My Journey Studying Mental Health at the University of Warwick

I’m 19 years old currently working in the corporate sector at Transport for London, handling applications during the day. In the evenings, I run a tutoring business, supporting primary and secondary school students in core subjects to help them excel academically. Alongside my professional commitments, I am also pursuing an undergraduate degree in Mental Health (part-time), which allows me to study outside of working hours.

Choosing a part-time degree has been incredibly beneficial for both my personal and professional development. My long-term aspiration is to work in the mental health sector, and this course is a crucial step toward that goal. Additionally, balancing work and study has helped me develop financial independence, enabling me to work towards future goals such as homeownership.

Why I Chose This Course

After completing my GCSEs, I undertook a Teaching Apprenticeship, which ultimately led me to discover the undergraduate Mental Health degree offered by the University of Warwick. While I thoroughly enjoyed my time working in schools—especially the teaching aspect—I found myself increasingly drawn to roles that focused on student well-being, such as safeguarding. This shift in interest is what inspired me to pursue a degree in mental health.

Living in Coventry, I always aspired to attend the University of Warwick. However, after completing my apprenticeship, I was initially told that I could not apply without A-Levels. Determined to pursue my goal, I chose to sit my A-Levels privately—despite the challenge of self-studying outside of a traditional school setting—while completing my apprenticeship. I have since discovered this degree which is quite flexible in entry requirements. Through hard work and perseverance, I was eventually accepted into the University of Warwick, which was a proud achievement for me.

My Experience on the Course

My journey on this course has been both rewarding and unexpected. Initially, I was unsure about how much support I would receive, given that the program is primarily online. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the level of engagement and interaction provided by my tutors. Although I typically prefer in-person learning, the online lectures have been dynamic and engaging, with opportunities to connect through breakout rooms and group discussions.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was integrating with my peers in an online setting. However, our first assignment—a group project—proved to be a great icebreaker. Although it was daunting at first, it allowed us to form strong working relationships and friendships, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

 

Challenges and Growth

One of the most difficult aspects of my academic journey has been committing to a single career path. Since the age of 16, I have worked in various roles, including retail, personal assistance, teaching apprenticeships, event and hospitality work, and now, corporate transport. Despite this diverse experience, I know that my passion lies in working with young people and families to improve their well-being and advocate for their rights.

Balancing full-time work, my tutoring business, and my degree has been challenging. While I enjoy staying busy, I’ve learned the importance of prioritizing mental well-being to avoid burnout. The university’s flexible assignment deadlines and extension options have been incredibly supportive in managing this workload.

Professional Development Opportunities

Throughout the course, I have had access to valuable professional development opportunities, such as the Thrive+ training. This has been particularly useful in expanding my understanding of supporting children’s social and emotional needs. I hope to continue accessing similar opportunities to enhance my skills and career prospects.

My favourite module so far has been Individual and Community Lifespan Development, where we explored various social inequalities and policies designed to address them. This module deepened my understanding of the link between socioeconomic deprivation and poor mental health. It also allowed me to examine psychological, sociological, and economic inequalities that affect adolescents, which has been incredibly insightful for my career aspirations. I thoroughly enjoy this course and the way it is structured. It provides a unique opportunity to combine professional, academic, and personal development in a way that aligns with real-world applications. The knowledge and skills I am gaining are not only preparing me for my future career but are also helping me make meaningful contributions in my current roles.

I am grateful for the opportunities this degree has provided me so far and look forward to continuing my journey at Warwick.

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About the author

Amina is a current student on the BA(Hons) Child and Family: Mental Health