Sophie Keeley
A BSc in Psychology at UWE inspired Sophie to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist. Currently an assistant psychologist, performing neuropsychological assessments at Frenchay Hospital, she’s already applying for a doctorate in clinical psychology.
Inspiration and motivation
"The neuropsychology element of my BSc in Psychology at UWE really struck a chord with me. I knew it was the direction I wanted to take. This combined with a really supportive project supervisor in my final year gave me the drive to go straight into a Masters in Neuropsychology, and get the experience that helped me stand out from others applying for the job I have today.
Helping people and enjoying variety
I'm an assistant psychologist at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol, where I carry out neuropsychological assessments for a wide range of patients. We use a lot of different standardised tests and interview techniques to help us understand the link between behaviour and a wide range of neurological disorders. diagnose and treat all kinds of neuropsychological problems. I'm also currently working on creating stimuli for new functional MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) equipment here at the department. It's a great job, really rewarding.
A fast track in a fiercely competitive area
The supportive and encouraging lecturers and tutors at UWE helped me realise how important momentum is if you want to get ahead in this area. So as soon as I graduated, I applied for my MSc in Neuropsychology and made sure I got plenty of experience in clinical research while completing it. I think this helped me land my current position, and I'm really pleased to be here. If you'd asked me three years ago what I'd be doing now, I wouldn't have dreamed I'd be doing this. It's been hard work, studying and working to support myself, but UWE helped me find my direction and strength.
And it's just the beginning, it seems...
I'm lucky - I've found my career path early on, and I intend to make the most of it. Right now I'm preparing my application for clinical training in psychology. A doctorate, in other words. Again, competition for places is fierce, so I may have to apply several times, but I'm very happy working at Frenchay so I can wait if I have to. And I can always get more useful experience in other areas of psychology in the meantime. But hey, I've been really lucky so far, so who knows?"
Page last updated 1 November 2011