Alumni

Distance Learning prepared me amazingly well for university! - Helen Cowley

Now 

After finishing my diploma with DistanceLearningCentre.com, I got into my first choice university, St Mary's Twickenham, to study BSc Physiotherapy. 

The biggest challenge I faced was juggling the demands of coursework, exams, clinical placements and paid work. I think going to university as a mature student can be challenging from a financial perspective; however, there are lots of additional funding and support available through the university, as well as the NHS bursary. If you have already worked in a professional environment before taking on the degree, you will find adapting to new clinical placements and keeping organised a breeze. My advice would be to look into the additional funding opportunities and use them. I would also say, balance is important and maintaining a social and fitness regime outside of university is so important to keep you sane! 

DistanceLearningCentre.com prepared me amazingly well for university! Before DistanceLearningCentre.com, I hadn't been in education for nearly 10 years so it really gave me the tools to be able to study again. The fact the diploma was distance learning also meant I could do things in my own time and find the best way for me to study. The way I organised my time and approached coursework during my distance learning Diploma carried me all the way through University too. 

I graduated in June 2024. I took the summer off to chill out, catch up with family and friends and move house. I am now job hunting for an NHS job which tend to be advertised December through to February. For now, I have a part-time job at a local garden centre and am also going to start bank Physiotherapy work which will help improve my CV and experience. 

I would also leave another note for anyone considering a career in Physiotherapy following the distance learning diploma/under graduate degree... it is incredibly competitive to get a job in the NHS or privately as a new physiotherapy grad, so any additional work experience or volunteering within a clinical or Physiotherapy environment will do wonders for your CV and make you a top applicant. Working as a Physiotherapy assistant is a good way of getting experience without needing qualifications. (November 2024)

Then 

While for many people, COVID-19 brought huge negativity, for me it brought time to reflect on my career. It was at this point I rewound the clocks and revisited my passion and interest for the human body and started thinking of a way I could get back on the path to studying Physiotherapy at University, just like I had planned when I was 17. As I didn't have the A-levels to get into University, I started researching possible options that would get me onto a degree course. Most importantly I needed to find an option that I could fit around full-time work.

DistanceLearningCentre.com enabled me to continue working a full-time job and study in my free time. The nature of distance learning is online, which means you aren't tied to specific class times, you can read and study material whenever is most convenient for you and also agree on deadlines with your tutor. The tutors are incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. They are always on hand to offer a tutorial and will keep you on track for achieving your deadlines, while at the same time, giving you space and independence to work in a way that suits you.

If I was to give anyone considering DistanceLearningCentre.com advice, it would be to go for it! Of course, there is always going to be a sacrifice; if you are working full time and studying it is a big commitment of your time, however, if you are well structured and keep to deadlines, you will be amazed at how much you can achieve. Distance learning has given me so much confidence in myself, I am still pinching myself that I was able to work full time and complete an Access course at Distinction level, all in the midst of a pandemic too. I am now all set to pack in my HR career of 10 years and start at the University of St Marys to study BSC Physiotherapy in September 2021. (July 2021)

My journey with DistanceLearningCentre.com was one of the best decisions I made - Olawole Omogbemi

Now 

I am currently in the final year of my Medical Physiology degree at the University of East London. It has been an incredibly challenging yet rewarding journey, especially as a mature student with young children. One of my personal quotes is:

“Fear whispers, ‘You can’t do it,’ making tasks seem impossible just to suppress your hidden potential. But greater blessings come through perseverance. Keep going—don’t give up.”

I genuinely believe that dedication and perseverance will lead to success, and my advice to all students is: you absolutely can do it.

My journey with DistanceLearningCentre.com was one of the best decisions I made. The experience taught me important lessons in self-discipline, encouragement, time management and essential academic skills needed to succeed at the university level. These include critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to manage and prioritise workload —all of which have been instrumental in my academic journey

I am deeply grateful to everyone at DistanceLearningCentre.com, especially my tutors and the entire team, for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout my journey during my studies with them.

As I approach graduation this summer, I am preparing to pursue a Master’s degree in Diagnostic Radiography. (January 2025)

Then

A friend of mine introduce DistanceLearningCentre.com when I had a chat with him about going back to studying. 

Having been out of school for long, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to study a course entirely based online. I was sceptical; so, I went on their website and read some of the students review and I was encouraged to enrol. I realised my perception was wrong when I started the course. 

Although, it wasn’t very easy being a parent and working full time. Also, during my time on the course, I had a baby, moved home and the toughest part was losing a close friend. But through it all, I was able to complete the course with the support from my family and my tutors. 

At the end, I achieved the required grades and I’m now holding an offer from the University of East London to study medical physiology. 

Thanks to all my Tutors and DistanceLearningCentre.com for your support. I couldn’t have completed the course without the full support of my tutors. I’m now fully equipped with what it takes to succeed at the university level. DistanceLearningCentre.com is one of the best educational institution in the UK and I won’t hesitate to recommend it to people. (June 2022)

I qualified in July and I am now a newly qualified social worker - Aimee

Now 

I went on to do a BA hons degree at Leeds Beckett University in Social Work. I qualified in July and I am now a newly-qualified social worker for Leeds Council on the children’s health and disability team. 

My advice would be to future learners, that the hours are long and it is hard work. However, it got me into a career and it is worth doing. I did my distance learning whilst having a full-time job, it’s achievable and will be life-changing. (November 2024)

Then 

I did not go to University after I completed secondary school because I was still unsure on what career path I wanted to take. 5 years later, I decided I would like to have the chance to go to University, and DistanceLearningCentre.com provided this opportunity for me!

I did the Access to Social Work course, which will now allow me to do a social work degree at Leeds Beckett University. I completed my access course within 9 months whilst still working my full-time job. I would like to thank my tutors for all their support and guidance.

Doing this course has really made me feel ready to take on higher education and I recommend it to anyone who may be sceptical about their potential! (July 2021)

This course gave me the practical skills and theoretical knowledge I needed to succeed as a paramedic in the field - Thomas Razey

Now 

I attended Anglia Ruskin University and studied Paramedic Science. This course gave me the practical skills and theoretical knowledge I needed to succeed as a paramedic in the field.

The biggest challenge was balancing the academic workload with the demands of placements. At times, it felt overwhelming, and I often doubted my abilities or struggled with imposter syndrome. My advice is not to give up—it does get easier. Take things one step at a time, lean on your support network, and remember that every challenge is helping you grow into the professional you’re training to become.

My studies with DistanceLearningCentre.com prepared me exceptionally well for university. The programme taught me how to manage independent study, analyse information critically, and develop academic writing skills. These were vital during my degree and made the transition to university much smoother.

I’m now working as a full-time paramedic with the East of England Ambulance Service. I’ve gained additional qualifications, such as wound closure, and I’m continuously working to advance my skills. I’m currently exploring postgraduate options and aiming to pursue a master’s degree in Critical Care to further specialise in advanced paramedic practice. (November 2024)

Then 

Hi my name is Tom, from Essex. I am a retired competitive national gymnast and now a qualified coach. I have been offered a place in September at Anglia Ruskin University for Paramedic Science Degree and I couldn't be more excited.

DistanceLearningCentre.com have been incredible, my tutor was fantastic, they guided me through the process, motivated me and supported me. I'm so thankful, DistanceLearningCentre.com has allowed me to follow my dream and I am one step closer to being a Paramedic. (July 2021) Award of Achievement Nominee

I am now a qualified midwife working in the Labour Ward at my local hospital. I absolutely love it! - Jennie Game

Now

I studied BSc (Hons) Midwifery at University of Greenwich.

The biggest challenges were adapting to writing at higher levels. My advice would be to really look at the marking criteria for each assignment, as if you don’t know how your work is going to be marked then you’re less likely to do well.

It was useful learning about referencing. Being an independent learner encourages you to be self-motivated which is really useful when it comes to meeting the deadlines at university.

I am now a qualified midwife working in the Labour Ward at my local hospital. I absolutely love it!

Then 

My ambition to become a midwife led me to DistanceLearningCentre.com, as I didn't have any GCSE or A-Level qualifications to apply to University.

I chose to enrol on the Access to HE Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery first, as I wanted to give myself enough time to focus on achieving the high standard of grades required for my chosen universities. I was able to fit my studies in around working part time and looking after my two very young children. I really appreciated the flexibility of being able to study at a time that suited me and not have to be in a certain place at a certain time.

Although I studied on my own, I never felt alone. My tutors were always quick to respond to any emails or for a phone call to answer any questions I had; the support was fantastic. There is also an active Facebook group which is helpful for connecting with other students.

I really enjoyed the course and am now about to enrol on the Level 2 Functional Skills through DistanceLearningCentre.com, and will be confident in my application when I apply to university in September. (Nov 2020)