Valentina Sartore, originally from Italy, first came to the UK as an au-pair before falling in love with Edinburgh and deciding to study BSc (Hons) Psychology at QMU – a subject she had always been drawn to.
For Valentina, the opportunity to explore psychology through both traditional and science-based modules made her degree especially exciting, and QMU’s supportive, close-knit community and modern campus seemed the perfect place to set the foundation for her future career.
Today, she continues to build on that journey as a psychotherapist, researcher, and now a trainee Clinical Psychologist - still occasionally returning to her QMU roots as a visiting lecturer and research assistant. Find out more in her Student Story.
Why did you choose to study at QMU?
Firstly, I love Scotland, and particularly Edinburgh, which is why I decided to move here from my home in Italy. I liked the idea of studying at a smaller university as I expected it would mean a tighter-knit community, getting to know fellow students and staff and feeling more supported. I also specifically liked the idea of living on campus right by the university buildings and that QMU was a relatively newly renovated campus!
What interested you about BSc (Hons) Psychology?
I was really keen to study psychology as I’ve always been interested in human behaviour and emotions. I also loved the fact that at QMU, there was the option of undertaking some Biology and Pharmacology modules as an alternative to the traditional Sociology route at the time – this was a huge factor for me in choosing the course.
What did you most enjoy about your course?
Apart from the Biology route which was a big highlight, the whole experience was great as it was what I expected in terms of being able to really get to know the lecturers and staff, being within a small community, being very supported by each member of staff. My dissertation project (and all the workshops/lectures in 4th year) were particularly great as we had more freedom in what to choose/study and what to spend our time on.
More generally, I also enjoyed the QMU environment - e.g. the library spaces, having a coffee shop on campus and great food in the canteen, being able to easily book rooms for group projects etc - everything was efficient, and it made you want to spend time there!
How did your lecturers support your learning?
The lecturers at QMU were always easy to reach out to, and always welcomed questions and requests for help. Our 4th year was when Covid happened and they swiftly moved everything to online, adapted some assignments to make them less demanding on us (given that everyone was so scared and stressed about the situation), and gave extensions to people who had to move/rearrange their lives. This was huge and it consolidated my respect for QMU.
Tell us about your job roles since graduating.
Since graduating from QMU, I undertook a MSc and a placement at a different university which allowed me to qualify as a cognitive-behavioural therapist. I then worked in a private group clinic as an employed therapist as well as starting my own private practice alongside it, mainly working with children and young people. I then applied to the Clinical Psychology Doctorate (DClinPsy) which I'm starting at the end of September.
Alongside all of this, since 2020 I have returned to QMU regularly as a visiting lecturer, teaching some workshops to BSc (Hons) Psychology students and assisting with marking of assignments. I have also worked as a research assistant at QMU on a number of projects both on a voluntary and paid basis.
What is your day to day like in your current role?
I am in between roles right now but the DClin which I'll start soon, is a full-time paid professional doctorate programme where my time will roughly be divided as follows: 1/3 lectures and workshops/academic learning, 1/3 research (e.g. doctoral thesis), and 1/3 NHS placements which rotate every 6 months.
Up until now, I worked 3 days a week in a private multidisciplinary group clinic as a psychotherapist. This involved working alongside other professionals such as psychiatrists, psychotherapists and nutritional therapists to provide mental health care to children and adults. I also trained to carry out autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessments (these are done to understand an individual's difficulties with social interaction, social communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviours to determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria for autism). I also spent some of my time in clinical meetings, clinical supervision, and keeping up with current practice and research in the psychology and psychological therapies field, so my days were quite varied.
The other 2 days a week I had my own private practice seeing clients both in person and online; I loved learning how to set up my own business and having freedom in terms of hours, location, client population, therapeutic approach, and all the other pros of being your own boss! All this, as well as research work and course support at QMU, meant each day was different and never boring. I love my job!
How have you used the skills you learned on your course in your work now?
The Psychology course was essential in starting my career as a Psychologist, as well as more generally providing me with critical thinking, psychological literacy, as well as applied research skills which I have used over and over again both in academia and in my job roles.
What have been some of your career highlights?
I'd say seeing my first clients as a Psychotherapist, and more recently getting the DClin offers.
Would you recommend QMU's BSc Psychology course?
I would! I know it's changed quite a bit since I did it but since I've stayed involved with QMU I've been able to hear about some of the changes and the continued commitment of the staff to make it the best course it can be. I really loved my time at QMU and I will forever speak positively about the whole experience.
