Babrah – BA (hons) Human Behavioural Studies

Name: Babrah

Hometown: Truro

Course: BA (Hons) Human Behavioural Studies

Next Steps: Clinical Psychology Doctorate

My Story

Originally from Uganda, Babrah first worked for the Ministry of Tourism before an opportunity arose to move to the UK to work at the Uganda High Commission in London. Her adventure began when she made the leap across continents, but it was a holiday in picturesque Cornwall that changed the course of her life, inspiring her to relocate permanently to Truro, where she now lives with her two children.

As a mum of two, Babrah knew any return to education would need to work around her family. Babrah chose the University Centre “because it was convenient and so close to where I live”. But it wasn’t just the location that drew her in: “I had also heard from different people how supportive the team was and how good the University Centre was, so I thought I would just give it a go.”

Determined to build her future in her new home, Babrah began her studies by enrolling on an Access to Higher Education course in Psychology and Social Work. This laid the foundation for her to progress to a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Applied Psychology, and she has now proudly completed her BA (Hons) in Human Behavioural Studies, achieving an impressive 2:1 classification.

Babrah’s passion for psychology is rooted in a genuine fascination with the human mind and a deep desire to make a difference: “I wanted to study Psychology because I’m fascinated by it. I have a special interest in it, I’m good at reading people’s reactions and non-verbal communication,” she says. “So, I thought studying Psychology will help me to help other people, especially those who are struggling with mental health.”

Throughout her studies, the support she found at the University Centre Truro and Penwith became her anchor during challenging times. “The staff have been amazing. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have made it on my own, so all the credit goes to my tutors and non-teaching staff. Student support, career support, the library, the amazing team there, always going the extra mile to help. Kirsty, the Deputy Dean, has been particularly supportive of me as well.”

For Babrah, the small, tight-knit team made all the difference. “I had a lot going on in my life when I started my course, including losing a relative back home. I wasn’t able to travel to them, but being focused and believing in myself helped, and the University Centre team just gave me hope that I could do this, and for the four years I had to do it, I did it.”

Reflecting on her favourite part of the course, Babrah lights up when talking about the topics she loved most: “I enjoyed learning about theories and understanding human behaviour.”

Graduation will be a particularly special milestone for Babrah, marking her second time crossing the stage in as many years, first for her psychology qualification, now for her degree in human behavioural studies.

But she isn’t stopping there: “I’m hoping to look for a job and start maybe working in a Clinical Psychology Department for work experience, because my aim is to be a Clinical Psychologist Doctor. I want to also pursue a master’s in clinical psychology.”

Babrah’s advice for others who might be considering returning to education, especially parents, is deeply heartfelt: “The best message I can give anyone is to just be positive and focus and just believe in themselves.”