Reflections on My MSc Journey in Psychology
I’m deeply honoured to have won the Anderson Prize for the highest performing student in MSc Psychological Studies in the 24-25 academic year. This recognition is both humbling and deeply meaningful to me—it reflects not only personal effort, but also the incredible support, inspiration, kindness, and encouragement I’ve received from my peers and lecturers throughout the programme. Their kindness and guidance shaped my journey in ways I’ll always be grateful for, and I truly wouldn’t have reached this point without their unwavering support.
Studying in the School of Psychology has been an enriching and transformative experience. The MSc programme offered a rigorous academic foundation while also allowing room for curiosity, self-reflection, and growth. I especially valued the opportunity to apply psychological theories to real research projects, where abstract ideas came to life through inquiry and collaboration. These experiences helped me connect my academic interests with a genuine drive to explore and make sense of complex, uncertain problems.
Beyond the classroom, the sense of community within the School made all the difference. Collaborating on projects, discussing ideas over coffee, sharing experiences on researches, and learning from diverse perspectives reminded me every day of how much we can achieve when we’re open, curious, and kind.
Winning this award has strengthened my motivation to continue pursuing research in psychology, particularly in areas related to nonverbal communication and ageing. Looking ahead, I hope to contribute to evidence-based approaches that help us better understand—and perhaps even solve—some of the unsolved questions about human behaviour.
To anyone considering postgraduate study in psychology at the University of Aberdeen: embrace the challenges, stay open to learning from every experience, and trust that your passion will guide you forward. This journey has been one of discovery, connection, and growth—and I’m deeply grateful to have shared it with such an inspiring academic community.
Qi is now studying a Masters of Research (MRes) at the School of Psychology
