George Lewthwaite, MSc Psychology
George Lewthwaite transitioned from acting to academia through LSBU’s BPS-accredited MSc Psychology course. With no research background, he gained vital academic and time management skills, discovered a passion for research, and set his sights on a future PhD—proving it’s never too late to change direction and explore the human mind.
Where are you from, and which course did you choose to study?
I commuted in from Surrey, and I studied psychology.
Why did you choose LSBU?
I chose LSBU because of the course specification. It offered a thorough insight into a wide variety of psychological areas, along with providing BPS accreditation upon course completion. Whilst applying for master’s courses and considering my options, the course leader was extremely helpful and welcoming, which definitely influenced my decision.
Where do you work now, and what do you do?
I am currently applying for full-time positions. I have had several job interviews in different psychological fields and am spending time deciding what is the best next step in my career.
What was your inspiration or reason to study this subject?
I am passionate about people and understanding people. I previously trained as an actor in London, so I have studied why fictional people do what they do. Studying psychology was the natural next step into understanding why real people do what they do, and it was definitely the right decision.
Tell me about how the course lecturers have supported you.
The lecturers have all been extremely passionate, knowledgeable, most of whom were an email away. They were encouraging and offered helpful feedback continuously, as well as devoting their time to people who were more interested in their specific area of psychology.
What skills have you learned or developed at LSBU?
Academically, LSBU has taught me everything I know. My previous degree had very few written elements, so every aspect of researching and referencing was new to me. I think a master’s course also encourages discipline more than a BA. There was no time to be hand-held, so I had to learn everything as I went. This was a huge lesson in time management. I have learned a lot from my year here.
Where do you see yourself in the future, and what are your goals?
Throughout this course, I have discovered a passion for research. It was a module I struggled with at first, but over the course of the year, I realised it was the most exciting part of psychology to me. I hope to pursue research positions and complete a PhD in the near future.
Did you have a work experience placement or make any industry connections whilst at LSBU?
Unfortunately, I did not have a work experience placement; however, I have been very fortunate to find a lecturer and researcher who shares very similar interests to me in terms of psychological research, and hopefully, we can work together in the future. All lecturers were very passionate, friendly, and approachable, and hopefully, we will stay in contact as I venture into the working world.
What advice would you give to people thinking about studying at LSBU?
The best thing about my experience at LSBU was the wealth of information provided by the course, the colleagues and friends I studied with over the year, and the fantastic lecturers who have inspired me to pursue a career in this field.