way. For the first time in my experience, learning felt reciprocal: the more curiosity, effort, and care I put in, the more I got out in return. I completed the accelerated two-year programme and graduated with a First-Class degree in December 2025. I graduated feeling confident in my abilities and looking to the future with excitement at the possibilities learning can bring. Choosing The University of Buckingham remains one of the best decisions I have made, both academically and personally.

Support

During my degree, I encountered considerable personal challenges, and it was during these times that the University’s strengths showed most. As a small university, every student is really cared for and known. The Psychology department is transparently student-centred, with thoughtful pastoral care, and staff who are consistently present and supportive. The support from the Wellbeing Hub team was hugely beneficial to many people I know too, especially through faculty mentors. The guidance from my personal tutor and project supervisor was incredible and enabled me to complete my degree on time and with confidence, even during difficult periods.

Studying psychology

Academically, the course’s structure was one of its greatest strengths, first of all for being just two years and one term, and also for the assignments, which build skills progressively. Particularly in research methods, critical analysis, and academic writing. These were reinforced through tutorials and close working relationships with faculty, cultivating both academic rigour and confidence in communication, presentation, and professional discussion. The strong focus on research throughout the programme was amazingly helpful when it came to writing my dissertation and is now also helpful for postgraduate study.

What’s next?

Following on from my undergraduate experience, I am now continuing at Buckingham as an MSc Psychology by Research student, supported by the Faculty Prestige Scholarship award. I am proud to be continuing into academia and building on the foundation that my BSc here has given me.

As someone who was once unsure whether university was right for me, and who spent the years after school lacking self-belief and trying a range of different jobs that never quite fulfilled me, I can now reflect that this degree was possibly the best decision I have ever made. It was challenging and stretching in the best possible way, thoroughly fulfilling, and opened many a new door for my future!