Elise Mcloughlin
By Elise Mcloughlin, psychology student
Taking part in Engaging the Public with Psychology has been one of the most rewarding parts of my degree so far. It took me from lecture theatres into real classrooms, giving me the confidence to share my passion for Psychology and leaving me with skills I’ll use for years to come at university and beyond.
Why I applied
I first spotted the module on the Nottingham Advantage Award list during my first year and jumped at the chance to apply psychology to real life.
I’ve always loved developmental and applied psychology, and this module promised exactly that - the opportunity to inspire young learners, practise science communication and engage directly with the community. I wanted to find out whether the theories I’d learned could really spark curiosity in a classroom, and I wasn’t expecting how much it would boost my confidence, sharpen my communication and shape the way I imagine my future career.
About the module
It is part of a year-long Nottingham Advantage Award programme that combines training, practical experience and reflective learning to help university students share psychology in engaging, accessible ways.
As part of the module, I:
- completed training in safeguarding, health and safety and public engagement (both online and in person)
- partnered with a local primary school to run interactive sessions for Year 5 pupils (aged 9-10)
- worked with two master’s students to design and deliver five one-hour lessons on topics including: an introduction to psychology, visual illusions, personality, emotions, and memory
What I learned
- Adaptability - reading the room and adjusting instantly: simplifying explanations, switching to hands-on demos, or changing the pace when needed.
- Communication and presentation - breaking down complex ideas into everyday terms, using visuals and movement to engage, and structuring smooth, hour-long sessions.
- Creativity - designing memorable, interactive activities like the “activity minion,” sticker rewards and themed characters to make ideas stick.
- Reflection - acting on feedback from peers and observers.
These are not just classroom wins - they’re tangible skills I can talk about in interviews and include on my CV: public engagement, safeguarding-trained, adaptable communication and collaborative project delivery.
How it’s helped since
This NAA experience encouraged me to take part in further experience related to child psychology. Following the module, I volunteered during the Summer Scientist Week with the School of Psychology.
The NAA prepared me and gave me the confidence to work directly with children and interact with parents. I felt confident adapting activities for neurodivergent children, explaining research in accessible ways and keeping sessions inclusive and engaging. Without the NAA, I wouldn’t have had the same level of assurance or the practical strategies to make the event a success.
My advice
I’d recommend the Nottingham Advantage Award to any student who wants to broaden their horizons. You don’t need to pick a module tied to your degree - choosing something different can build a wider range of transferable skills employers love.
If you want to get the most out of it:
- Follow your curiosity - choose a topic you’re excited about.
- Do your homework - read the module catalogue so you know the commitment involved.
- Plan realistically - be honest about the time it will take alongside your studies.
It’s also an excellent way to show employers you’ve gone beyond academic work. If you’re unsure how to present your experience, the NAA team and the Careers and Employability Service can help you translate your activities into CV bullet points, interview examples and application language.
Find out more about the Nottingham Advantage Award and, if you're interested in the how psychology can be applied in the real world, applications open on Monday 8 December for the module Psychology Insights Projects.
Posted on Tuesday 11th November 2025