Ines Soares

What were you doing before you came to study at City St George's?

Before beginning my degree at City St George’s, I took a gap year after I had completed my A Levels. During this time, I spent some time travelling to countries such as Greece, Spain, and the USA, which allowed me to take a break after an intense period of studying for exams. This time away helped me gain a sense of independence I felt I needed before starting the next chapter of my life and moving to a big city.

Alongside this, I worked at my dad’s family-run pub that he had recently opened in our small town in Cornwall. This experience gave me valuable insight into responsibility and teamwork, which I felt equipped me well for the demands of university life. Overall, this year helped me mature both personally and professionally, and ultimately enabled me to return to education with a clearer sense of direction.

How did you develop an interest in your course/subject area and why did you choose to study this course?

My interest in psychology first developed during my A Levels, where I found the subject engaging and intellectually challenging. However, I have always been drawn to understanding why people think, feel, and behave in the way that they do. It also interested me how psychological knowledge can be used to support and help others, and I believed becoming a psychologist would allow me to make a difference in people’s lives.

Alongside this, I have always taken an interest in criminology. From a young age, I was fascinated by true crime and the psychological aspects of criminal behaviour, often watching crime-related programmes such as Criminal Minds with my dad while growing up. This sparked a curiosity about the motivations behind crime and the social/psychological factors that influence criminal behaviour.

Therefore, the combined Psychology with Criminology course felt like the perfect fit for me, as it allowed me to explore both my desire to help people and my interest in criminal behaviour.

Why did you choose to study at City St George’s?

I chose to study at City St George’s primarily because of its central London location. Having grown up in a small town, I always wanted to experience living and studying in a large city, and London offered an environment that felt exciting and full of opportunities that I didn’t have where I grew up.

City St George’s also stood out to me as it combines a strong academic reputation with a close proximity to cultural and social spaces across the city. Being based in central London has allowed me to meet a diverse range of people, and has also benefited me with many placements and volunteering opportunities.

What has been your favourite thing about studying this course?

My favourite thing about studying psychology with criminology has been the variety and depth of the course. I have really enjoyed being able to explore a wide range of topics from understanding individual behaviour and mental processes to examining crime and the social factors that influence offending. I never find the lectures boring, and I always find myself leaving the lectures with a lot of new and exciting knowledge to share!

What is your favourite thing about studying at City St George’s?

My favourite thing about studying at City St George’s has been the sense of community and everlasting friendships I have made. Through my course and wider university life, I have met some of my closest friends, which has really shaped my university experience and made London feel like home.

I have also loved studying in such a central London location and being surrounded by so many places to explore, socialise, and relax. Having a strong support network as well as living in a great environment has made both the academic and social sides of university much more enjoyable.

How have you found the teaching and facilities on your course?

I have found the teaching on my course to be very supportive and engaging. The lecturers are knowledgeable and clearly passionate about their subjects, which makes the content more interesting. They explain complex ideas clearly and encourage discussion, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of the material.

I have also found the teaching staff to be approachable and responsive. Whenever I have had questions or needed support, lecturers have been quick to respond and helpful in providing guidance, whether through emails, seminars, or feedback on assignments. I also appreciate the lecture recordings that are always uploaded straight after a lecture finishes, which is helpful to recap details or when I’ve had to miss a lecture due to illness.

How will these experiences help you with your future career?

These experiences have helped me develop valuable transferable skills, including critical thinking, research, and communication, which will be important for my future career.

Studying Psychology with Criminology has also given me a deeper understanding of human behaviour and social issues, reinforcing my desire to work in a people-focused role.

Overall, the course has helped build my confidence and clarify the direction I want to take in the future.

What kind of things are you involved in outside of your course?

Outside of my course, I am involved in a range of activities that help me maintain a good balance between my studies and personal life. I regularly go to the gym at City Sport, as the affordable university membership makes it easy to stay active and look after my wellbeing.

I am also a member of the Psychology Society, which has allowed me to engage with the subject beyond my degree and connect with other students who share similar interests. I also enjoy spending time with friends, exploring London, and socialising, which has been an important part of my overall university experience.

What do you plan to do after you graduate, and how has City St George’s helped prepare you for this?

After I graduate, I plan to work and save before pursuing a clinical or counselling psychology doctorate in the future.

City St George’s has helped prepare me for this by giving me a strong academic foundation in Psychology and Criminology (BPS accredited psychology degree) as well as developing key skills such as research, critical thinking, and communication.

The course has also helped me clarify my career goals and given me the confidence to take the next steps towards a career in psychology.

What would be your advice to anyone considering studying this course?

My advice to anyone considering studying Psychology with Criminology would be to stay curious and get involved both inside and outside of lectures.

The course can be challenging at times, but it’s incredibly rewarding if you engage with the material and take advantage of opportunities like societies, volunteering, or placements.

It’s also important to manage your time well and build a support network, as this will make your university experience more enjoyable and help you get the most out of your degree.