Psychology student Zofia's URSS journey

Psychology student Zofia joined the URSS feeling unsure about her project. She was able to leave with a newfound confidence and further experience which will help her progress further in her academic journey.

What is the URSS?

The Undergraduate Research Scholarship Scheme, URSS, is a funded and supported research project that second-year students at the University are able to participate in. The scheme helps students develop their understanding and experience of partaking in an in-depth research project, with the opportunity to use an area of personal interest for exploration. 

Zofia was introduced to the URSS scheme by her Personal Academic Tutor, PAT, Dr Carol Stalker, who became her supervisor for the duration of the project. Having this support is beneficial in helping students become more familiar with research projects, bridging the gap between being an undergraduate student and an experienced researcher. 

Being a January start student, Zofia felt that there may be further difficulties in participating, however, she praises her supervisor for the support needed to feel comfortable and prepared. 

'... the initial thought of it made me nervous. Dr Carol Stalker provided me with lots of information, advice and guidance which helped me to feel more ready to get started' 

Research Process

Right from the initial introduction to the scheme, Zofia had some idea of what she intended to research, this transpired into a project titled 'To What Extent Does Stress Affect Students' Social Life and Well-Being?', to consider how academic stress is affecting students at the university - an issue which is explored and discussed in a wider media setting. Zofia and her PAT discussed a topic in this area as they both shared an interest for it, which Carol was able to further by providing her student with the information and guidance needed to seriously consider the opportunity.

As well as having a personal understanding of the pressures of assessment periods as a student, Zofia states she had 'previously read some literature about stress' which furthered her interest and led her to consider investigating the topic at a deeper level. With Psychology not only being her area of study but her self-described 'passion', Zofia felt it the perfect area to further and develop her research in.

Her findings demonstrated that less time at university saw improved well-being in students, who were seemingly feeling the academic pressures of today. It also highlighted the importance of enjoyable activities for students' well-being, with a combination of stress and enjoyable activities having a lesser negative affect for the students involved in the study. 

Developing skills 

The URSS scheme has provided Zofia with valuable confidence and experience which will help her achieve in her third year dissertation and beyond, she highlights the usefulness of 'confidence in public speaking and data analysis'.

Students are able to present their findings in a supportive and engaging atmosphere of peers, mentors and the wider community, with the URSS Conference providing a platform for students to present their work in a professional environment.

Zofia praises the scheme as 'an amazing opportunity and experience, which I am very grateful for'. More than 300 students have stories similar to Zofia's in their area of interest; with the URSS enabling them to further not only their academic skills but benefit their university experience as a whole.

Wellbeing support

Help and support with a wider variety of wellbeing issues is available via the student wellbeing support area.

The out of hours page offers a range of support and resources for free, whenever you need them.