Postgrad study at UON
When I finished my BA in Working with Children, Young People and Families, I knew exactly where I wanted to go next. I’m now studying for my Master’s in Counselling Children and Young People at the University of Northampton, with the goal of becoming a therapist. The course was the main reason I stayed.
Why this course, and why here?
Throughout my undergraduate degree, I kept coming back to the same question: what happens when a young person needs more than support, and needs someone to sit with them, listen and help them make sense of what they’re feeling? Placements and modules showed me how much difference a safe, consistent adult can make, and I realised I wanted to be that person in a therapeutic role.
When I looked at my options, this was the course that matched what I wanted to do. It focuses specifically on counselling children and young people, rather than counselling in general, and that was exactly the specialism I was after. Because I already knew the University, the lecturers and how things worked, I could start the Master’s with confidence rather than spending months settling in somewhere new.
From undergrad to postgrad
My undergraduate degree gave me a broad understanding of children, young people and families, and the policies and practice around them. My Masters feels different. Undergraduate study was largely about absorbing knowledge and learning to apply it. At Postgraduate level you’re expected to question it, with more independent reading, deeper critical analysis and much more responsibility for your own learning.
The course is also more personal. Training to become a therapist means reflecting on yourself as well as the theory, and that’s challenging but rewarding. Seminars feel more like conversations between professionals, and your own experience carries weight.
There are plenty of similarities too. The deadlines, academic writing and sense of community are all familiar, and many of the tutors who inspired me as an undergraduate are still here.
The barriers I faced
I’d love to say I never doubted the decision, but that wouldn’t be honest.
Money: The biggest worry was financial. After three years on a student budget, taking on more study was daunting.
When unexpected costs threatened to derail me, I applied to the University’s Hardship Fund, and it took real pressure off. I’d put off applying because I felt I should manage on my own, and I wish I hadn’t. That’s exactly what the fund is for, and the people who dealt with my application were kind and non-judgemental. If you’re struggling, ask. It isn’t a sign of failure.
Time: Like many students, I have work and family commitments, so fitting study around them was a real concern. Planning my week in advance and protecting my study time has helped enormously, and I’ve accepted that some weeks will be messier than others.
Confidence: “Am I ready for this?” was the question that nagged at me most. Counselling is a profession where people trust you with a lot, and imposter syndrome hit hard. What helped was remembering that I’d already proved myself over three years. Getting onto a Masters isn’t a fluke.
The support that made the difference
Beyond the Hardship Fund, my tutors have been approachable and quick to respond when I’m unsure. The library and academic skills support have helped me develop my critical writing, and my course mates, friends and family have been there on the days I needed encouragement. Training to be a therapist can be emotionally demanding, so having people around you who understand that matters.
My advice:
- Ask for help early. Whether it’s money, time or academic support, there are people here whose job is to help. Don’t wait until you’re in crisis.
- Don’t write yourself off. You’re more capable than you think. If you’re asking whether you can do it, you probably already have what it takes.
- Choose the course that fits your goal. Staying somewhere familiar is a bonus, but the right course comes first.
- Look after yourself. If you’re heading into a caring profession, self-care isn’t optional. Build it into your routine now.
- Remember your “why”. On tough days, my aim of becoming a therapist for children and young people keeps me going.
If you’re thinking about a Masters, my message is simple: you belong here. For me, staying at UON gave me the course I wanted, the support I needed and a clear route towards the career I’ve always hoped for.
Find out more about PG study at UON, join us at an Open Day.
