Elizaveta Diakova, MSc Psychology
Where are you from, and which course did you choose to study?
I moved to London from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where I lived and worked for two years after coming there from Moscow, Russia, where I am from originally. I did an MSc Psychology (Conversion) course at LSBU.
Why did you choose to study this subject area? Why did you decide on LSBU?
My undergraduate degree was in Economics, which I studied at the University of Cambridge. However, I always had a great interest in Psychology – in fact, I wanted to switch to studying Psychology halfway through my Economics degree. Much later, in 2021, I started a postgraduate conversion degree in Psychological Counselling and Psychodiagnostics at Moscow State University, which allowed me to start working as a counsellor in Russia.
I chose LSBU because I was given a scholarship here, and generally, the fees required to study at LSBU were more feasible for me compared to other universities. I also liked that the main campus is located in Central London, making it a great opportunity to immerse yourself in London life and make the most out of it while also doing a master’s degree.
Putting my experience to good use.
The thing I like most about my course is that it can be applied to helping people undergoing challenging personal transformations and experiencing various psychological adversities. Despite having worked in consulting and banking for almost ten years, I believe that psychological counselling and psychotherapy present the most meaningful and rewarding work there is.
Can you tell us about your lecturers and teaching experience?
I enjoyed the lectures and all the opportunities to engage in interesting conversations with the Faculty teaching staff during the seminars – they were great. I am especially grateful to Dr Alex Marchant (the programme Leader), Dr Rachel Teodorini, Dr Rachel Elward, Ms Donna Carlo and Prof Patrick Callaghan, who is currently my Master’s Empirical Project supervisor.
Have you done a work placement or any work experience?
I haven’t done any work experience in the UK yet, but I am planning, for example, to start volunteering with a charity like the Samaritans.
What kind of career would you like to move into?
I would like to become an accredited Counselling Psychologist or a Psychotherapist in the UK.
Have you taken part in any extracurricular activities such as societies, sports or social clubs while being a student at LSBU?
No, I focused all my energy and time on studying, but I am planning to check out the Pilates class at LSBU Active soon.
What advice would you give to people thinking about studying at LSBU?
In my experience, it is extremely important to develop the discipline of an independent learning routine, especially at a master’s level. I believe that your motivation, coupled with all the support that LSBU has to offer, will allow you to make meaningful progress and achieve your goals.