Because of You: Mia’s path to developmental psychology

We chatted with Mia-Jane, who has just graduated with a Developmental Psychology MSc. As an undergraduate, she received a bursary supported by the Guildry Incorporation of Dundee. Here she shares how this consistent support enabled her to focus on her studies, not her finances.

Hey, Mia-Jane! Could you describe the support you received, and how it made a difference?

I was fortunate to receive a bursary from the Guildry Incorporation of Dundee throughout my four years of my undergraduate degree. 

How did this support change your day-to-day life? For instance, did it let you focus more on your studies, research, or activities instead of having to worry about finances?

Absolutely. The bursary allowed me to focus on my academic work without the constant stress of managing living costs or having to take on additional part-time work. This meant I could dedicate more time to my coursework, research projects, and psychology-related volunteer opportunities. Having that financial stability made my university experience much more enriching and enjoyable.

We'd love a specific story! Can you think of one moment or specific success you've had at university that was only possible because you received this support?

One of the highlights of my time at Dundee was completing my undergraduate dissertation, which explored cognitive development concerning dance participation. The research required a lot of time in the library and meetings with my supervisor - something I simply couldn’t have done if I had been juggling multiple jobs.

What are your immediate goals? And what are your plans once you graduate?

Now that I have completed my Master’s, I’m hoping to continue working in the field of developmental psychology, particularly in areas that support children’s learning and wellbeing. I’m passionate about applying psychological research to make a real difference in young people’s lives. In the longer term, I’d love to pursue a career in educational or clinical psychology.

If you could speak directly to the donors right now, what's the most important thing you'd want them to know about how their gift has genuinely affected your life?

I would like to sincerely thank the Guildry Incorporation of Dundee for their generosity and belief in students like me. Your support has had a lasting impact, not just financially, but personally. It gave me the opportunity to focus on my education, to grow in confidence, and to follow a career path I’m passionate about. Your support truly helped shape my journey, and I’ll always be grateful for the doors it opened for me.