Derval McCormack

Derval's Story

Derval McCormack studied an MSc Psychology at Stirling to enhance her career opportunities.

The 27-year-old, from Dublin, attended university in her home city and graduated in International Commerce and Italian, before spending a year in New Zealand. Regretting having never studied psychology, she moved to Stirling in a bid to fulfil her ambition.

“I had reached a point in my career where further education was necessary to create future opportunities,” she explained. “I had to choose to either specialise in an area of business, or alternatively, change my career path entirely.

“The conversion course in Psychology at Stirling appealed to me as it enabled me to reach the equivalent of an undergraduate degree in just 12 months.

“It was a difficult decision; however, one that I am so happy I made.”

During her time at Stirling, Derval took advantage of the University’s Listen Again software, which records lectures for students.

“I found this really useful,” she said. “In contrast to lectures during my undergraduate course, where I often emerged with a cramp in my arm from taking as many notes as possible, I found I could relax and really enjoy the lectures here.”

Derval also worked as a member of the Careers and Employability Service team at Stirling, recruiting students for careers fairs and events and blogging about career-related topics.

She also enjoyed making use of Stirling’s excellent gym and pool facilities.

Derval, who describes her time at Stirling as “challenging, rewarding and memorable”, is now seeking a job in psychology, with the ambition to eventually work in clinical psychology.