Alumni

I would not be where I am in my career today without DistanceLearningCentre.com - Jodie Perriam

Now

After completing my Access to HE  Diploma with DistanceLearningCentre.com, I attended the University of Salford and studied for my BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy.

The biggest challenge that I faced during my undergraduate studies was caused by the impact of Covid, because the last six months were studied online, and I graduated early to become part of the NHS and provide support through the pandemic.

My advice to students would be to ask for help if you need it - that's why the tutors are there! It's been something I have brought through to my work - learning my limitations and knowing when to ask for help.

I would not be where I am in my career today without DistanceLearningCentre.com, and the Access to HE course that I studied. I always felt so supported and this has got me where I am today, by giving me skills to use during undergraduate study and a foundation of knowledge that I would have been lost without! I am now working for the NHS as a full-time Physiotherapist. I have had the opportunity to work in rehabilitation, complex care, and more recently in musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. (Nov 2021)

Then

From day one tutors at DistanceLearningCentre.com were extremely helpful and knowledgeable, helping me with the UCAS Application, using TurnItIn and any course-related question under the sun. Answers were always sent promptly and further communication is always encouraged. I believe the more you communicate with your tutor ? the better your mark and this was certainly the case for me. Feedback sheets were informative and detailed, which really helped with the next assessment or exam by pinpointing areas for improvement.

My course was not a walk in the park. You needed to be dedicated and willing to make sacrifices. Personally, as I worked full time, I found reducing my hours by half a day at work really helped. It meant I could dedicate that one afternoon to my assessments and exams. Will power and an organised working environment were essential, but so is time for you. Doing this level of work from home and working full time was difficult, so dedicating an hour or two every day to doing something for myself really helped me to stay focussed.

My advice for anybody interested in the Access to HE Diploma: Allied Health Professions course would be to go for it and not procrastinate. It is easy to make excuses: 'I don't have time', 'it's too expensive', 'it's too difficult' but you can make time, there is an affordable payment plan and an unlimited amount of support available (which you are paying for and entitled as much as you need/want to). The time and money you spend on the course is difficult, but temporary. GO FOR IT! (Jun 2017)

I have just accepted a job offer as a Newly Qualified Paramedic with the South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust - Mike Martin

Now

I attended the University of Plymouth where I graduated with a degree in Paramedic Practice and continue to work as a helmsman in Newquay for the RNLI. I have just accepted a job offer as a Newly Qualified Paramedic with the South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust. The Distance learning qualification proved invaluable, as it set me in good stead to gain my place at the University of Plymouth. (Nov 2021)

Then

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 Access 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)

Studying a degree in the Covid-19 pandemic is where I feel my studies with DistanceLearningCentre.com came into their own, as I had been used to distance learning and self-teaching - Emma Hamilton

Now

I went on to study BSc Midwifery at Bournemouth University and recently had my graduation, receiving a First-Class Honours degree. I am now working as a registered Midwife at the Trust I trained at on the Isle of Wight.

The biggest challenges that I faced during my undergraduate studies were probably balancing work and home life as the course was full on and left little time for friends and family etc! In addition, there was obviously Covid, which had a massive impact on all of us. This is where I feel my studies with DistanceLearningCentre.com came into their own as I had been used to distance learning and self-teaching, so I felt fairly well equipped for this unexpected change.

I think studying through the DistanceLearningCentre.com prepares students well for learning how to juggle the elements of your life which will prepare you well for studying at university. (Nov 2021)

Then

For a number of years I have wanted to embark on a career in midwifery, however, I needed to undertake an Access HE course to improve my qualifications and meet university entry requirements.

Due to financial responsibilities I was unable to go down the conventional route of attending a local college, which led me to look for other options. DistanceLearningCentre.com has been a perfect solution for me as it has allowed me to study an Access to HE Diploma for Midwifery at my own pace, fitting my studies around work, children and other commitments.

It has been very challenging at times, with late nights and hair pulling, but with the unyielding support from tutors and fellow students you can achieve your goals ? I am living proof!

Having now been accepted at Bournemouth University I am eternally grateful to the DistanceLearningCentre.com for providing me with the necessary skills to help me in my future studies as a student midwife. (Jun 2018)

I was already familiar with independent study thanks to DistanceLearningCentre.com, this really helped with my time management - Victoria Wade

Now

After completing my Diploma with DistanceLearningCentre.com, I attended the University of Southampton (my first choice) and studied Psychology and Criminology. The biggest challenge that I faced during my undergraduate studies was the exams. I am someone who loves coursework and essays but isn't so confident when it comes to venturing into the unknown in exams. The advice I would give would be to try to steadily revise throughout the year, keep good notes from each week and look over these regularly. This approach also allows you to do some further readings in good time. It is not worth trying to cram all of the revision in right before the exams.

My Access to HE Diploma course with DistanceLearningCentre.com prepared me very well for the demands of undergraduate study. I was already familiar with independent study thanks to distance learning, and this really helped me with my time management and also ensured that I had the motivation to prepare for undergraduate study. This is something you do not get from some other pathways, in my opinion.

I graduated in 2020, and I am now working as a Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant. I am enrolled onto a further counselling course for September 2022, and I am also due to undertake a Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP) qualification as of December 2021, through my current employer. (Nov 2021)

Then

Before starting a psychology and criminology Access to HE course with DistanceLearningCentre.com, I was at a loss for ways in which I could pursue my dreams of going to university and getting a career in a field I enjoy.

I couldn't give up my full time job to go back to college for a number of reasons, so distance learning was perfect for me. I am not going to lie and say it's easy, but if you put the work in, you will be guaranteed great support from your tutors and just as high a chance at achieving your goals. After finishing my course, I have achieved majority distinctions and am off to university in September 2017 to study criminology and psychology.

Starting this course was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I have learnt some skills that I can take with me for the rest of my life, in education, and out. (Jun 2017)

I am currently finishing my Masters in Legal Practice (Barrister) (LLM) with BPP Manchester - Tobias Collins

Now

I attended the University of Manchester where I graduated with a degree in Law (LLB). I am currently finishing my Masters in Legal Practice (Barrister) (LLM) with BPP Manchester. I found the biggest challenge was retaining all the information come exam time. For me personally, condensing the syllabus into flashcards worked best.

Studying with DistanceLearningCentre.com prepared me for the demands of undergraduate study very well. The need to work independently, engage in critical analysis, and ensure you keep to deadlines are all skills which are invaluable for success throughout university. I have just passed the Barrister Training Course with BPP university, and I am due to begin Pupillage (similar to an apprenticeship but for Barristers) with Deans Court Chambers, Manchester in 2022. (Nov 2021)

Then

I began my Access to HE Diploma in Law with DistanceLearningCentre.com in October 2016, and seven months later I had completed, meeting my conditional offer from the University of Manchester with 45 graded credits at Distinction. The task was not easy and the Diploma was often challenging, but I sincerely believe that my success was largely due to choosing DistanceLearningCentre.com.

By opting for distance learning, I was forced to develop my independent research skills in far greater detail than I would have done in a classroom, whilst my skills regarding note taking, exam preparation, and self-discipline to meet deadlines were greatly tested. These skills are essential for University studies, and I believe distance learning has developed them in far greater detail than could have been possible by learning at a college.

The tutors are simply brilliant, effortlessly striking the perfect balance between providing just enough insight when I was struggling, whilst also allowing me to independently explore the subject. It is largely due to the ethos of my hardworking tutor that I was able to achieve the results that I did.

The flexibility of distance learning meant that I could study in a way which was much more accommodating of my job as a residential child care worker for children with learning difficulties, challenging behaviour, and severe autism. I was able to achieve without putting too much strain on my work or personal life. (Jun 2017)