Student Spotlight - Melissa Shearer
“The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it.”
Choosing a psychology degree opens the door to a diverse range of topics, all of which are concerned with understanding behaviour and exploring the mind. The BSc (Hons) Psychology degree at UHI Perth is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and allows you to learn the skills and analytical abilities that employers in a range of careers are looking for. In this week’s blog, we meet a third-year student 👇
What is your name, and what course are you studying?
My name is Melissa and I’m currently in my third year of the BSc Psychology degree at UHI Perth.
What were you doing before the course and why did you choose it?
Before starting the course, I studied Business Management, but I soon realised my real interest lay in psychology. I decided to leave that degree, take a gap year to travel, and then apply for psychology. That experience helped confirm what I wanted to pursue, and it made me even more motivated when I began the course.
I completed my first year at Inverness before transferring to Perth for my second year. As the course is taught primarily online, I study remotely - though I always enjoy visiting the campus when I get the chance.
What subjects have you studied/enjoyed during your course?
In the early stages of the degree, the modules focused heavily on research and building a strong foundation. Now that I’m in third year, the content is more specialised, and I’ve particularly enjoyed Developmental Psychology. Along with the academic side of things, my classmates and I have managed to build a supportive group, and we stay in regular contact through WhatsApp, which really helps with the remote nature of the course.
Have you faced any challenges during your course?
There have definitely been challenges along the way. I used to feel confident in my writing, but psychology pushes you to think critically and build well-structured arguments in a way I hadn’t experienced before. At the same time, adapting to APA referencing after previously using Harvard was an adjustment, but it has ultimately strengthened my academic skills.
Have you been on any placements?
Although the course doesn’t offer placements, I’m very interested in Forensic Psychology, so I looked for opportunities myself and went on to volunteer for a year with Victim Support Scotland.
Do you have any hobbies outside of your course?
Outside of studying, I enjoy hiking with my two dogs, and I also participate in a variety of sports such as competitive swimming and powerlifting. I enjoy learning new languages too, especially ones I can use when travelling.
What are your future plans after your course?
Studying psychology has helped me understand what a future career in the field could involve and has encouraged me to explore different pathways, whether in research or practice. After graduating, I plan to continue my studies with an MSc, possibly in Research Methods, to keep my options open while I decide which path to take.
What advice would you give to new students?
My best advice to new students would be to fully engage with your course. The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it. Good grades matter, but the real value comes from the insight and experience you gain by being present and involved.
