2015-2016

The University suggested the Access route and mentioned DistanceLearningCentre.com - Stuart Parkins

I decided in my late (late) forties that I wanted to study a degree for both personal achievement and to gain new skills; inspired and supported by my children (both at University) and especially my wife (who went from Access to a Masters) I decided to apply.

Speaking to my local university admissions department, I found that my poor 'A' levels from 30+ years ago did not provide enough UCAS entry points. I asked their advice after explaining I'm self-employed and work long hours. They suggested the Access route and mentioned DistanceLearningCentre.com as a possible course to fit around my work.

The course was very well structured with supportive tutors. Though not easy, I managed to structure my time and finish the course. It took me longer than anticipated, largely due to work commitments and a sports related injury, but the structure and support, along with a helpful ILP (Individual Learning Plan) kept me focused and on track. The course has engaging materials that are highly targeted to a particular discipline.

I'd recommend DistanceLearningCentre.com to get back to study; they are professional and support the learner well. You will need to work hard and set aside time but it is achievable and I finished my Access to Health course with distance learning at 49 and now have an offer of a University place after gaining a recognised Access qualification. (Jun 16)

Fab5 Award Winner 2016 - Jade England

After working in childcare as a nursery nurse for a few years I decided to follow my dreams and look into pursuing a career in Midwifery. Although I already had a degree I felt I needed to brush up on my knowledge in Midwifery related subjects but couldn't afford to give up my full time job to go to college. I came across DistanceLearningCentre.com and was really impressed with the Access to Midwifery course they offered. The flexibility of the course allowed me to continue working full time and study and the monthly payment plan made the course more affordable for me.

To start with I was nervous about starting the course as I had no experience with distance learning but my worries were soon put to rest. The support given from my tutors was amazing. If I ever had a query they would respond quickly and always provided useful and constructive feedback. I was able to learn how to organise my time and learn independently ready for university study. My writing and researching skills developed and I managed to gain more than the minimum distinctions required for each of my chosen universities. My first tutor provided support and guidance with applying through UCAS and writing my personal statement and I managed to secure a place at two of my chosen Welsh universities to study Midwifery.

I am so grateful for the help and support my tutors and DistanceLearningCentre.com has given me and would definitely recommend the company to family and friends who want to study through distance learning. I have enjoyed every second of the course and I cannot wait to continue pursuing my dream career in September! (Jun 16)

Jan 2017 update: - Jade received offers from two Welsh universities and is now studying Midwifery at the University of South Wales. She is just finishing her first placement block and has thoroughly enjoyed every second of the course so far. "I can't wait to see what exciting experiences the rest of my time as a student Midwife will bring!"

I now feel very confident in going forward in my new career - Carly Weeks

Fab5 Award Nominee

A career in nursing is something I had always dreamed of doing, but the timing of when I joined the Royal Navy meant that it was not an option for me as they were not recruiting. I opted to join anyway as a Communications Specialist and although I felt I had found the career for me I could never shake the feeling that I was not working day to day in my dream job. In 2012 a huge life event occurred when my brother was seriously injured while serving with the British Army in Afghanistan, and seeing the military doctors and nurses first hand provide exceptional care to him and my entire family I knew that was where I wanted to be.

It was then I found DistanceLearningCentre.com online and after reading the amazing testimonials and the very friendly atmosphere on the forums I decided to go for it. The set up was perfect for me, juggling a busy military career where I was often deployed all over the world meant that I needed flexibility and to be able to study at my own pace. The tutors are brilliant, only ever at the end of an e-mail and they were very understanding of the demands of my career. The Access Diploma took me much longer than many others to complete as I was deployed twice around the world in that time often with little to no internet connection for long periods, but I am so very pleased that I stuck it out and my tutors never let me feel disheartened as I saw other students complete and move on ahead of me.

The saying that 'you get out what you put in' is absolutely true with DistanceLearningCentre.com, and I ended up completing my Access Diploma with an almost straight run of distinctions, but more than that I have learned a lot about myself. I have learned how to best study to suit me and manage my workload, made great friends along the way and I now feel very confident in going forward in my new career. I have been accepted onto the Adult Nursing Degree 2016 to be a fully qualified Naval Nurse on completion, finally ending up in that dream job I always wanted. I would recommend DistanceLearningCentre.com to everyone, they really can help you make your dreams a reality. (Jun 16)

You make it work for you but you are very much supported and never feel like you are alone - Katherine Taylor

Fab5 Award Nominee

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time studying with DistanceLearningCentre.com, although it was a learning curve at times and I had to deal with a few personal situations along the way which were very challenging. My fantastic tutors, particularly one of them, really helped me along the way and without the support, understanding and encouragement, I wouldn't be where I am today.

DistanceLearningCentre.com really worked for me because as a single parent working part time, it wasn't possible for me to attend the Access Course at my local college, I also appreciated the ability to work at my own pace and to fit studying around my current life.

I would definitely recommend them to anyone wanting to further their studies or to gain the necessary qualifications to apply for university. You make it work for you but you are very much supported and never feel like you are alone. (Jun 16)

The course taught me the discipline and the determination to push myself to the best of my ability - Nicola Evans

I came across the DistanceLearningCentre.com website when I was searching for an Access Course for Higher Education. This was to get further credits to enable me to attend University. During the time of my course I was also busy working 4 days a week and also caring for my Grandma in the beginning. When she passed away the support my tutor gave me was overwhelming.

Through my busy time the course taught me the discipline and the determination to push myself to the best of my ability. What are my ambitions? On completion of this course I want to go to university to study integrated practice in learning disability nursing and social work. This I am hoping to start in September 2016 but this course has given me the determination to get to where I want to be. In the end I want to be a fully qualified learning disability nurse.

I want to thank both of my tutors for the support and motivation they have given my over the last 9 months. I found distance learning so convenient, especially as I work and I was unable to attend college full time. I would recommend DistanceLearningCentre.com to family and friends. Probably one of the best decisions I have ever made and with the help of this diploma I will get the job of my dreams. (Jun 16)