Joanne Comerford
MSc Psychology (Conversion) 2018
Position and company: Programme Lead at Northumbria University
After undergoing brain surgery to remove a tumour, Alumna Joanne Comerford faced a difficult decision to leave teaching and pursue a new career path through the MSc Psychology (Conversion) course at the University, aiming to transition into a pastoral role in education.
Reflecting on the experience, Joanne shares, “I worked in a primary school in Sunderland, which was my third university placement school. Following my operation, I was left with ongoing visual and auditory issues, which meant returning to the classroom wasn’t an option.”
“The application process for the masters was straightforward, and I had support for materials and equipment to access the learning. I had a wonderful supervisor and programme lead, along with approachable, inspirational lecturers,” she says.
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Joanne found the course to be a rewarding experience, particularly enjoying the integration of psychological theory and experimental research. “The best aspects of the course were the synergy between experimental designs and psychological theory, and the opportunity to develop and implement my own research. The staff are experts in their field, and the campus atmosphere is inclusive and supportive of all students,” she explains.
Given her health challenges, Joanne greatly benefited from the University’s support systems, which were integral to her success. “Due to my additional needs, I accessed the disabled students' support, which was extremely helpful.
"I received specialist software and training and offers of counselling, which kept me on track when I was finding it difficult to keep up with the pace of the course. Without this extra support, and the encouragement and guidance from my project supervisor and course leader, I don’t think I would have completed the programme.”
Joanne’s postgraduate studies opened doors to a new career in mental health. After completing her MSc, she was accepted into a government-backed training scheme, the Educational Mental Health Practitioner programme, which aims to improve mental health support for young people.
“I was lucky enough to be successful—literally my dream job—and it wouldn’t have been possible without my MSc,” Joanne reflects. “My past teaching experience and master's level education enabled me to quickly progress to a supervisory, then team lead role.”
Today, Joanne is a programme lead at Northumbria University, where she provides psychological training to mental health practitioners who work with children and young people in the North East and Yorkshire.
“Returning to the University of Sunderland to complete the MSc Psychology (Conversion) allowed me to follow my passion for supporting children and young people despite the personal challenges I faced. I was supported in finding new ways to study, and I developed a strong research interest, which I am now pursuing in my role at Northumbria.”
For those considering postgraduate study, Joanne shares “The course is challenging, both academically and personally, but you’ll be supported to become an autonomous learner, acquiring invaluable skills for a career in psychological professions. Your lecturers will inspire you to be as dedicated and passionate as they are, and you’ll become a 'lifelong learner.'
“Since completing the MSc programme, I’ve completed two further postgraduate programmes, and I plan to finish my PhD in the next five years.”
To find out more about the MSc Psychology (Conversion) course, visit the course page.
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