Amanda’s First-Class performance

University of Teesside graduate Amanda McGowan has a clear enthusiasm for the subject of Psychology. Not only has she is the only person on her course to achieve a First Class BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology, but she has also started a Masters degree in the subject.

Amanda, 21, from Thornaby, achieved four ‘A’ levels in Psychology, Biology, Maths and General Studies at St. Mary’s Sixth Form in Middlesbrough. She clinched a grade A in Psychology, which helped her decide to continue with it at degree level.

She said: “I find Psychology an interesting and attractive subject, it makes you change the way you think about absolutely everything. For example, you learn why bedrooms are located upstairs; this dates back to when our ancestors built dams up in trees to keep away from predators. I’ve enjoyed changing my perceptions during the course.

“The University’s facilities are really good for helping you with research, such as the Learning Resource Centre, where you can look up Psychology journals on-line via the Internet. The Psychology laboratories were also invaluable, as you had the opportunity to conduct your own practical research.”

Amanda’s final year project examined post-natal depression. She issued questionnaires through the Internet and by hand, to women from different social classes, to establish causes of post-natal depression.

She also completed an external project for Redcar and Cleveland Council along with Dr Ali Guy, Principal Lecturer in Psychology. Together they devised a questionnaire, which was issued to a cross-section of homes, to see if parents favoured the introduction of toy libraries in Redcar and Cleveland’s libraries. Most parents were in favour, and the survey’s findings have been used by the council, towards the planning of new toy libraries.

Amanda is the first in her family to graduate from University. She added: “I was very shocked to be the only one on my course with a First, I cried when I found out. My parents Christine and Paul are very, very pleased, my mum dropped the phone when she heard my result.”

After she finishes her one-year Masters degree at Liverpool, Amanda is hoping to gain funding for a PhD.

Friday 11am ceremony

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