I nostri testimonials: Viktor - Serbia

Student of Techniques and methods in psychological science

"I would recommend TEMPS to people because it provides a different approach to university studies. Considering it is online it allows you to manage your schedule much easier and allows you to be more flexible with your other obligations"

About myself 

In high school my modality was focused on social sciences and arts and I have always been keener on those rather than STEM subjects. I chose to do psychology because I like people and even more than people their well-being. Regarding my future I have at the same time so many dreams but also no idea in which field to narrow down my career path. I would like to do clinical psychology or psychodynamic psychotherapy or even work in creating an educational system and developmental psychology in my own country, but also combining my passion for music with psychology.

Why did you choose the University of Padua and the Technology and Methods for Psychological Science degree programme? Why would you recommend it to other students?

I found out about the University of Padova from my mom’s colleague whose sister works in and agency that promotes studying abroad and helps students prepare their applications. I looked into the University’s psychology programmes and was pretty satisfied with the study plan they were offering, as well as the location of the university, and I applied for both Psychological Science and Techniques and Methods in Psychological Science (TEMPS). Another thing that drew me was the good reputation of the University and the overall lifestyle in Italy. I didn’t get admitted into Psychological Science but got in the TEMPS programme and it might be one of the best accidents in my life. I would recommend TEMPS to people because it provides a different approach to university studies. Considering it is online it allows you to manage your schedule much easier and allows you to be more flexible with your other obligations. In case you work in a different town or even country, but still want to study something new then this would be a good opportunity for you, but also if you are just a student it allows you to be more flexible in your daily life. For example it allowed me to pursue some part time jobs and singing lessons in my own country, and yet keep it up with my academic career.

What are the main features of your degree programme? How has the blended modality worked out for you so far?

The main features are the MOOC video lessons and materials that are already pre-recorded as well as weekly Zoom lessons used for deepening knowledge or practicing what we studied thanks to the MOOC materials. The method of learning and teaching here is to first study the materials before the Zoom lesson so that they can be discussed and that you can ask questions. Sometimes you get to do projects, presentations and get rewarded for that. Every exam session you have to go to Padua and do all exams in person. All in all you get the blend of online studying but also travelling and doing exams in person and talking to professors and colleagues. Also during February and July sessions there is an intensive period where you do an additional class with professors from all subjects and have that in-person experience.

Is there any class/subject that has stood out to you?

I enjoyed Developmental, Psychodynamic and Clinical Psychology the most. For me they were really easy to study and to understand. They kept me engaged and really interested throughout the whole semester I had them. Developmental Psychology was interesting because it was really focusing on practical things you may have ran into during you development but also that you may see in everyday life. Clinical Psychodynamic and Clinical Psychology were interesting because they gave some insights into therapeutic settings but also explained pathology, how it occurs, why it occurs across all dimensions and how to treat it.

Is there any advice you could give to prospective students when it comes to preparing for the entry test and submitting their application?

If you are preparing for the TOLC-PSY test I suggest preparing as much as you can in all fields, but more importantly when you actually do the test, make sure you do not make silly mistakes so you don’t get negative points. If you are not sure about a question better to leave it and get 0 points instead of -1.

Could you tell us a bit about the in-presence sessions you took part in? How was it to finally meet your fellow students? (500 words max)

I really enjoy the in-presence sessions in Padua. First of all it is a nice small city full of students and youth spirit, motivating you to study. Second of all, you get a chance to meet your professors in presence and talk to them face to face, ask questions, face curiosities and even ask them to be your thesis supervisors and get ideas where to do your internship. Thirdly and most importantly, you meet your colleagues from all around the world and share your experience all together, you can study together and make new connections that may stay for life.