We spoke with Em Quinton, a BSc Psychology in Education graduate, who recently won the British Educational Research Association (BERA) Undergraduate Award 2024.
She told us all about how she ended up studying at the School of Education (which was not initially her plan A!), her favourite modules and her first reaction to receiving the prestigious award from BERA this summer.
Why did you want to study for a BSc Psychology in Education degree at the University of Bristol?
In the very beginning, I actually wanted to study neuroscience. Covid meant I couldn’t take my A-Levels, so I sort of happily fell into the course. I was desperate to be in Bristol, and wanted to do something psychology-related. It turned out that Psychology in Education was far, far better suited to my skills and interests than my original plan would have been, so I’m glad I carried on with my plan B!
What did you love most during your time at the School of Education?
I most enjoyed Professor Arathi Sriprakash’s module Education Viewed from the Global South. It opened up my criticality skillset so much and retrained my previously held ideas of what education meant too.
What inspired your choice of thesis topic?
My research topic – queer experiences of sex education and their psychological impacts – was inspired by my friends’ and my own experiences of RSE. It was also a topic heavily featured in the news at the time, as the Conservative government at the time held LGBTQ-inclusive RSE in low regard. It has not lost relevance.
Something I found particularly interesting was the close link between heteronormative narratives in RSE and individual identity suppression. Participants could also identify specific teaching moments which contributed to sexual anxiety. It was really striking to hear.
How did you find out about the BERA Undergraduate Award?
One of my lecturers, Dr Lucy Wenham, who ran our dissertation module, suggested I submit my thesis for the award! You need to already have a degree under your belt to enter. The process involves re-writing your abstract; something I found quite difficult over a year after finishing the dissertation!
Congratulations on winning this year’s BERA Undergraduate Award! How did it feel finding out you’d won such an incredible award?
Receiving the award was a real honour. Writing a dissertation can become your whole life for a while (it did for me), so having an award reinforce that effort is lovely. I’ve been doing some unrelated work since I graduated, umming and ahhing about returning to study. The award was a nudge to get back to it!
What have you been up to since graduating? What are your plans for the future?
I’ve been working in the corporate world, saving up to travel before I start postgrad applications. In the long-term, I plan to qualify as a therapist.
What advice would you give to students thinking about joining the School of Education?
The SoE is the best-kept undergrad secret – friendliest staff, cosiest library, best location for lunchtime walks… Make the most of it!
Find out more about our undergraduate programmes:
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/2025/education/
Visit the University of Bristol at our Undergraduate Open Day
Visit us on campus on Saturday 26th October 2024 to find out about the student experience at Bristol.
Listen to subject talks in the School of Education, chat with our expert staff and students, explore our beautiful campus and the vibrant city of Bristol, and find out more about the courses we offer.