Alumni

I completed my access course and both functional skills with you last year - Rickelle Mayers

Rickelle started her nursing career by studying an Access Diploma with us. Here is her real life NHS hero story.

She wrote: "I just wanted to say a massive thank you. I completed my access course and both functional skills with you last year and I'm now in my first year of nursing. Uni wrote a news story about me and I wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't for your amazing tutors!"

Extract - There are countless stories of NHS workers' selfless acts to help Britain's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic - and student Rickelle Mayers truly embodies them.

Mother-of-four Rickelle started studying Adult Nursing at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) just three months ago.

Now the 29-year-old is working two to three night or day shifts a week on wards at Leicester hospitals, before returning to home school her children.

Not only that but Rickelle has just volunteered to take on extra shifts at Leicester Royal Infirmary to help free up more experienced staff for the frontline fight against COVID-19.

My Access Diploma was a great introduction for the first year of university study - Ann-Marie Glover

Now

After completing my Access Diploma with DistanceLearningCentre.com, I attended St Georges university (London) and studied for my BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science. The biggest challenge for me as a mature student was learning how to structure and reference essays and other pieces of work.

The course that I studied with DistanceLearningcentre.com did assist with that and got me into the habit of using the right font and page set up and how to use Harvard referencing. My Access Diploma was a great introduction for the first year of university study, especially anatomy and physiology. I am now a fully registered and practicing Paramedic. (Nov 2021)

Then

My previous career was as a Cabin Manager, which I did for 28 years. I have always had an interest in medicine and was trained in aviation medicine as part of my flying career. I decided that I was ready for a career change and wanted to retrain as a Paramedic, so I took the plunge and joined the ambulance service at entry level as an ECSW. As my previous qualifications were not sufficient for entry into university I signed up with DistanceLearningCentre.com to do mathematics GCSE and an Access to HE Diploma Allied Health Professions.

DistanceLearningCentre.com was recommended to me, by my employer, as a solid, reliable and efficient way of learning whilst working full time. Due to time restrictions for my university application I had to complete both courses in 6 months instead of the recommended 9-12 months. My tutors understood my schedule and were behind me 100%. I cannot emphasise enough how much their tuition and support helped me through it. It was tough but so rewarding as I achieved an A* in my GCSE and I achieved 36 distinctions and 9 merits on my Access Diploma.

I'm now ready to apply for university and DistanceLearningCentre.com have prepared me for all that is to come. I fully recommend them. (Jan 2017)

The Access Course gave me a massive advantage with regards to biology and academic writing/referencing - Wayne Capps

Now

I successfully completed my BSc (Hons) in Adult Nursing with Kingston University. Due to the nature of the degree, finding a work-life balance was the most challenging aspect as I could plan my studies around my life when studying with DistanceLearningCentre.com.

The Access Course prepared me immensely for the challenges of the degree. Giving me a massive advantage with regards to biology and academic writing / referencing. Upon finishing my undergraduate studies, I commence work in the local medical authority as a Critical Care Staff nurse, fulfilling the dreams I set out when I started my access course all those years ago. (Nov 2021)

Then

Living in Gibraltar Access to Higher Education is not readily available, and after leaving my job in the Gaming Industry my dream of becoming a nurse came one step closer to reality after enrolling with DistanceLearningCentre.com.

Having been out of education for nearly 17 years, a return was extremely daunting to me, these doubts were cleared up instantly after my first conversation with my tutor, the website was extremely easy to navigate, and a clear road map was provided to me. Being able to work at my own pace was a massive plus for me.

Being a stay-at-home Dad to a 1-year-old, and a 3-year-old with special needs is a challenge in itself, but thanks to the flexibility, support and great course materials provided I was able to complete my Diploma with top grades in 7 months, fitting my studies around my children.

I will be starting my degree in Adult Nursing at the University of Gibraltar in September feeling more confident than I could have imagined thanks to the confidence I have developed during my time at DistanceLearningCentre.com.

I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for a change in career or obtain further education. (Jun 2018)

Following my Access Diploma, I went into a heavily academic/written degree with the knowledge and ability to write a high-class essay with ease - Izzie Mills

Now

I attended the University of Exeter where I graduated with a degree in Law. I found the biggest challenge was the age-gap between yourself and the other freshers in your year. I found that it was a slight issue at first getting to know others and bond with them because there were a few years in-between us but honestly, you will find people who genuinely get on with you and in fact, don't care about your age!

My advice for future undergraduates is to just get stuck in. University has the cliche "time of your life" trope, and for most it will be because they get involved in anything and everything that interests them! I've gained so many experiences I never thought I would have had and learnt so many new things, such as boxing!! Another piece of advice I'd give is treat your degree like a full-time job. If you solely focus on your degree work during Monday-Friday, you'll find you have a weekend free to relax and get on with some life admin.

I feel like the Access course with the DistanceLearningCentre.com definitely helped with my academic confidence. I went into a heavily academic/written degree with the knowledge and ability to write a high-class essay with ease. I also felt like I could manage the workload very well at university as I had put a strict time-limit on my studies with DistanceLearningCentre.com so I knew how to complete the work I needed to do within their set deadlines. When you're working through the SAQ's and TAQ's, you're predominantly working independently and if you need / want help, you'll ask your tutor. It's very similar to university!

After graduating earlier this year with an upper second-class honours (2:1) degree, I started my Legal Practice Course with a Masters in Law in Professional Legal Practice (LPC LLM) at the University of Law! I'm also currently a Caseworker with the National Centre for Domestic Violence as it is an area of the Law that I am incredibly passionate about and want to specialise in when I qualify as a solicitor. (Nov 2021)

Then

I'd always wanted to go to university but was faced with many different obstacles. After missing out on grades I'd needed at A-Level, I was close to giving up my dream of ever studying at university and becoming a lawyer.

DistanceLearningCentre.com allowed me to grow in my confidence. The flexibility of the course allowed me to juggle between looking after my Grandfather, working as a care assistant, my studies and of course, living my life. It certainly wasn't easy, but you quickly learn how to manage and adapt your time efficiently and to motivate yourself around an already busy life.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend DistanceLearningCentre.com. The tutors are incredibly and immensely helpful and supportive if you need assistance. I've gained a place at a top Russell Group University to study Law LLB and I couldn't be prouder of myself. Hard work really does pay off, thank you DistanceLearningCentre.com! (Jun 2018)

DistanceLearningCentre.com gave me a very accurate insight into how self-study and independent learning is at degree level - Thomas O'Farrell

Now

Upon completing my Diploma with DistanceLearningCentre.com, I got accepted onto the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy program at Oxford Brookes University in September 2018. I went on to graduate with a First Class Honours degree in July of 2021. There were three main challenges that I can remember during my studies:

Firstly, the amount of content and information that we had to try and learn in first year was initially quite overwhelming, however, having study groups, effective time management and organisational skills, I was able to manage this.

Secondly, academic writing was not my strong area, but I took advantage of the academic writing support team, allowing my family and peers to read my papers back to me and tried not to be too proud to take criticism. All of this really helped with my grades.

Lastly, being a mature student in an educational environment with fellow students much younger than myself was initially quite awkward. However, I had a lot to offer, being slightly older with more life experience. My classmates were excellent and gave me a new perspective on study techniques and tips. You're all in the same boat, so take advantage of being a mature student with your experience and learn modern ways of doing things from your younger peers.

DistanceLearningCentre.com gave me a very accurate insight into how self-study and independent learning is at degree level. They provided me with the materials, which I had to go away and learn, with methods of my choice in my own time. My tutor was always on the end of an email or telephone if I did need support throughout. This reflects how my learning was at University. DistanceLearningCentre.com also introduced me to the essential components involved in carrying out a research project such as internal and external validity, reliability, independent variables, dependent variables, and correct referencing etc. which I still referred back to when I was carrying out my final year dissertation!

As of right now, I am living in the United States with my wife and 2 daughters. I am in the process of transferring my degree and my diploma from DistanceLearningCentre.com over here so that I may begin working as a Physiotherapist in the US. DistanceLearningCentre.com have been excellent in sending off the transcripts I needed which have been accepted here. In the meantime, I am working as a Physiotherapy Aide to further develop my clinical skills and understanding of the US healthcare system.

Choosing DistanceLearningCentre.com was one of the best decisions I have made. They helped me get into university as a mature student (who left secondary school at a young) age, and graduate with a First Class Honours in Physiotherapy! (Nov 2021)

Then

Since leaving academic education after my GCSE's at 16 years old, I have served in the Royal Marines, worked and studied abroad. I would never have predicted that I would ever have the opportunity to enter Higher Education. When I discovered my passion in life (Physiotherapy), I was well aware that I would require a university degree in order to pursue my dream career. DistanceLearningCentre.com gave me the chance to do this.

Their well-structured learning materials and supportive tutors have been exceptionally consistent throughout my Diploma. It was hard and enjoyable work however, with perseverance and dedication I came through! DistanceLearningCentre.com not only helped me with my studies, they supported me through the whole UCAS application process. I was accepted into my first choice university (Oxford Brookes) to study Physiotherapy BSc, which I will begin this September.

I would highly recommended DistanceLearningCentre.com to anyone looking for a path to higher education as they have essentially helped me achieve my dream, thank you DistanceLearningCentre.com! (Jun 2018)