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Robert Kirkis, Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours

I feel there is a point in time when studying psychology where your mindset changes from being a student to ‘scientist-in-training’, and I feel all my lecturers and tutors have been nurturing this from the very beginning.

Robert Kirkis, Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours

When deciding to change career paths it pays to listen to your internal compass, so you can be sure you find yourself studying something you love.

Study in psychology is becoming an increasingly popular choice for new and returning university students due to its multidisciplinary focus and wide ranging applications in use in many workplace roles across our community. Psychology also presents as possibly a perfect career change opportunity for mature aged students like Rob.

Rob had previously found himself working a job he felt wasn’t fulfilling him. “A friend told me a somewhat cliché line, ‘Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life’, which got me wondering” Rob said. “After reviewing my Google search history I quickly realised that I was spending most of my free time reading about psychology and neuroscience related subjects. I learned I am most excited by neuropsychology. This is why I decided to study a Bachelor of Psychological Science and will be the first step to complete and achieve my new career goals. I plan to graduate with Honours in 2019.”

Rob says he has been well supported by the teaching team at the University of Tasmania. “My lecturers and tutors are very knowledgeable and supportive. One of the most important things I remember hearing in my first year was when a lecturer referred to all the students as scientists”, he said.

“I feel there is a point in time when studying psychology where your mindset changes from being a student to ‘scientist-in-training’, and I feel all my lecturers and tutors have been nurturing this from the very beginning.”

Studying psychology at the University of Tasmania allows students to explore a multitude of different specialisations and experiences. “My highlights so far have been experiencing various laboratory environments in the psychology and medical research centres, and studying Buddhist philosophy whilst on a student exchange program in India,” Rob said.

One of the highlights for people studying in Tasmania is the close proximity to stunning natural environment, Rob also enjoys the lifestyle advantages on offer. “I like it because if I need to get away from the hassles of daily life, I can be in a quiet natural setting in a short amount of time, which helps me get perspective”, he said.

“It is easy to feel rushed for time, as though we only have one shot at getting something right; however, this is not the case. Lifelong learning requires making mistakes and sometimes even realising that despite how far you’ve come, it’s now time to try something different.”

"I have been very satisfied with my learning experiences at the University of Tasmania, and I feel anyone studying a health related course is in very capable hands here. I would recommend studying at UTAS to anyone who is considering it.”