2017-2018

Because the course was so flexible, I had the opportunity to bounce back - Fabiola Philippe

My name is Fabiola and I am 28 years old. I am originally from Mauritius and I have been in this country for well over a decade now. I have got two lovely children and a loving partner who I love dearly. I have been working, as a healthcare assistant and a support worker, since I was 18 years old.

I have always wanted to study an Access to Social Work Course, ever since I could remember, but because I was in full time employment, I couldn't go ahead with it, as it would have been hard to attend traditional classes. After searching online, I finally came across the DistanceLearningCentre.com website. I decided to give it go and this has been one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. The nature of the course meant that I didn't have to give up my job.

I have recently completed the access course and I have achieved excellent grades on all of the modules. The course itself is of a high standard but by putting continuous effort into it, is achievable. However, my time on the access hasn't been an easy one. Whilst being on this course, I went through three biggest lifespan stressors. I lost my dad, I got divorced and I suffered from mental ill health. Because the course was so flexible, I had the opportunity to bounce back and carry on with my studies. Today, I am so grateful, and I would like to say a massive thank you to my tutor for being so supportive.

I have been offered a place to study a BSc in Social work, in the University of Winchester. On the completion of my BSc in social work, my plan is to apply to study an MSc in safeguarding for children and adults. My ambitions for the future is to contribute towards a lot of poverty, social injustice and mental health research work and to thrive in my career as a Social worker. (Jun 2018)

The feedback was excellent and helped me achieve the grades I need - Lewis Herring

Having left school with no A-Levels, I found myself struggling to get back into higher education with no options available to me.

After enrolling with DistanceLearningCentre.com, I wanted to aim high and study at the best university I could. My tutor was really encouraging and helpful. The course and materials were really well structured, with some fascinating modules and I thoroughly enjoyed studying the topics and completing the assignments. The feedback was excellent and helped me achieve the grades I need. Now I'm going to a Russell Group university to study Economics and I couldn't be happier.

I would absolutely recommend DistanceLearningCentre.com to anyone hoping to get back into education! (Jun 2018)

I wasn't sure if I was still young enough to start studying again - Giselle Thoumine

I wanted to enrol on a Nursing Degree course but wasn't sure if I was still young enough to start studying again. I completed the diploma for Nursing and Midwifery and surprised myself with the grades and how well I took to studying.

Learning with the DistanceLearningCentre.com helped me fit the studying around my job as an Administration Manager. I am so pleased that I have a place on the Middlesex University Nursing Degree which I am able to undertake through the Institute of Health and Social Studies here in Guernsey starting September 2018. I also moved from my Admin job in January to become a Nursing Auxiliary to gain experience.

Dreams really can come true if you believe in them! (Jun 2018)

It also has great resources like a forum and the Facebook page, where you can ask for advice - Hayley Brooks

I'm currently in full time employment in the NHS as an ECG technician, and in order to progress in this career, I needed to go to university. Unfortunately, I had no science based subjects in my educational background, and after emailing a university, the tutor suggested I complete the Access to Higher Education diploma with DistanceLearningCentre.com, and informed me I'd have to get top grades to be considered for a place on the course.

At the time, this seemed a very daunting task! But, I'm proud to say that I have just completed the course and gained overall distinctions in every module! And met all criteria for my conditional university offer. I'm not saying the course wasn't hard, it took a lot of hard work and motivation to stay focused and prioritise it over other things like social activities. But, It was all absolutely worth it! It enabled me to achieve my goals and start working towards my career as a physiologist.

I really would recommend doing this course to anyone considering it. Especially if, like me, you struggle with exams! The fact that it's mostly course work is a huge bonus, and the tutors are so great with giving you help and advice via emails and phone calls! With it all being online, it also means you can continue with work and do it at a time that suits you! It also has great resources like a forum and the Facebook page, where you can ask for advice; and I've made great friends through it! (Jun 2018)

I applied for three BSC Paramedic Practioner degrees and was successful at interview for all - Mike Martin

Definitely, do it and be positive!!! A fantastic facility providing a flexible solution to easing yourself back into academia.

At first, I was apprehensive, not knowing what to expect. One would say I already had too much on my plate. With 11 years' experience on the lifeboat crew and my willingness to assist others, I soon realised that I wanted to start a fresh, a clean slate as a paramedic within the Ambulance service.

As a mature student returning to education, I had to complete a HE Access diploma, to meet UCAS criteria. I visited various colleges with the aim to complete the next step, but a full time 3 day a week course was not viable, and my circumstances just wouldn't allow at.

Finding DistanceLearningCentre.com was my saviour!! I completed the course in the minimum time of six months as well as all of my other commitments. I applied for three BSC Paramedic Practioner degrees at UWE, Plymouth and Bournemouth and was successful at interview for all. Within the interview they immediately recognised the distance learning programme, noting that you must be independent and that it is a big commitment of your free time.

I'm not going to lie, it was hard, and I sometimes found myself wanted to give in and continue with my job, but I stuck at it and have achieved mostly distinctions. The diploma itself is delivered as a step by step guide with learning materials. 60 credits is approx. 600 hours of work and trust me it's a big commitment but if you can spare the time you will be fine.

I cannot thank the tutors enough for their time and commitment to their students, often replying to emails late into the evening. I am starting at Plymouth University in September and am excited for future within my new career. (Jun 2018)