Mature Student graduates with an Applied Psychology Degree

Genna Bowen was 31 years old when she joined UWTSD as a mature student. Prior to applying at UWTSD Genna was a teaching assistant with Pembrokeshire County Council for several years.  Her experiences sparked her interest in children and adolescent mental health and development.

Genna decided to study at UWTSD Carmarthen because it was local and would enable her to have more time to study and to take care of her family.  Her decision to apply for the BSc Applied Psychology course was influenced by her desire to become a clinical psychologist, specifically within the field of child and adolescent mental health.

Genna said: “The course teaches both the theory and practical application of methods used within real-world settings, which I felt would be far more beneficial than a more theoretically focused course.”

Genna particularly enjoyed studying biological and cognitive psychology as well as the developmental psychology modules. Genna added that the assignments varied, meaning each student had an opportunity to use their strengths to evidence what they’d learned.  The course was not all about exams or essays which appealed to her.

“The prompt feedback, both verbal and written, that I received after each assignment was immensely helpful in building my confidence and demonstrating how I could improve.”

The psychology team has been pivotal in Genna’s development, both academically and personally.   

“The most noticeable development for me has been my level of confidence and self-esteem. I found it terrifying returning to academia after such a long time, and really was unsure if I had the intellect or determination. As each assignment was returned, my confidence in myself grew, and I could feel myself doubting myself less.”

After graduating, Genna has recently secured a position as an assistant psychologist within Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Memory Assessment Service.

According to Genna, the teaching staff are dedicated to the success of their students, and are sincerely interested in their journey, both before, during and after university.  Genna praises the support that the staff showed during her time as a student and knew if she had any problem with her work, she could always approach the staff for guidance.

Dr Charlotte Greenway, Programme Manager of the BSc Applied Psychology degree said: “Genna is an outstanding student with impressive logical thinking abilities and intellectual curiosity. She has shown perseverance and strength throughout her studies, which will help her in her new role.  As well as obtaining a first-class honours degree, Genna also received the British Psychological Society (BPS) award for the best dissertation, which she hopes to publish in the coming months.  Assistant psychologist posts are like gold dust that attract the very best applicants. We are proud of Genna's achievements and wish her the best of luck in the future.”

Further Information

Lowri Thomas, Principal Communications and PR Officer 

07449 998476 / lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk