Franzi Busch

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

As a career changer, finding a university that allows students to gain valuable work experience during their studies was super important to me. That’s how I came across the University of Westminster, which is one of the few institutions that offer a placement module as part of their Psychology MSc course, which, for me, was the perfect first step to gain real-world experience.

How has your experience been studying in London?

Coming from a small village, studying in such a big and vibrant city like London has been an amazing experience. The campuses are really central, which meant that going to university often went hand in hand with exploring the city, whether that was visiting museums, meeting friends or trying something new. While London can be expensive, the wide range of student discounts made a real difference and helped me enjoy everything the city has to offer.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

I studied a Psychology MSc, which is a great conversion course for career changers. I have really enjoyed how well the course is organised, with a good balance of lectures and seminars. I have especially appreciated the strong research base of the course, which has helped me develop a deeper understanding of psychological theories and evidence. It has also been great to explore various areas of psychology, and having the opportunity to complete a placement as part of the course was particularly valuable. The teaching has been excellent, and the professors have been very supportive in helping us succeed. Although the course can be intense at times, I have thoroughly enjoyed it and feel well-prepared for the next stage of my career.

How have you found academic support as part of your studies?

Absolutely amazing. Each lecturer brought not only a wealth of knowledge but also empathy to the classroom, making sure we understood the material and felt comfortable asking questions. The university also has a fantastic support system, so it was easy to reach out to librarians, mental health services, or other staff whenever needed. I have always felt secure in asking for help or having something explained again, and the overall atmosphere has been very supportive and encouraging.

Are there any stand-out facilities associated with your course?

Absolutely. The University of Westminster has some fantastic facilities that students are able to use as part of their course. This includes individual research labs, soundproof rooms, a one-way mirror lab, interview rooms, and similar spaces, which are really helpful for both practical work and independent research.

Tell us about your experience of using Zone29 - our home of careers and enterprise (formerly known as the Careers and Employability Service)

I have had a very positive experience using the Zone29. While I was a student, I booked one-to-one sessions to receive support with my CV and cover letters, as they can differ from country to country. The feedback I received was really useful and helped me secure a placement. I also took part in a mentorship programme, which was a fantastic opportunity to connect with an industry professional over several months and ask any questions about the field. In addition, I completed the Westminster Award, achieving both the Gold and Platinum levels, and I was awarded a prize for my effort and commitment for the Platinum level. The service is available for up to three years after graduation, and I intend to utilise it to gain further support and feedback. It is reassuring to know you are not navigating career planning alone.

Tell us about any activities that you have undertaken outside of your course

Outside of my course, I’ve been involved in a range of activities to gain practical experience in psychology and related areas. Volunteering has been a significant part of my experience, providing hands-on training and opportunities to apply what I was learning in real-world settings. As a Student Ambassador, I also supported university events and helped engage with prospective students.

Participating in WeNetwork, the University of Westminster’s enterprise initiative, gave me the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills and connect with industry professionals. This was particularly meaningful because my ultimate goal is to make mental health care more accessible, which also shaped the focus of my master’s thesis.

Completing the Westminster Award, achieving both Gold and Platinum levels, was another highlight, and I was awarded a prize for my effort, especially for my volunteering contributions. With guidance from Zone29, I was able to secure an internship within the university, which was a fantastic opportunity to develop professional skills and gain further experience.

What would your advice be to someone considering studying at Westminster?

I would definitely point out the warm and supportive atmosphere at the University of Westminster. You don’t feel like just a number, but part of a team, and that sense of community is really special. The university also offers an excellent support system, from academic guidance to mental health support and career advice, which helps you feel confident and prepared. There are many opportunities to gain practical experience, develop skills through initiatives like WeNetwork, and even pursue your own projects with university support, such as the Ignite Fund. By the time you graduate, you will have developed both knowledge and practical skills, making you feel well-prepared for the working world.

What's the best aspect of being a University of Westminster student?

It is hard to pick just one, but I would say the university’s support system stands out. There is always someone to turn to, whether it’s for academic guidance, career advice or personal support, which makes you feel confident and included. I also appreciate the opportunities the university provides for skill development and experience, such as WeNetwork and IgniteFund, which enable you to work on projects, gain practical experience, and explore your interests. Being in London is another huge advantage. The city itself is full of opportunities for networking, internships and cultural experiences, which complement everything you learn at university. All of this together helps us students grow and prepare for future careers.