Selma Abdi
By Selma Abdi, psychology student
When I started university, I didn’t expect be working with real organisations, helping to create positive social impact, especially not in my first year. However, the Psychology Insights Project, part of the Nottingham Advantage Award (NAA), changed that for me.
Why I chose the Psychology Insights module
There is a range of modules available for the NAA, but I had specifically chosen this module as it closely aligned with my course, as well as offering first-hand experience of working directly with community partners.
I really wanted to get involved in social work and learn more about how my psychology course applies to real-life.
Our partner for the project was Leicestershire Secondary Education Inclusion Partnerships (SEIPs), and our aim was to create something that could raise awareness about the importance of school attendance. It felt important, especially when researching how absence can affect children’s development and engagement with education.
What I did
As a group, we were asked to design a resource for parents to help promote attendance in schools. The number of children who would miss school to go on a family holiday after Covid-19 skyrocketed.
After lots of brainstorming and feedback from our organisation, we had come up with a leaflet that was informative, visually friendly and easy to understand. We agreed to make it accessible to everyone, including those who might struggle with literacy or digital access.
It was amazing to hear that SEIPs were pleased with our outcomes and planned to distribute our leaflet in GPs and local stores across Leicester.
What I learned
This module really gave me way more than I expected. I learned so many new things, such as:
- Communicating with professional partners
- Public speaking in front of a formal audience
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Building a network with organisations
- Using my NAA experience in applications
When applying for funding for an overseas volunteering project, my experience with the NAA became a key part of my applications. I wrote about how I had worked on a real issue with real people and showed my commitment to following the project through until the very end.
I mentioned the challenges we faced (like a slow start and managing deadlines) but also how we had overcome these challenges.
I think showing resilience and initiative really helped my application stand out, and I was lucky enough to secure funding from multiple organisations for an opportunity to volunteer abroad.
My advice for the students considering the NAA?
Do it. Seriously, do it.
It is flexible enough to fit around your studies but also impactful enough to open new doors for your career. I would definitely recommend picking a module that excites you, as it will keep you motivated when things get busy.
If you do apply for the NAA, it can be challenging to manage multiple pieces of work, but it is worth the effort; so, it is important to stay on top of your deadlines. It’s also good to reflect on what you’ve learnt as you go, as it will make future applications so much easier.
Taking the NAA didn’t just help me gain practical skills but reminded me of why I chose my psychology degree in the first place. It showed me how small actions can lead to real change, and that is something I will carry with me far beyond university.
Discover more about the Nottingham Advantage Award and the different modules on offer. If you have any questions, contact the NAA team.
Posted on Tuesday 20th January 2026