Siyahluma Gcaza

Course: BSc (Hons) Psychology with integrated Foundation
Home country: South Africa
Graduation: 2025

As an international student from South Africa, choosing where to study was a significant decision for me. One of the most appealing aspects of The University of Buckingham was the two-year degree programme, which allowed me to complete my studies in a shorter time without compromising on quality. I was also drawn to the small tutorial groups, as I valued an engaging and interactive learning environment rather than large, impersonal lectures.

Before arriving, I had some concerns about cultural differences and whether I would feel comfortable as an international student. However, those worries quickly disappeared. Buckingham is a small university with a strong sense of community, and I found it to be a friendly, welcoming, and safe place to live and study. The supportive atmosphere made it easy to settle in and feel at home. Making friends and settling into university life was made much easier by the events hosted by the Students’ Union. These ranged from social and society-based activities to academic events, providing plenty of opportunities to connect with other students, get involved in university life, and feel part of the wider community. These events played an important role in helping me build friendships and adjust to life at Buckingham.

Psychology studies

My experience studying Psychology at Buckingham has been very positive. The teaching was engaging and intellectually stimulating, and the lecturers were consistently supportive and approachable. The small class sizes encouraged discussion and allowed me to actively participate. One of the most valuable aspects of my experience was the one-to-one personal tutor meetings. These sessions gave me the opportunity to ask questions, voice my concerns, and receive personalised guidance, which I used to my full capacity throughout my degree.

While my journey was rewarding, it was not always easy. Balancing university responsibilities with personal demands was another challenge I faced. Finding the right balance required discipline and effective time management. I found that breaking my work down into smaller, manageable sections rather than trying to complete everything at once helped me stay organised and reduce stress. There were also moments when the academic pressure felt overwhelming. During those times, I reminded myself of a quote that kept me motivated: “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul” by William Ernest Henley. This mindset helped me remain resilient, focused, and determined to succeed despite the obstacles.

Beyond academics, working alongside my studies played a key role in my personal development. It allowed me to build a strong personal development portfolio and apply the skills I was learning in my Psychology degree directly to the workplace, while also bringing valuable professional experience back into my studies. Alongside this, I had the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with fellow students from diverse backgrounds. These experiences helped me grow in confidence, become more self-aware, and develop both personally and professionally.

What’s next?

Completing my Psychology degree has been a significant achievement, strengthening my academic abilities and self-confidence. This success has motivated me to continue my academic journey by pursuing a master’s degree in forensic psychology and working toward my long-term career goals. Overall, studying at The University of Buckingham has been a fulfilling and transformative experience, and I would highly recommend it.