Alumni

I found that the access course really prepared me well for the degree course - Helen McLean

Now

I went on to university to study BSC in Adult Nursing at Middlesex University. I found that the access course really prepared me well for the degree course. Having already been introduced to academic writing and referencing, it was great preparation, and I had a good basic understanding of anatomy, science and research. I completed the BSC Adult Nursing degree in July 2024, gaining a First-Class Honours degree. I am now working as a staff nurse in acute medicine in the NHS. (November 2024)

Then

My name is Helen and in August 2020 I started the Access to Higher Education, Nursing and Midwifery course with DistanceLearningCentre.com following a personal recommendation from a work colleague.

I had always wanted to apply for nursing at university but having left school at sixteen to start work I never had the correct qualifications to be able to apply. As a mature (very mature!) student the Access to HE course enabled me to gain the required qualifications in one course with one learning provider whilst still working full-time as a healthcare assistant.

The course has been hard work but very interesting, with the tutors supporting me every step of the way. My tutors were great, very professional but always available to give advice, support and feedback as I worked through the course. I feel not only the knowledge gained in the course but the confidence in writing essays, referencing and being disciplined to carry out study to timeframes has given me an advantage for university.

I completed the course in May 2021 gaining the 60 credits that have allowed me to successfully apply for a nursing degree which I start in September. During my interview for university, it was noted that studying for the access course as well as working full-time showed real dedication and discipline.

This course through DistanceLearningCentre.com is excellent, it is hard work but it is worth it, as it has prepared me for my nursing studies ahead in September. (July 2021)

I graduated with 1st class honours in July 24 with an award for the research I carried out in my final year - Alfa Marks

Now

I attended St George's University to study Radiotherapy and Oncology. I graduated with First-Class Honours in July 24 with an award for the research I carried out in my final year. 

I started my degree with a 10-month-old daughter, when I graduated she was 3 and my son was 2 months old. I was pregnant for most of my 3rd year. This was a very big challenge but effective communication with my lecturers and the education team at my clinical placement site meant that I was able to complete my studies in the normal 3 year time frame. Advice: Remember your lecturers want you to succeed, they are on your side. Keep open communication with them to help them to help you!

Studying remotely helped me to self-motivate, to seek help when I need it and not wait for assistance. It taught me to be proactive and take ownership of my learning.

Currently on maternity as my son is 6 months old. I'll be applying for work as a therapeutic radiographer next year. Since graduation, I've had the opportunity to go back to St George's University to guest lecture the 1st year Radiotherapy students on EDI. I'll be returning in the new year to deliver more sessions. I also spoke at a Macmillan cancer event for breast cancer awareness month and disseminated my research at a research Symposium at the Royal Geographical Society in October. The abstract for my research was also chosen for oral presentation at the 'Achieving Excellence in Radiography Education and Research' conference 2024. I won an award for my research at the 2024 Radiography Awards. (November 2024)

Then 

I had worked as a circus performer in the UK and internationally for the past 10 years. Partly due to the devastating impact of the pandemic on the entertainment industry, I decided on a career change and began researching a route to retrain as a therapeutic radiographer.

As a mature student I decided to begin an Access Course, this was daunting as I had left education 10 years previously and hadn't studied science since my GCSE's ... I was also 6 months pregnant. I knew the radiography degree would take 3 years so was keen to complete my access course as quickly as possible.

DistanceLearningCentre.com gave me the opportunity to study at a time in my life that I couldn't commit to the set schedule of a college. I was able to begin the course there and then while I was 6 months pregnant, finishing when my daughter was 5 months old. I studied at my own pace around my pregnancy insomnia and my baby's naps. I took breaks as and when I needed them and finished 1 month before the moderation deadline. With the support and guidance of my tutors I achieved grades beyond what I needed to secure a place at my 1st choice university St George's London.

I am so proud of what I have achieved and so grateful to the tutors at DistanceLearningCentre.com for their support. After a long break from education, the course has developed my independent learning skills and prepared me for the demands of university. (July 2021) Award of Achievement Nominee

I am now working as a Registered Paramedic, doing the job I love and making a real difference to my community - Tim Stoodley

Now 

I studied at Coventry University and gained a First-Class Honours degree in Paramedic Science. I was also awarded the Paramedic Science Excellence Award for my achievements.

My biggest challenge was the requirement for self-study. Unlike school, degree-level studying requires a lot of self-discipline and motivation. However, I am glad I went via the Access to HE Diploma route, as that helped shift my mindset to self-guided study, so I certainly found it easier than those coming straight from A-Levels.

As mentioned above, the requirement for interpersonal skills such as motivation, discipline and an ability to work independently really assisted in my higher education studies. 

I am now working as a Registered Paramedic, doing the job I love and making a real difference to my community. (November 2024)

Then 

After following the lure of money at 17, rather than sticking through with my A-Levels I found myself hitting my 30's stuck and unable to follow my dream of studying paramedicine; that was until I stumbled across DistanceLearningCentre.com! Right from the beginning, I was able to access fantastic support, engaging and interesting learning materials and even a student community feel, something I wasn't expecting with distance learning, more so during a pandemic!

Having suffered from a chronic mental illness during most of my adult life my confidence was low, as was my motivation. However, I was lucky enough to be assigned two fantastic tutors, who were able to spark inspiration and enthusiasm and within just a few modules I was feeling at home and confident with studying. Incredibly, I was able to complete my diploma with 45 distinctions - the highest I could achieve! Something I would never have believed possible were it not for the commitment and infectious drive from my tutors and wider DistanceLearningCentre.com staff and community.

Now I am lucky enough to be starting a degree in Paramedic Science, feeling more confident than ever and thoroughly grateful I was able to study via DistanceLearningCentre.com, who helped me navigate the process of re-entering education, apply for university and improve my functional skills, all whilst battling my own mental health, the demands of my children, a full-time job in the NHS during a global pandemic and a severe lack of self-belief.

DistanceLearningCentre.com, I owe you so much, thank you. (July 2021)

My HE course prepared me in a way that allowed me to manage and be comfortable with higher level studies - Ellen Mills

Now 

Since completing my HE access course I went on to study Nursing at the University of East Anglia, graduated with a First-Class Honours and a 95% mark on my final dissertation (which was recommended for publication). I now work as an A&E nurse in my local NHS hospital. 

My biggest challenges I faced when studying my degree was the financial hardship, which isn’t anything new but I really was surprised how much hardship I would face getting the minimum loans etc. Nursing isn’t any easy career by any means and it really does make you question yourself why when going through it. 

My Access to HE course prepared me in a way that allowed me to manage and be comfortable with higher-level studies, and ensured I possessed organisational skills and the ability to manage my time effectively during my undergraduate studies. (November 2024)

Then 

I have recently completed the last module of my Access to HE Diploma in psychology and biology. Before studying with DistanceLearningCentre.com, I worked full time as a marketing assistant (something I did after dropping out of A Levels) and 18 months into that I was furloughed due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. I signed up for the course with the aim of studying occupational therapy at university. After getting a job in private healthcare, I very quickly realised I wanted to become a nurse.

I knew what grades I had to achieve in order to pursue this career and never felt more determined with the support from my tutors. The course has provided me with the much-needed confidence to study at a higher level, after my rather rocky start to higher education back in 2017 left me feeling very lost and lacking in confidence. The tutors have been so encouraging and supportive through it all and the quality of the course is excellent. I have achieved way beyond what I thought was capable.

I have now received my offer to study adult nursing at the University of East Anglia in September 2021. I thank DistanceLearningCentre.com for making this new dream a reality for me, I couldn't recommend them enough. (July 2021)

This year I graduated from uni and I am now working my dream role as a Midwife in my first choice trust - Amy Settle

Now

Following successfully passing the Access to HE course in nursing and midwifery I successfully secured a place in university to study midwifery.

The biggest challenge was adapting to studying with a young child so I would say try to be prepared way before deadlines.

I feel like the Access course made me well equipped and helped me tab back into my academic skills such as essay writing and referencing which I used when at uni. The support I was offered from DistanceLearningCentre.com made doing the Access course with a small child very doable due to the flexibility of the course.

This year I graduated from uni and I am now working my dream role as a Midwife in my first choice trust :) (November 2024)

Then

After giving birth to my daughter, I instantly knew I wanted to become a midwife. Once my daughter was 10 weeks old, I enrolled with DistanceLearningCentre.com.

The support given from my tutors were very encouraging and for the first time I found myself loving the time I was learning and eager to learn more! I was supported from my level of understanding to the university application process. I feel the encouragement given to me from my tutors gave me a new confidence within myself that shone through in my university interviews and my assessments.

I have now received more than the required grades that are conditions to my university offer, I cannot wait to begin my training and reach my career goal of becoming a midwife! (July 2021) Award of Achievement Nominee