SOP Sample for Psychology Masters in UK

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

When I think of the field of psychology, it fascinates me to realize how the scope of this subject has evolved over the years. The science of behavior has made its mark in various areas, from hospitals and clinics, to organizations, to fashion and even to environmental concerns. It has also amazed me, to think of how, even though humans are made of the same organs that constitute the physical body, we differ so much from each other in terms of our thought processes, personality and behavior. One contextual difference in environment or upbringing, could impact an individual immensely, for the better or for worse.

If you ask [APPLICANT_NAME], when she was 4 years old, or when she was 10, or 18, or 22, she would always stick to her goal, which was to help people by taking up a career in the medical field. Ever since I can remember, I have been so keen on listening and observing. I would maintain eye contact with whoever was talking to me, be it my friend, my teacher, my brother or my parent. I would nod and tell them, "I understand." Being an unbiased listener is something that has come to me so effortlessly, so much that it is the first thing anyone would remember about me. So here I am, as ready as ever, to upskill myself from the best university that would give me an opportunity to fulfill my dream of becoming a clinical psychologist.

One of the biggest challenges in my life, that made me realize the importance of mental health, and how deeply its roots are planted into an individual's state of being, was when I had enrolled for an entrance coaching course, that helped me prepare for different entrances for courses in medical and allied health fields. The rigorous, competitive nature, combined with the stress that I faced, owing to my family's financial instability and my fear of not getting through to the other side of the exam, took a toll on me, especially my mental health. It did not just interfere with my performance, but it also started to affect me physically, in the form of various somatic symptoms. I knew that this was all a result of the deterioration of my mental health and I found that my fellow mates were going through similar circumstances too. Though I was fortunate to have cleared a few entrance exams, I could never shake off what I went through and it filled me with a lot of gratitude towards the best decision that I made during that time, which was to meet a counselor and ask for help. I realized that asking for help is one of the strongest things we could do, as by doing so, you are letting yourself to become empowered.

It did not take much time for me to encounter my next challenge, which was a hairline fracture in my spine, right in my first semester during my undergraduate course. It was a setback for me, as I had to take up my first semester as well as second semester exams together, and the workload along with the physical inability, did affect my confidence. I was afraid that I missed out on too many classes and that I would not be able to perform better once I resumed my classes. But I persevered as much as I could, engaged in ways that would promote my mental health and my interest in academics, and when I had to face a rigorous timetable of daily exams of two different semesters together, I decided not to accept defeat. I knew deep down that if I was ready mentally, with a motivated sense of self-confidence, I could perform well, and that is exactly what I did.

When I look back at my years of undergraduate and postgraduate studies, I know one thing for sure. My fellow classmates and my teachers would remember me, as someone who was always encouraging others to take every opportunity that comes their way and to not be afraid to fail. They would remember me as their confidante, whom they could trust to be an unbiased listener and someone who was ready to come up with ideas that advocated mental health and promoted the Department of Psychology.

As I started working, my passion towards this field grew stronger, as I enjoy listening to clients, establishing a trustable rapport with them and helping them out. My life's meaning and purpose feels fulfilled when I am a part of a workforce, where I get to explore all the theoretical knowledge that I have gained over the years. Every client, in his/her raw form, seems like a new adventure to me, and it makes me grow fonder than ever, of this subject.

While going through different courses and different universities and countries where I could pursue further education, I was glad to have learnt that UK provides the best educational courses in my field of interest and the best support for medical and allied healthcare professionals. Mental health is given such high regard in this glorious country and another important factor that drives me towards being here, is the appreciable nature of the institutions and organizations towards mental health professionals. While we as psychologists and counselors strive to help those who come to us in the best way we can, we are also a part of an uplifting work community, that is empathetic towards us when we need it too. I would love to be a part of such an institution, where the appreciation and skill training that I receive, would motivate me ten-fold, to give as much as I can and to become a better psychologist each day, in the long run.

I would always choose to learn from the best, in order to become the best, and I could not be thrilled enough to join your university, that would help fulfill my life's purpose and to gain great exposure towards a promising career path. The course curriculum excites me and I can feel it in my bones, that I would be an asset and belong here, guided by renowned, established faculty members and supported by an exuberant student fraternity. I wish to, someday, be a proud founder of an organization that provides mental health service towards children, right from their years of school education, and being accepted to this prestigious university would bring me a step closer to achieving the same.

Looking forward to being a part of you and thanking you for your time.

Yours sincerely, [APPLICANT_NAME]