Milla Rasanen (Sweden)

I’m Milla Räsänen from Sweden and I’m studying an MSc in Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology at BU. Today I’m telling you a little bit about what is it’s like to study on my course.

Flexible lecture times

On my course we only have lectures twice a week, which leaves you plenty of time to study at home at your own pace and to some part-time work, if you wish. I personally have multiple part time jobs and having lectures only twice a week allows me to do this. The lectures cover a really wide range of topics and occasionally we also have visiting lecturers.

Take a placement if you can

The optional placement is definitely the thing I’ve loved the most on my course. I am on placement at Poole Hospital and I have learned so much about neuropsychological assessments, therapy skills and working with patients. I’ve even had the opportunity to do qualitative research on my placement. A placement will look good on your CV and aid you in securing future jobs. It is also a huge asset if you want to get a place on the clinical doctorate programme.

Research experience

Another part I really love on my course is the research project. We get to do really cutting edge research of such high quality, that you may even have the opportunity to publish your research. I have learnt so much whilst working on my project. The research experience will definitely help you in the future, whether you want to continue in academia or go onto the clinical doctorate.

Don’t fear the statistics

Our program includes a really advanced course in statistics. Some people might find this intimidating… I know many in my class did. However, understanding statistics is a very important skill for psychologists and this course truly gives you a great skillset. There is a lot of support available for those who might find statistics difficult, and by the end of the course, you will have learned skills that will help you in your future studies or work.

Wonderful classmates

Finally, I have to mention my classmates. My class is such a great mix of people with different backgrounds. We have students from all over the world, of different ages, and different educational backgrounds. It has been a pleasure to get to know them. We have good fun! We arrange socials, such as dinners or bowling nights, and we are always ready to help each other out.

I have truly enjoyed my course and I am sad to be leaving it soon, but I know when I graduate I will be equipped with great experience and skills for whatever the future holds for me.

Milla Räsänen, Sweden, MSc clinical and developmental neuropsychology, 2017/18