Psychosocial Graduate’s Inspiring Journey Continues with a Master’s Degree and Youth Work

Hannah Bell, a recent Psychosocial Studies graduate at University Centre Peterborough (UCP) and former Peterborough College student, is going on to study for a Master's degree in Youth and Community Work Leadership while starting a new role as a Youth and Community Development Worker at St. Peter’s Church in Yaxley.

Hannah, who will begin a Master's degree in Youth and Community Work Leadership, is also still employed with YMCA Timestop and is also a Support Worker for Mencap. Her journey is unparalleled, as she combatted a number of personal challenges while studying and is now heading for new heights in her career. Hannah previously studied at Peterborough College before progressing to higher education at UCP - both of which are part of Inspire Education Group.

Hannah was full of praise for her experiences with Inspire Education Group’s institutions, saying; “I was previously studying Level 3 Health and Social Care at Peterborough College and I was homeless living at Peterborough Foyer. A member of staff at the Careers Hub encouraged me to go to University, and as I was undecided on what course I wanted to do, he helped to set up a meeting with the course leader for Psychosocial Studies. This sparked a passion within me and the course leader was so supportive of my situation.”

Hannah found that UCP’s convenient location was the main reason for enrolling at the University Centre. “Due to my circumstances, I would have found it harder to travel out of Peterborough to go to university and if I did move, I would have lost my local connection to the city. I would have been homeless during the weeks that I was unable to stay at the campus and at the end of the three-year course. Therefore I decided to go to University Centre Peterborough (UCP).” 

When asked about her favourite aspects of studying at UCP, Hannah said it was “the small class sizes, the forward-thinking course and the support from peers and lecturers. Student Support was excellent and the staff members helped me to get a grant that I needed at the time. I definitely loved the Social Policy module and writing my dissertation on a topic I was so passionate about, and still am - ‘Youth Homelessness and Access to Education’.”

Hannah is full of praise for her lecturers at UCP, saying; “My lecturers have honestly been magnificent, they have not only supported my academic work but have been supportive when things got very tough for me each year. Their enthusiasm for the course was great. Overall, the support I received from my lecturers was magnificent and I know they have made a big difference to my life. Their words of wisdom will stay with me forever!”

To learn more about studying Psychosocial Studies at UCP, click here.