2017-2018

Support throughout and really targeted feedback that helped me improve - Corrine Lisle-Harding

I have dreamed of being a vet every since being a little girl, but my parents were adamant I should pursue a vocational course that would get me into the workplace sooner rather than later, so after finishing school, I attended college to study Admin and IT. I disagreed with them and decided that I wanted to go to university, but my options were limited. I was accepted to study Law at the University of Surrey, but sadly I couldn't afford the tuition fees. To say I was disappointed was an understatement, but I put my skills to good use over the next 10 years. I worked and progressed to become an IT Coach, but I felt constantly frustrated that I was not following the right career path for me, and inspired by adopting my first cat, I planned a career change. I initially trained as a dog groomer, before launching a pet grooming, sitting and dog walking business. This business grew from strength to strength and I began further training as a dog trainer and behaviourist. My behaviourist training was very focused on modern scientific research, including emotional neurophysiology and pharmacology, subjects that I found absolutely fascinating, and I knew that in order to pursue them further, I needed to again consider a degree.

I began researching degrees and couldn't quite decide which avenue to pursue, but life has a funny way of forcing decisions! I found out that I was expecting a baby, which gave me the push I needed to apply for my dream degree, a degree in Veterinary Science - I wanted my child to see both of his parents pursuing a career in fields they loved! I contacted the University of Surrey and they confirmed they would consider my application with a Science Access Diploma, suggesting DistanceLearningCentre.com.

I applied and began the course. I was immediately impressed by DistanceLearningCentre.com's organization. They had a process for student enrolment that ensured you were quickly up to speed on the way they do things. I 'met' my tutor on Skype. She was very friendly and helpful, and she talked me through the ILP (Individual Learning Plan), which helps you plan your modules around your time-frame. I started in August and despite my baby being due in mid-September, I was confident I could get several modules completed before he arrived. How wrong I was! I managed just one, and then had to break to ensure that my university application was submitted and my son arrived before I could complete any more. The next few months passed in blur of feeding, night-waking and nappy changes, yet somehow I managed to write an essay as part of my application, attend the interviews and obtain a conditional offer! I was over the moon! The offer conditions stipulated I needed Distinctions though and I knew I wasn't quite ready to achieve this after the birth of Harry, so I put off further studying until Christmas, when I hoped I would have recovered a little more!

I enjoyed the Biology Modules and passed with the needed distinctions. However, juggling baby and studying with little childcare was difficult, and I began to worry about the approaching June Moderation deadline. Sleep deprivation from my new arrival resulted in baby blues, and I struggled with a very difficult chemistry module. My tutor was very encouraging and understanding, she helped me when I needed it and kept in touch just enough to motivate me, without overwhelming (or nagging!) me. I was thrilled when I finally completed Chemistry and received Distinctions, but that left me with just 1 month to complete 3 physics assignments and 1 biology practical. The month whizzed by. I transferred to two new tutors for each subject, both of whom were fabulous, offering constant support throughout and really targeted feedback that helped me improve. It was a real struggle, but I was able to do all of the assignments in time for June moderation, and, most importantly, I achieved Distinctions throughout!

I was so pleased when the results were updated in UCAS and my conditional place to study a degree in Veterinary Medicine was confirmed! I start in two weeks now and I cannot wait. My husband is so proud of me, as are my parents (they came round to my way of thinking!) and Harry will be too I'm sure! Most importantly I am so pleased I am now able to finally pursue my childhood dream of becoming a vet! Thank you DistanceLearningCentre.com! (Jun 2018)

My phone calls were regular, these were arranged around me since I was working full time - Cheryl Callaghan

I decided I wanted to change my career and to go into Physiotherapy but after researching colleges I realised that I had to have an Access Diploma to get a place, this is when the DistanceLearningCentre.com came to light. I found it straight away and applied.

I knew I had to do my Maths again which I found quite difficult, but with the help from my tutor who rang me every week and set me deadlines, I managed to understand and I actually found Maths enjoyable. To get a bit extra support my dad joined in to.

My Biology was my next subject in which once again my tutor was there at a drop of an email and my phone calls were regular, these were arranged around me since I was working full time. My tutors offered me extensions if I needed them as they knew how hard it was to balance work and studies.

Psychology was my last subject and the thought of that, and the amount of detail which is involved was a bit terrifying, but once again with my tutor, she made me feel at ease and gave me support and help when I needed it. This was done by replying to all emails in which I sent and explaining things and also reassuring me about my work. She gave me pointers to achieve the grades I needed.

I decided to change my career to Podiatry, and the tutors were really supportive and explained that this qualification would also get me on to the Podiatry course for which I was very grateful. Without the DistanceLearningCentre.com I wouldn't have been able to achieve my grades and make it to college. (Jun 2018)

My academic skills level has hugely improved between the start and the end of the course - Ornela Ndoumbe Garcia

Undertaking an access course in Law with DistanceLearningCentre.com to study a law degree at university, was one of the best decisions I have made.

When I started the course, I thought that I would not be able the finish it because of the intensive reading, assessments and exams. However, my tutor has hugely helped me with the whole process of the course by guiding me with my grammar, reading understanding, structures of essays etc. Thanks to that, my English academic skills level has hugely improved between the start and the end of the course.

I am quite satisfied with DistanceLearningCentre.com, and I will definitely recommend it to friends and relatives, and I will come back to undertake another course. (Jun 2018)

Due to my status as an expatriate in the Middle east, I couldn't have achieved this without them - James Fox

I found DistanceLearningCentre.com to be my best option to meet my distance-learning needs. The tutors were helpful and kept me heading in the right direction. I have just submitted my last assignment and will shortly be the proud recipient of a Diploma in Sports Studies.

Due to my status as an expatriate in the Middle east, I couldn't have achieved this without DistanceLearningCentre.com's invaluable guidance. (Jun 2018)

The course was easily manageable around my life - Nathan Davenport

I have worked in the Outdoor Education Industry since I was 15. Now 24, I felt that my career needed a boost towards a different direction. DistanceLearningCentre.com was the perfect medium to facilitate the first steps towards my goal.

The course was easily manageable around my life. My days often stretch far into the evening and, more often than not, I am away for several days at a time taking young people away on short expeditions. The flexible deadlines allowed for me to fit in work where I could and the online support from my tutors was invaluable.

For anyone who lives a busy life and wonders if it is even possible to fit an academic course into it, with a bit of motivation and careful planning it can be done! (Jun 2018)