How to Survive Your Psychology Master's

How to get your master’s in psychology with a spring in your step!

At the University of Bolton, we’ve been in the Top 10 in the UK for Student Satisfaction in Psychology Courses* for the fourth year running. So we know how to look after our psychology students!

Nonetheless, this field can be mentally challenging, with so much to learn and a lot of work to do. So it’s important to have a few tricks up your sleeve for managing stress. Here’s how to get your masters in psychology without compromising your wellbeing.

Be prepared before your degree

Whether you’re coming straight from your bachelor’s degree, or returning to education after working in the field, it’s important to read up and refresh your mind before starting the course.

There’s a lot of material to get through, so try to get a head start if you want to  get an advantage in class. Try to do this every semester, especially after a long break where you need to get back into the swing of learning again.

Learn to note-take like a pro

This is really important if you want to get the most out of your classes. As mentioned, there’s a lot to learn in a psychology master’s so taking down notes quickly and effectively is key. Find a way that works best for you, whether it’s developing short hand with pen and paper, using a laptop or even your smartphone.

Collaborate with others so you can swap notes too, because sometimes things can be easily missed when you’re busy trying to scribble everything down.

If you want to know how to get your masters in psychology and pass with flying colours, don’t underestimate the power of note-taking!

Take a break from the books

A psychology master’s involves a lot of reading. While this subject is undoubtedly fascinating (and many students find the material to be enjoyable), the sheer volume of reading can be overwhelming. So remember to take breaks away from your books and recharge your brain by doing other tasks.

There’s plenty of research to show that short breaks can help, while also reducing stress. So grab a coffee, call a friend, take a short stroll, do some housework or simply potter around the house until your brain resets itself.

Stay up to date with current affairs

A great psychology student has a wider understanding of the field, and is able to step outside of their studying world to see how their training applies to real life. This is why it’s vital to keep reading up on current affairs and the latest industry news.

Some great magazines, sites and publications include Psychology Today, Psychological Review, New Psychotherapist, Therapy Today (BACP), Counselling and Psychotherapy Research Journal, British Journal of Clinical Psychology, American Journal of Psychology, and New Scientist.

Don’t lose sight of purpose

Psychology careers are hugely rewarding, but the amount of surveys, experiments, reading and revision can cause you to forget your purpose. Remember why you’re here and that everything you do leads to improving the lives of others.

Be proud of being a part of positive change in the medical world, and let that be your motivation every day.

Are you inspired to do your psychology master’s at the University of Bolton? We have a student-first approach, and offer support throughout your studies. We are a socially inclusive and diverse university, with small class sizes and expert lecturers in the field. Plus the City of Manchester is only a short bus or train ride away. Come and experience #UniAsItShouldBe

To find out more about applying in 2021/22, see our available psychology courses.

*Complete University Guide, 2022, 2021, 2020 & 2019