Student story: Eleven years of study leads to Master's success for Nadine
Eleven years of studying at UHI Inverness have transformed Nadine Murray’s life and led to her achieving a Master of Research Psychology.
Her important research has inspired her to keep on studying, and even after a decade, her time as a student with UHI Inverness is not over yet.
Nadine’s postgrad topic explored the impact of suicide on Highland families, and it has had such an influence on her that she will be returning for counselling training after the summer to become a trauma counsellor.
She started her journey at UHI Inverness in 2015 after being out of education for over 20 years.
Nadine said:
“Returning to study was an important decision in my life, and I approached it with both excitement and apprehension. Completing a BSc in Psychology with first class honours while studying part-time over eight years was an immensely rewarding experience. The unique challenges of balancing academic responsibilities with personal obligations made this journey particularly enlightening. I genuinely cannot thank all the staff and lecturers at UHI Inverness enough for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout my studies. They not only provided me with academic guidance but also fostered an environment that encouraged personal growth and intellectual curiosity. Without their support I would have never found the confidence to carry on my academic journey and go on to complete my MRes in Psychology.”
Part of Nadine’s research involved interviewing members of the James Support Group, a local charity founded by Patrick Mullery to support people impacted by suicide.
The examiners were impressed by her conduct and care in completing such a challenging piece of work, and her excellent writing skill and ability to bring to life the voices and experiences of her participants.
Nadine said:
“My research explored the prevalence of suicide within the Highlands and investigated whether aspects of spirituality and religion can offer psychological support during bereavement. The aim was to help researchers gain a greater understanding of the coping mechanisms used by those who are grieving a suicide loss. This research project was really important to me as often people bereaved by suicide are ignored and forgotten. I feel so passionately that their voices need to be heard. The implications of my research are significant as they highlight a serious need for tailored professional support for those experiencing suicide loss within the Highland area. I feel so strongly about this that I am returning to UHI Inverness after the summer for counselling training with the aim to train specifically as a trauma counsellor for those bereaved by suicide in the future.”
Nadine's teaching team described her work as having significant implications in research, theory and practice and said it highlights a clear need for more understanding and support.
Nadine began her time at UHI Inverness on a Level 4 Introduction to Care course and progressed to BSc (Hons) Psychology degree as a part-time student balancing her studies alongside her responsibilities as a mother and her work commitments.
During this time Nadine was named as Student of the Year and lecturer Mari Todd said being her personal academic tutor throughout these nine years was ‘a hugely rewarding experience’ for her.
Nadine said: “As I reflect on the past eleven years, I realise that my time at UHI Inverness has transformed my life, reigniting my passion for learning and shaping my future career aspirations in the field of psychology. My advice to anyone out there thinking about returning to education, do it! It was the best decision I have ever made; you are never too old to learn something new!”