Kayla McInnis

I knew I wanted to go to Edge Hill from 2019, when I left high school. Psychology as a subject was something that deeply interested me, as I was fascinated by human nature and why we do what we do. Truly, psychology underpins many scientific principles and is a very useful degree that allows someone to become multifaceted across many disciplines, which can then be applied to a variety of career pathways.

My favourite thing about studying this degree at Edge Hill – well, I’ll have to give you two. Firstly, the people I met on this course were some of the loveliest, most genuine and kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with. The university attracts some truly wonderful individuals. Secondly, the staff were incredibly helpful and generous. The academic and pastoral support within the Psychology department was outstanding throughout my degree. From teaching me from the ground up to helping shape me as a young adult at the start of my career, they gave me the confidence to believe in myself and pursue my ambitions.

Edge Hill supported me massively in gaining work experience and enhancing my employability skills. I attended data and statistics workshops and received a lot of support from my personal tutor, particularly with my CV. My work placement module (PSY3148, I believe it was called) gave me valuable real-life experience working within SEN settings. It’s not just about academics – the practical experience is equally important.

The best thing about Edge Hill was the campus. Nature is such an underappreciated part of our lives, and I truly believe my time at university was enhanced by the green campus surroundings (no pun intended!). Taking time outdoors, in both rain and sunshine, really shaped how I experienced university and added to my overall wellbeing.

For other students considering this degree at Edge Hill – just do it. If you have even a small feeling drawing you towards it, follow it. I’m so glad I did.

Now, I am a PhD researcher and Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (PGTA) at University College London, working in collaboration with Network Rail. My typical day is split into two parts. My PGTA work involves supporting my module leader in delivering lab classes on mapping skills and data workshops, marking assignments each term, and running weekly drop-in sessions to support and mentor master’s students. The research side of my PhD varies daily – one day might involve reading and analysing academic papers related to my interests (such as transport networks), while another might involve collaborating on research projects with Network Rail, fellow PhD researchers, and postdoctoral colleagues across a range of disciplines. That variety brings a sense of structure and excitement to my day-to-day work.

My favourite part of my role is the satisfaction of understanding a complex problem in a specific area and working towards solutions that could improve society. Once I complete my PhD, I have a couple of potential pathways. I may continue in academia, potentially returning to a social sciences focus with a strong interest in data science, working towards lecturer and, eventually, professor roles. Alternatively, I may move into industry and become a senior data analyst or senior engineer in a field that aligns with my interests at the time. For now, my focus over the next three to four years is on my PhD and research in transport engineering.

I believe my degree prepared me for this career through the Year 2 research methods module (both quantitative and qualitative) and my final-year dissertation, which helped develop my skills as an independent researcher and provided a strong foundation for further study.

After graduating, I applied for an MSc in Geographic Data Science to build my data skills and learn coding languages. During this time, I worked on a range of research projects across areas such as transport, health and social care, employment, and international case studies. For my master’s thesis, I collaborated with transport companies, which allowed me to build valuable connections. It was a case of right place, right time – this experience helped me secure a PhD in Civil and Transport Engineering.