Nikita Potemkin

2nd year, Psychology, Philosophy and Physiology (PPP)

Coming to Oxford has been an ambition of mine ever since I first visited for my brother’s graduation. Having been fortunate enough to have been a member of NAGTY (National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth – now replaced by YG&T) and having made use of many an opportunity offered by it, when it came to UCAS applications, I feel I was in a better situation than many of my peers, having set my heart on Oxford, in particular to read PPP. Not only is Oxford a fantastic place to study – partly due to the prestige, partly because of the city itself – but this course offered me everything I wanted. Having applied for neuroscience elsewhere out of disillusionment with their psychology courses, I found PPP incredibly flexible, allowing me a lot of Psychology, but also the chance to study Neuroscience, since it was relationship between the two – mind and brain – that drew me to the subject in the first place.

The first year of the course is only two terms long (which means you get a far less pressured Trinity Term than most other subjects) with prelims at the end that don’t count towards your final mark. You get a choice of three from five – Psychology, Philosophy, Neurophysiology, Statistics and a three-term Physiology module. All students are advised to do the Statistics module (unless you’re a maths whizz!) as it will come in handy later in the course, so you essentially have to choose two of the three “P’s” to study. Even at this level, the range of topics within the modules is impressive. Psychology covers everything from visual acuity in babies to the effects and causes of schizophrenia, while Physiology gives an outline of the physiology and pharmacology of neurones and their involvement in basic bodily processes. In second year, there is a much wider choice (although this is limited if you wish to follow the BPS accredited course), ranging from Neuroscience and Perception to Social Psychology and Individual Differences. In the third year, the choice is widened even further, with dozens of options to choose from. What is true of all courses, however, is that your lecturers and tutors are likely experts in their field, making them excellent sources of information. The tutorial system at Oxford is one of the aspects I like the most. It gives you the opportunity to consolidate your knowledge of each topic and helps you gain that little bit of “value-added” – the snippets of wisdom that could mean the difference between a 2:1 and a 1st.

Choosing a college was a much harder decision for me, at least until it came down to a shortlist and I was able to visit some of them. Since only a select few colleges offer PPP, my choice was made easier, although it still took many hours poring over prospectuses and college websites to narrow down my options. Univ was in my final list – its reputation as the friendliest college was very attractive and the Psychology tutor (Nick Yeung) was working in the general field of psychology that I was interested in. A visit to Univ on the Open Day confirmed my choice. From the moment I walked in, I knew this was the college for me. It may not have the largest quads or the oldest buildings, but it’s got soul (and a brand spanking new boathouse!). The fact that both first and second years live on the main site means you get to know a lot more people than perhaps at other colleges. Univ’s central location means that everywhere is easy to get to, be it the boathouse, the psychology department or the O2
Academy venue down Cowley Road.

Speaking of the Academy, it’s important to remember that you won’t have to spend 24 hours a day at your desk or in lectures! Of course you’ll need to do your work, but there’s also so much more that both Univ and the University as a whole can offer. I rowed in my first term for the Novice C crew and play rugby for the Univ XV, but there’s also Football, Hockey and Lacrosse teams, and far more obscure and unusual sports teams across the whole university. In addition, the University College Music Society is very active, running events several times a term, and the university Drama Society is great to get involved in. For the party animals, Oxford has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife. Whatever you’re into, there will be a night out for you, guaranteed! There’s also the opportunity to get involved in the political workings of the JCR and the students’ union by running for a position. I am currently Entz rep and involved in organising Bops, parties and other such fun events in and around our newly refurbished bar! Univ is a very vibrant place to live, while allowing peace and quiet when you want it. It’s a well-rounded college, with many people from many different backgrounds, and one you’re bound to find something you like in!

Oxford wasn’t at all what I expected, far from the stereotype. Univ, however, was all I’d hoped for and more! It has so much to offer, always with a smile! If you might be considering psychology, I’d definitely recommend PPP as a subject, since with its fantastic variety of options, you will be able to find the one that’s right for you.