Adaku Anyiam-Osigwe (BSc Psychology)

I transferred to The University of Buckingham in 2021 to complete my BSc Psychology degree after taking a year off from my studies. Buckingham stood out because of its unique two-year degree programme, which meant that I could transfer my credits and complete my studies in just a year and a half, instead of the two full years. This made it an ideal choice for me.

As an international transfer student, I expected challenges in adapting to a new academic and social environment. However, my experience at Buckingham was transformative. I quickly made friends within my course and through society events that are regularly hosted by students. I also found the support of incredible lecturers who helped me transition seamlessly into the University’s system. My time at Buckingham, though intense, significantly shaped my professional and academic trajectory. The exploration of various fields of psychology throughout the course, along with the teaching of the broader impact of psychological research on society, ignited my passion for research and academia. In my final year, the process of designing and conducting a research project for my dissertation further deepened my interest in research work.

With my supervisor’s guidance, I developed a study that I was genuinely excited about. My dissertation, titled “Emotional Display Rules and the Perception of Emotion Expression According to Nigerian Men”, explored the emotional understanding of the men in my country- a topic that is scarcely researched. However, since we students were given full autonomy in selecting our research topic, I had the opportunity to explore this further. My dissertation is currently under review for publication in the journal Men and Masculinities. One of the most valuable aspects of Buckingham is the lasting connections I’ve maintained with my supervisors, who recognized the significance of the project and encouraged me to pursue publication—an uncommon opportunity for university research projects. They continue to support me in the publication process, a testament to the University’s enduring impact on its students. If published, it will mark a major milestone in my career as a researcher, and I am blessed to have had their guidance.

I graduated in 2022 with a First Class grade, and am now a Research Associate for the Norwich Clinical Trials Unit at the University of East Anglia, where I contribute to numerous projects aimed at improving the UK healthcare system. I recently had my lead-authored paper, “A Psychosocial Critique of the Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic on UK Care Home Staff Attitudes to the Flu Vaccination: A Qualitative Longitudinal Study,” published in the academic journal Vaccines. Many of the skills I use in my role—research methodology, critical thinking, the ability to work independently—were cultivated during my time at Buckingham. The rigorous coursework, emphasis on independent learning, and encouragement to think creatively prepared me well for the demands of the real world.

Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate to have attended The University of Buckingham. My experience there not only shaped my career but also reinforced my aspirations for the future. I hope to continue pursuing academia, developing and executing projects that would have a broader impact on societies, particularly those underrepresented in research. I also hope to one day become a professor—perhaps even at Buckingham!