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Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Growing up, I watched my younger brother struggle with anxiety that went undiagnosed for years. Seeing how his behaviour was misunderstood by teachers, by family, and even by himself made me want to understand why we think and feel the way we do. Psychology is not just an academic interest for me. It is a way of making sense of experiences I have seen up close.

Reading Daniel Kahneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow changed how I approach decision-making. The idea that we operate through two cognitive systems, one fast and intuitive and one slow and deliberate, helped me understand why my brother would react disproportionately under pressure even when he knew the logical answer. This led me to Robert Cialdini's Influence, which gave me a new lens for understanding social compliance, and I began noticing these principles everywhere from advertising to classroom dynamics.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course?

Studying Psychology at A-level has given me a strong foundation in research methodology, which I believe is the backbone of the subject. I particularly enjoyed exploring the ethical debates surrounding Milgram's obedience experiments, not just the findings, but the lasting questions they raised about the relationship between scientific progress and participant welfare. My Biology A-level has deepened my understanding of the neurological basis of behaviour, especially hormonal influences on mood and stress response. Mathematics has strengthened my ability to interpret statistical data critically, a skill I know is essential for evaluating conflicting research.

For my EPQ, I investigated the psychological impact of social media use on adolescent self-esteem, combining published meta-analyses with a small-scale questionnaire I designed myself. This taught me how to build a valid research methodology, handle contradictory data, and construct a balanced argument under academic constraints. I received an A* and found the process of independent inquiry more engaging than almost anything else I had done at school.

What else have you done to prepare for this course, and why are these experiences useful?

For the past year I have been volunteering at a local mental health charity supporting young people aged 13 to 18 in a drop-in environment. This has given me direct exposure to how psychological difficulties present outside controlled research conditions. I have learned to listen actively, hold space for difficult conversations, and recognise the limits of my own role. It has made clear to me that psychology is not an abstract discipline. It has real, urgent consequences for real people.

I also completed a FutureLearn course on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy, which introduced me to the gap between academic research and clinical practice. I found that gap more interesting than either side alone, and it is something I want to explore seriously at university.

I am applying to study Psychology because I want to contribute to a field I believe is one of the most important of our time. Mental health awareness has grown, but genuine understanding has not always kept pace. I want to be part of changing that.