Sacha Sherwood - June 2011

I had absolutely no self-belief when I started the Access to Midwifery course and constantly worried that my work wouldn't be good enough. But my tutor was there to put things in perspective and helped me work out answers on my own, which really boosted my confidence and kept me going! I was so proud when I got my mark sheets and I'd achieved distinctions - who'd have thought it!

I chose the DLC because I worked shifts in a call centre and couldn't fit college in. The DLC allowed me to study from home in my own time. If I found I was lacking in motivation my tutor would get me back on track, so although I dodn't have the classroom atmosphere, I didn't feel alone. Towards the end, I worried that I wasn't going to finish in time, so my tutor helped me devise a schedule so I could organise my time better; this really helped me get to the finish line and I completed the course in 13 months.

In September I am going to University to study a 3-year midwifery degree; something I would never have believed I could do not so long ago. I now feel much more confident and feel I can apply what I have learnt to my degree, whereas 18 months ago I didn't believe I could even manage to write an essay!

Joel Davies - June 2011

I have just finished my Access to HE course with the DLC in Psychology. I have always had a passion for learning, although when I decided to return to education I found it was quite hard, just turning 19 and in employment.

I found the DLC when I was searching for qualifications. It looked fantastic and I enrolled immediately. The course itsself was tough, although with the support, guidance and inspiration through others, such as my tutor, you soon realise what you are capable of.

I now have a place at Nottingham Trent University to study a BSc in Psychology, planning for a career in Clinical Psychology. I would recommend the DLC to anyone who wants to chase their dream and having the support and guidance in doing so.

Tammy Cronin - June 2011

After failing to get into Uni for the second time, I decided that resitting my Maths and English just wasn't enough. So once I'd completed my Resits for GCSEs I found the DLC. It was perfect for me, my job and my family. I could carry on working until I'd gained the qualifications that my Uni were looking for and it meant I could study when I wanted to.

It was hard work and very constant, I studied nearly every night, apart from weekends, but start to finish took me 9 months so I can't complain! I wasn't sure if I would be able to learn that much information on my own just from books and research but the tutors kept me going in the right direction and were always there if I needed a bit of help. This course definitely gave me the advantage over other applicants.

Caroline Fennell - June 2011

When I first looked in to returning to university to study midwifery, I found that whilst already holding A-levels and a degree, I needed science-specific qualifications. Due to family commitments and my rural location, it was impossible for me to study an A-level or Access Course through college, whilst still working to support my family. I thought my dream was over before it had even begun, until I came across the DLC.

The DLC enabled me to complete an Access to Midwifery Diploma from home, and in my own time scale. I felt I was able to set my own targets and deadlines and had fantastic support and encouragement from all my tutors. The option to pay for the course on a monthly basis also makes it a realistic option for those people who are juggling the financial commitments that come with mortgages and children!!

Whilst I do have a good standard of education, this was completed some years ago, and doing this course has really prepared me for the academic challenges of university, as well as teaching me how to organise and prioritise my study alongside my family life. The DLC is not an easy option, it involves hard work and commitment, and at times a lot of late nights. However, it is flexible, affordable and an excellent stepping-stone to university. Thanks to the DLC I have gained a place to study Midwifery at the University of Cumbria this coming September.

Sarah Barry - June 2011

I started the DLC Access to Higher Education Diploma in November 2009 as I wanted to apply for midwifery. I had been a stay-at-home mum for 4 years but I knew that when my children went to school I would want a career again. I still wanted to be at home with my children so didn't want to do an access course that was college based so the DLC seemed perfect for me.

I had been out of education for 10 years so it took me a while to get back into sitting down and studying, but with great support, guidance and patience from my tutor I slowly began to make my way through the assignments. I finally completed the course in June 2011 and have been offered places at both Salford and Chester university to study midwifery in September 2011.

The best thing about the DLC course is that it is flexible. I worked in my own time, starting and completing assignments in a time frame that suited me and my lifestyle. The tutor support is really wonderful, my tutor called me each week and responded very quickly to any email queries. Without the DLC I would not be in the position I am in; ready and waiting to start midwifery training!

Julie Blackwell - June 2011

After liaising with my local college regarding the timetable for completing the Access Course to Midwifery, Nursing and Health Professionals, disappointedly, I knew that it was not an option for me. I work part-time and have two young children; the timetable did not fit in with my family life. I searched on the internet and found the Distance Learning Centre, It answered all my prayers as it fitted in perfectly with my lifestyle and gave me the opportunity to study at my own pace and convenience.

The course materials have been easy to follow and well written, I have found the modules extremely informative and enjoyable. I can honestly say I have not looked back since. The support I received from my tutor has been incredible; he has been very supportive and has felt more like a friend than a tutor. My confidence has grown immensely since completing the course, the hard work has paid off, and the grades have been rewarding.

I am proud that I have achieved a recognised qualification, and I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life. The course has been a great experience and I would definitely recommend the DLC to others. Thank you to all the staff at the DLC, in particular to my tutor. Without your help and support I would not have got this far.

Lisa Harrington - June 2011

After the birth of my son, I was fascinated by the work of my midwives and was inspired to find out more. I contacted my local colleges but they had dropped their access courses and well I felt pretty stumped at that point. I began looking online to see if there were other ways of completing an Access course and came across the Distance Learning Centre, I must say that I was slightly dubious at first about completing a course online or if it would be recognised by the Universites. After some thought I took the plunge and enrolled and am so glad I did!

It had been over ten years since I last studied and wondered how I would cope and remain motivated, all around looking after an excitable toddler. The modules although sometimes daunting were very interesting and once Id sat down and started working through them were not as bad as I first thought. I studied most days for a couple of hours and the whole course took me 9 months and I remember getting so worried and nervous waiting for my marks to come back from each module, but I gained distinctions and merits throughout and each marked module pushed me to continue working hard.

I was allocated a tutor who was fantastic and always rang and emailed and offered help and support, thank you!

Along the way I changed my path slightly and looked into studying Child Nursing and am pleased to say that I will be starting a 3 year degree in Child Nursing at Edinburgh Napier University in September and cant wait.

I didn't need to worry about the Universities accepting a Distance Learning Course, in fact they were very impressed that I had done it this way and it has certainly improved my confidence, self belief, motivation and determination in achieving my dream of Child Nursing and further down the path, Neonatal Nursing.

The support of the Distance Learning Centre and in particular my tutor was fantastic, thank you for all the help and I am very excited about September!