Alumni

For those getting back into education (like myself) I found the mode of study at DistanceLearningCentre.com a fantastic steppingstone - Sam Stott

Now

I successfully completed my BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy with Plymouth University, with First Class Honours, and finished top of class for graduation in 2021.

What I found most challenging was the transition from working full time to studying full time. I would strongly advise that current DistanceLearningCentre.com learners accept the advice on academic writing that your tutor provides. This advice is invaluable, and you might not receive that degree of help again when you start undergraduate study.

As expected, the demand was much greater in university, but for those getting back into education (like myself) I found the mode of study at DistanceLearningCentre.com a fantastic steppingstone. I am now enrolled on graduate entry Medicine at Warwick University (Nov 2021)

Then

Having failed to meet the entry requirements for a BSc in Physiotherapy and not being accepted into a foundation degree in Healthcare Professionals, I decided to search for Access courses. During my search I come across DistanceLearningCentre.com. Initially I was sceptical of how one can achieve the entry requirements for university within a year, but after enrolling, I soon understood the effort I had to apply.

The skills I acquired from the learning materials and tutors are immeasurable, from time-management to academic writing, every requirement of higher education has been neatly wrapped up into one package.

The diploma even helped me before completion; I managed to secure a position as a Physiotherapy Assistant, with the Access to HE Diploma being the hottest topic within my interviews. Not only is it seen as an incredibly positive qualification by employers, it also demonstrates your work ethic and commitment to professional development before you set foot in the room.

My tutors were beyond helpful; my appreciation for all of there time, effort and patience does not equate to the support they provided me with. My tutor scrutinised my UCAS application and provided a supportive academic reference, improving my chances for a successful application.

What I am most truly thankful for is the collective service which enabled me to gain my offer for University studying what I set out to, Physiotherapy. (Jun 2018)

As a mature student, I wish I had used my Access Course guidance more in depth, so as to prepare myself as much as possible - Rebecca Mutch

Now

After completing my Diploma with DistanceLearningCentre.com, I attended the University of Derby and have just graduated with a BSc Honours degree in Diagnostic Radiography. The most challenging aspect of my undergraduate study was adjusting to referencing and formal layouts. As a mature student, I wish I had used my Access Course guidance more in depth, so as to prepare myself as much as possible.

My studies with DistanceLearningCentre.com provided a good introduction and definitely helped me prepare. The topics that were covered in my Diploma were very useful as they were then taught in more detail during my undergraduate studies. I was glad that I had decided to complete the Access course just before starting the degree, especially after many years out of education.

I have now started a full time job as a Diagnostic Radiographer in my Hospital Trust of choice. (Nov 2021)

Then

Before I started at DistanceLearningCentre.com, I was working as an administrator for radiographers, now I am on my way to becoming one! I've studied the Access to HE science Diploma and although it took me a little longer than first planned, I have gained knowledge and received offers at my university choices; all whilst working full time and juggling family life.

I did not want to give up work for a couple of years to go back to college so this course has been perfect for me as I could continue working up until I start university! The tutors were very supportive and approachable, even when I was struggling with the assignment or the timescales. I'm very happy I have studied with DistanceLearningCentre.com and would highly recommend them. (Jun 2018)

Resilience you build during the DistanceLearningCentre.com course provides the building blocks to succeed at university - Jordan McNulty

Now

Upon completing my Diploma with DistanceLearningCentre.com, I went on to the study BSc (Hons) Marine Biology at the university of Hull, achieving a First-Class Honours degree. Impostor syndrome and my mental health were what I struggled with quite a lot in the early phase of my undergraduate studies. Having messed up at school, it was hard to shake the feeling that I did not belong at university and that I was wasting my time. You just have to fight through it and remind yourself that you do deserve to be at university, as you would not be there if you were not capable of doing it. Staff are always very helpful and accommodating if you are struggling at all, always speak to them if you're struggling and need support. The mental health services and support available at the university were also tremendously helpful for me, as I had a few problems throughout my degree with home life and my mental health during my studies. I managed to finish my degree with support from friends at university and the staff working there.

Being organised and aware of when your deadlines are for different module assignments is also crucial. You can get away with being less organised in the first year sometimes, but the second and third year will heavily increase in workload and the difficulty of the assignments. If you keep yourself organised and work at a steady pace you can avoid having to do assignments the night before. If you plan properly and effectively, you're more likely to get a better grade too compared to if you do not prepare. Leaving everything to the last minute will not show the best work you're capable of producing and is in my opinion you would be doing yourself a massive disservice.

Also make sure to fully immerse yourself within everything that the University you choose offers. I'm quite introverted and I found it a challenge to do but having done so I feel I gained a lot from getting involved. Things you can get involved with include university societies and clubs, guidance from the library departments to help you with things such as improving your academic writing and literature searching/reviews, and also tapping into the knowledge that your supervisors and lecturers provide. You can get out as much from university as you wish, but I believe that to perform to your best, you need to surround yourself with likeminded people that are there for the same purpose. Having a support network to collaborate and share ideas with is not a prerequisite to successful study, but I found to be very helpful. I would also re-emphasise the importance of digging into the expertise and knowledge of your Academic Support Tutor (AST), head of modules and any lecturers you find interesting. They are always willing to help with any questions you have about assignments if you're struggling to understand, always willing to provide advice about future careers and many other useful things. When you first arrive at university it can be very daunting, and you can miss the opportunity to really make the most of everything you can do from day 1. I didn't take advantage of most things until my second and third year and I regret not getting more involved in the social aspects of my degree and other extracurricular tasks. Always keep these things tempered however and remember why you are there (personal growth and to come out with a good degree). Enjoy yourself, it's an incredible experience, it's the starting point of a new journey into the rest of your life.

Studying with the DistanceLearningCentre.com was a steep learning curve at times, and it is about as robust as it could be to prepare you for the rigours of undergraduate and postgraduate study. Over the last year I have completed my Masters by Research remotely due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and I tapped into my experience of working completely online during my Diploma studies to push through when I struggled. It is very useful, indeed. The resilience you build during the DistanceLearningCentre.com course provides you with the building blocks to succeed as you have to work independently and learn to trust yourself and your own judgment. Now that I have completed my Research Masters in Ecology, Evolution & Behaviour at the University of Roehampton (achieving a Merit grade). I am thinking about either starting a career, or possibly pursuing further education by studying for a PhD. I am the happiest and most fulfilled I have ever been. I finally believe in myself as a human being. I believe I am capable and worthy of being successful, and happy in life. Where I am today is largely due to the opportunity that DistanceLearningCentre.com provided me, giving me; someone that messed up at school, a second chance in education. (Nov 2021)

Then - Fab5 Award Nominee

I have always dreamed about becoming a Marine Biologist, however due to lacking motivation and suffering from depression, I wasted numerous opportunities gifted to me during my teenage years. As a result, I moved from one unsatisfying job to another, feeling empty without ever understanding why. I only began to appreciate why I felt this way 6 years after having left full time education.

Having worked as a Police Officer for a few years, I decided to finally turn my dreams into reality and applied to DistanceLearningCentre.com to complete an Access to Science course with the long term goal being to study Marine Biology at University in September 2017.

Initially the course was tough and very daunting however anything worth doing in life will be a test of your character and resilience, making you question, at times, how much you really want it. Through a combination of determination, hard work and amazing support from my tutor I am well on my way to achieving my dreams.

Half way through the course my mum became very unwell. This had a huge impact on me and left me feeling as though I would not be able to finish. However my tutor was incredibly supportive, giving me encouragement and all the time I required to finish an assignment by granting extensions when needed. Without my tutors support I am unsure that I would have completed the course or achieved such high grades.

It can be hard to see the benefits of sacrifices you have to make to do well when you first start, due to being nervous and lacking belief in yourself. However the fruits of your labour will pay off without a shadow of a doubt and you will soon be at ease and comfortable with the workload.

Completing this course is one of my best achievements to-date and I am eternally grateful to DistanceLearningCentre.com for giving me the opportunity to follow a path I never believed would be achievable. I didn't believe, before I started, that I would be good enough however the support of my tutor helped me to believe it was possible. Having completed the course I am due to start at my preferred University in September. My tutor and Student Services helped immeasurably with my UCAS application, making sure that everything that was required was included, as well as a reference which helped me secure offers from all of my five university choices.

It's never too late to begin a new chapter in your life and to follow your dreams, DistanceLearningCentre.com can help you achieve this, all that's required is a leap of faith and you could be starting your own amazing journey on the path you were always destined to tread. (Jun 2017)

It absolutely prepared me for university, especially studying with the Open University as it is distance learning too - Keira Kirwan

Now

I am currently studying toward a degree with the Open University, I am studying Criminology and Psychology as I did with DistanceLearningCentre.com. There haven't been any huge challenges as DistanceLearningCentre.com really prepared me for University study. However, if I had to whittle it down, I would say the biggest challenge is the slight step up in content to learn and requirement for individual research. My advice would be to absolutely take on board your tutor's feedback, keep working toward word limits (not falling short or going above) and continue developing your referencing skills because this will most definitely come in handy!

I could not be more grateful for studying with DistanceLearningCentre.com. It absolutely prepared me for university especially studying with the Open University as it is distance learning too. Thankfully, DistanceLearningCentre.com gave me so many skills which I am using at university. I am referencing, writing to length and being precise as well as undertaking research, writing essays and projects, all of which I was taught in my Access to HE course. I am also familiar with a lot of the content that I am studying at university because DistanceLearningCentre.com had introduced me to it already. I have been well prepared for distance learning, time management, academic study, and writing skills. I Highly recommend studying with DistanceLearningCentre.com to prepare for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. After my degree, I am looking to pursue work in forensic psychology, more specifically the youth justice system and I can't thank DLC.com enough for all of the preparation they have given me for my future. (Nov 2021)

Then

Before enrolling with the DistanceLearningCentre.com I was working in administration full time. As much as I enjoy working in administration, my passion lies with teaching and helping children to ensure they have the best start in education.

I thought that I missed my opportunity to pursue the career I dreamed of because I left school and went to study administration instead of achieving Alevels but when I came across the DistanceLearningCentre.com website I realised I could study whilst working ? I was ecstatic.

The course I studied was the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Primary Teaching) (English). I finished the course with all distinctions which I still cannot believe! I am so proud of myself and so grateful to the DistanceLearningCentre.com for all of their support.

I have met the requirements for the university course I wish to study however due to circumstances I won't be able study this year but I have my heart set on my goal to go to university as soon as I can and become a qualified teacher!

DistanceLearningCentre.com has given me such a boost of confidence and made me even more determined to be the teacher I want to be in the near future. I would recommend (in fact I have) to anyone simply because of the fantastic tutor support, quality of the learning materials and the easy way to submit, make payment, download and navigate on the website. (Nov 2017)

DistanceLearningCentre.com prepared me very well for the demands of undergraduate study - Charles Willis

Now

After completing my Diploma, I went on to successfully complete a BSc Honours in Radiology and Oncology at Cardiff University. My studies with DistanceLearningCentre.com prepared me very well for the demands of undergraduate study.

I was rusty with regards to physics and academic writing, and the Diploma refreshed my knowledge and helped me to write a very good personal statement for my university application. I am now 18 months into a graduate role as a Therapeutic Radiographer. (Nov 2021)

Then

Having served over 22 years in the Royal Army Medical Corps, I decided that I wanted to go back to the days when I had patient contact and not be stuck behind a desk. I applied to undertake a 3 year BSc (Hons) Degree in Radiotherapy and Oncology.

Having already completed a BSc (Hons) Health Management degree I felt confident that I could complete an Access to HE Diploma Allied Health Professions in six months. It was definitely a struggle to begin with but I soon got into the swing of things. I won't lie it is hard work, especially if you have to work a full time job as well, but if you want it you will work hard for it, nothing worth having in this life comes easy.

I particularly liked the progressive nature of the course, you sometimes wonder why you are learning something but it always makes sense when you move onto the next part of the syllabus. I felt very supported and the occasions where I misunderstood something I was put right back on track. I leave the Army in a few days and have been offered a place at Cardiff University this year.

My advice, to any potential students, "Go for it, work hard and play hard and you will succeed." (Jun 2017)