Natalie and Nickie Sidall

Sisters Nickie and Natalie Sidall both studied a Joint Honours degree in Psychology and Criminology and graduated 2011

Both sisters were very interested in psychology at school and studied the subject at A level. When they left school and were choosing courses at university, they found themselves interested in the same course and so decided to apply together.

They said: "It was useful being able to study together and it did mean we saved on the cost of textbooks. We encouraged each other during the course and there was always a bit of healthy competition between the two of us. If one of us got a good grade the other would try and match it or get a slightly better one."

How it helped Nickie's future career

Nickie said: "While I was studying for my degree course I worked as a part time Care Assistant, working with older people with dementia in a care home in Ripley. It was through working at the care home, i developed an interest in developing a career in this sector.

In September 2011 I will be starting a two-year accelerated training course at the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, after which I will be a qualified Mental Health Nurse.

My future plan is to work in the Prsion Service supporting prisoners with mental health problems."

How it helped Natalie's future career

"Natalie said: "I have taken up the post of Careers and Employment Tutor at a men's prison, where I help inmates retrain for new careers. It's about teaching key work skills, including Maths and English. These key skills will help them find employment once they are released."