Lai Siew Tim graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) Psychology from International Medical University (IMU), Malaysia in September 2012. She then continued her studies at University of Stirling, UK and has recently graduated with a Master of Science (MSc) in Health Psychology. Her MSc was awarded with Merit and her dissertation was graded with distinction. Here, she relates her experience studying the Masters programme. “The MSc in Health Psychology, a taught programme offered in University of Stirling, gives students the right balance of theory and research. The teachings were delivered by individuals with a range of backgrounds and expertise which gave me an in-depth understanding of the issues of current relevance to Health Psychology. The programme is a one year programme if it is done full-time or two years if done part-time. Having a placement within the MSc was a fantastic opportunity to apply the acquired skills and knowledge in the healthcare setting. The course, no doubt has given me a great grounding for a future career in academia or as a health psychologist.” Siew Tim was one of the recipients of a research grant awarded by the Department of Psychology in Stirling. The grant covers all her research expenditures and also pays for her trips to her placement centre and conferences that she has attended. 
“I have no doubts that the skills and experience I got from the BSc (Hons) Psychology programme allowed me to achieve this. The studies in IMU has broaden my knowledge of psychology and equipped me with transferable skills and self-confidence and vitally, put me in an excellent position to go straight into a MSc programme/relevant job after graduation. IMU psychology lecturers are knowledgeable and approachable. I always felt supported and heard. I would unreservedly recommend undergraduate Psychology studies at IMU. It certainly benefitted me in many ways, especially in my career plan. I was extremely grateful to my IMU psychology lecturers. They have taught me what I needed to learn to propose a research that was good enough to receive funding!”
In future, Siew Tim plans to work alongside with a multidisciplinary team in the local government hospital. She is aiming to advocate for better coordinated care services, the use of different health professionals to treat and manage patients in a holistic manner. She also hopes to obtain a PhD in Clinical Health in the near future.
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