James Hede
Bachelor of Psychology with Honours
UNE Student Council Undergraduate Student Representative
What are you studying?
I am currently studying a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours part-time online. I completed the coursework units last year and will complete my honours thesis this year.
What is the UNE Student Council and what does your role entail?
The Student Council is the voice of the students at the University of New England and acts as a bridge between the student body and the university administration, advocating for positive change, addressing student concerns, and enhancing the overall student experience. I am one of two Undergraduate Representatives on the council, and I will represent and advocate for the interests of undergraduate students.
Should students get involved with the UNE Student Council?
Yes, I would definitely recommend students be involved with the Student Council. We are all current students and aim to improve the student experience. By becoming involved, you can assist in creating positive change for students at UNE. In addition, our activities offer the opportunity for leadership and professional development.
What brought you to study at UNE?
I am a member of the Army and have served for the past 17 years. I also have a strong interest in mental health. I decided to study psychology to advocate for mental health issues in the veteran community and in the wider community.
What would you like to do after your studies?
Following my studies, I am hoping to become a psychologist in the Army; however, I still have a considerable amount of study to complete before becoming a registered psychologist. After completing my honours degree, I will still need to complete a Master's in Psychology, which I am also hoping to study at UNE.
What have been your biggest achievements and challenges in your study journey so far?
My biggest achievements in my study journey so far are being awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar Award in 2023 and the S Barratt Memorial Award in Psychology in 2024. My biggest challenge has been maintaining a consistent and healthy work-life-study balance, but my family has been incredibly supportive throughout my study journey.
What has been your favourite unit so far?
My favourite unit so far has been PSYC423 – Professional Practice 2. It allowed me to practice some of the counselling techniques I have learned in an applied setting. I also really enjoyed PHIL150 – Metaphysics and Theory of Knowledge, and I am considering exploring options to complete a Graduate Diploma in Philosophy in the future.
What have you learnt about yourself through university?
By breaking complex or difficult goals into smaller, manageable tasks, I can achieve more than I initially thought possible. When I started studying in 2018, I was apprehensive about university study as a mature-age student, but despite my initial concerns, after 6 years of part-time study, I am on track to meet my study goals.
Do you study around other interests and commitments?
Yes, apart from my family commitments as a husband and father, I am interested in fitness, meditation, and mindfulness. I also volunteer at Griefline providing telephone support to people experiencing grief, loss, and loneliness.
Any advice you might give to other uni students or your younger self?
The advice I would give to other students is focus on learning about your chosen subjects rather than just achieving high grades. It can be easy to focus on your marks, but high grades do not always translate into a deep understanding of a subject.
Anything else you’d like to add?
As one of the Undergraduate Representatives, I would like to invite any undergraduate students to reach out to the Student Council or myself if you have any concerns or if you have any ideas about improving your student experience at UNE.
