Leona’s top class performance gains her a British Psychological Society award
Leona Duhovic’s top class performance on the BSc (Hons) Psychology degree at Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh has secured her an award from the British Psychological Society.
Leona, who is from Split in Croatia, was awarded the British Psychological Society Undergraduate Award 2023, which is presented to the student who achieves the highest overall score on the BSc (Hons) Psychology at QMU.
Twenty-two-year-old Leona graduated from QMU on 4th July at an impressive ceremony in Edinburgh’s beautiful Usher Hall. During her ceremony she was joined by 400 graduates and their families, as well as QMU’s Chancellor and TV presenter Dame Prue Leith CBE, best known as an entrepreneur and judge on the hit TV show ‘The Great British Bake-off'. The graduates at Leona’s ceremony were delighted to share the stage with Wafa Shaheem, a leader in refugee resettlement, who was awarded an honorary degree for her work in helping develop a uniquely Scottish approach to welcoming people seeking international protection. Leona was one of 1200 students who graduated from Queen Margaret University in July.
Discussing her plans for the future, Leona said:
"After spending four fabulous years studying in Scotland, I am planning a gap year in Croatia to focus on psychology-related volunteering positions, ideally working with different groups, such as children and prisoners. The aim is to develop a wide range of experience before returning to Scotland to undertake a master’s degree in clinical psychology, after which, I’ll hopefully secure my dream job as a clinical psychologist in the UK."
Discussing the support she received from QMU during her degree, Leona said:
"While QMU in its entirety has acted as a family, I have to pay tribute to my mentor Dr Stuart Wilson, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Queen Margaret University, who was the guiding light of my academic journey. His wittiness, knowledge and kindness were a major contribution to my success and have helped shape my career plans. I am forever thankful for his support."
Discussing her experience of studying at Queen Margaret University, Leona said:
"It has been overwhelmingly wonderful. I’m so sad it’s over."
Dr Simon Hoult, Joint Head of Psychology, Sociology and Education at Queen Margaret University, congratulated Leona on her award and on her excellent performance in the BSc (Hons) Psychology.
"Her study time on the undergraduate degree may be over, but Leona has made her mark on the University and will always be part of the Queen Margaret University family. She has worked so hard to gain excellent marks on the course and we know that with her commitment and passion, she will be a great asset to any organisation that she volunteers or works with. Leona wants to make a difference in the world and thereby represents the values of the University. We are excited to hear how her career in psychology develops as she moves forward with her plans in Croatia and Scotland."
Notes to Editor
For further media information contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk; copy to: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk; M: 07711 011239.
