It’s a hat-trick of Psychology Firsts

A trio of University of Teesside BSc (Hons) Psychology graduates will have good reason to celebrate at their ceremony, as they all achieved First Class degrees, placing them at the top of their year. The three; Jan Anderson, Robert Pearson, and Nicole Westmarland, have all continued with their studies at post-graduate level.

Former midwife Jan, 41, from Peterlee, first became interested in the subject of Psychology while working in the health service. “People fascinated me and I wanted to know more. I found the research aspects of the degree the most enjoyable and interesting.”

Jan’s husband David and sons Jonathan, 13, and Richard, 8, will be attending the ceremony. Janice has returned to the University and is studying for a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Social Research, on a full-time studentship. She added: “Getting a First was a great achievement. My friends and family have been so supportive, I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Robert, 22, from St. Martin’s Way, Kirklevington, Yarm, gained three ‘A’ levels in Physics, Maths and Craft, Design & Technology at Conyers School before enrolling at Teesside. He said: “I chose Psychology as it was an open, interesting subject, that I could use for a range of careers. I particularly enjoyed a module on human-computer interaction, and expanded this in my final year dissertation where I looked at web site design.”

Robert has also stayed on at Teesside, where he is studying for a one-year MSc in Information Technology. “I was a bit shocked to get a First, although my Dad John was determined I should,” added Robert.

Nicole, 23, of Brougham Street, Darlington, gained a joint honours degree in Psychology and Women’s Studies. Nicole came to the University with ‘A’ levels in Communication Studies, General Studies and two AS levels in Psychology and Sociology, from Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College. She returned to education after a break, having left home and school at 16 to embark on a series of low-paid jobs.

During her degree Nicole worked as a taxi driver in Darlington to fund her studies. Her final year dissertation analysed violence against taxi drivers from a feminist perspective, and the findings will be published in two separate academic journals in February 2001.

Nicole said: “The research showed that most taxi drivers, both male and female, had been physically assaulted and verbally abused at work. Additionally, most female taxi drivers had been sexually harassed at work. This has implications for the future of taxi drivers, which will be discussed further in our article.”

She is now studying for a Masters degree in Women’s Studies at York. Nicole added: “I was pleased to get a First and that my hard work paid off.

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