Progress to Postgrad: Barakh
Posted on: 2 November 2025 by Richard Finch in Class of 2024
Barakh is studying at Liverpool John Moores University on the MSc Brain and Behaviour programme after graduating as part of our Psychology Class of 2024 cohort.
How did you hear about your course?
I constantly searched university websites to find a master's course that most interests me. The reason that I decided to apply for the brain and behaviour programme was because of my interest in neuroscience. This course has a strong focus on research and neuroscience, as well as providing an extensive amount of experience in the psychology labs!
How did you get to where you are now?
During my undergraduate degree, I worked in secondary schools as both a cover teacher and a Learning Support Assistant, where I developed a deep interest in adolescent development and educational psychology. Eager to build on this foundation, I enrolled in the MSc Brain and Behaviour programme at Liverpool John Moores University. Early in the course, I recognised the importance of gaining hands-on research experience and proactively reached out to one of my lecturers to inquire about potential opportunities. In response, they shared my CV with the psychology department, which led to an offer for an unpaid research internship.
This internship proved to be a turning point in my academic journey. I gained invaluable experience in designing and running experiments, recruiting participants, and independently collecting and analysing data. Recognising my enthusiasm and attention to detail, the same lecturer later offered me a paid marketing role within the School of Psychology. In this role, I was responsible for developing engaging content to promote the school’s research capabilities and laboratory facilities. This included setting up and demonstrating a range of cognitive and psychophysiological equipment for both academic and public audiences - An experience that strengthened my science communication skills and technical confidence.
The skills I developed during my internship and marketing role positioned me strongly to apply for a paid Research Assistant position when it became available within the same team. The application process was rigorous and included a formal interview, and I was delighted to be offered the role. I now work on a project investigating the impact of implicit social motives on behaviour, which involves a collaboration with the University of Geneva. This experience has not only deepened my understanding of motivational psychology but also provided me with valuable insight into international research collaboration—all while completing my Master’s degree.
Your favourite experience?
One of my favourite aspects of the MSc Brain and Behaviour programme has been the extensive lab experience it offers. The course includes a wide range of practical sessions, which have given me hands-on experience with various neurophysiological and psychophysiological techniques. I have had the opportunity to work with equipment such as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), electroencephalography (EEG), and psychophysiological tools including skin conductance, heart rate monitoring, and electrocardiography (ECG). In addition, I was taught to use non-invasive brain stimulation methods like transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), as well as eye-tracking technology. While much of this equipment was initially unfamiliar to me, the programme has enabled me to develop both confidence and competence in applying these tools in experimental and research contexts.
The most challenging part of your journey?
I believe the most challenging part of my graduate journey was trying to settle on one aspect of psychology. Psychology brings a lot of opportunities, sometime too many opportunities and I found it difficult trying to find which area to go for. However, I have learnt that it is good to be interested in lots of things, as that is what opens opportunities.
What's your #1 piece of advice for future grads?
NETWORK! This is something that everybody hears all the time but there is nothing more important than networking, this is how you get exactly what you want. It is all about who you know, not what you know, and this has been patently clear to me all year. Networking is what has gotten me every job I have ever had.
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Graduate+
Graduate+ is just for University of Liverpool finalists and graduates. It's a new way to stay connected, get career support, build the right skills and experiences, and hear about exclusive career opportunities in Liverpool, the UK, and beyond. Let us help you get the job that you deserve!
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Keywords: Graduate, Class of 2024, progress to postgraduate, Case Studies.