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Made it possible to realise my potential and gave me the confidence to focus on achieving a goal - Sam Skinner

Fab5 Award Nominee

Having left college with some less than average A level results in subjects I had no desire to pursue, I never thought at the age of 26 I would be able to find the time to study let alone remember anything I was taught at school over 11 years prior. Working full time and being out of the country for more than 3 weeks a month, I knew that college would not be viable and quite simply I could not afford to give up work. That's when I found DistanceLearningCentre.com and knew it would be the perfect solution.

Being a mature student can be daunting, but Studying with DistanceLearningCentre.com made it possible to realise my potential and gave me the confidence to focus on achieving a goal I did not think was reachable, or viable given my work life balance. Whilst the tutors were informative, they were also just a phone call or email away, guiding me in the right direction and giving me the confidence to complete each module. If a particular subject was harder and taking longer to complete, the tutors would keep me motivated and you could tell they had your best interests at heart.

Although the course is not easy, and the level 3 modules can be quite intimidating, there is always someone on hand to help. Whether on the student forum or via your tutor.

There's no hiding from the fact that this course does require a lot of discipline and self motivation but I managed to complete it with a lot of jet lag, support and determination. If you put in the work you will be overwhelmed and amazed with the results you can achieve.

Thank you to all of the tutors who supported me, and answered my emails promptly. I highly recommend studying with DistanceLearningCentre.com. (Nov 14)

I found the tutors extremely supportive and the course is very well structured - Gemma Jepson

Fab5 Award Nominee

I wanted to become a midwife whilst pregnant with my eldest child 9 years ago. I promised myself that I would start my journey when my children started school. As they started school my husband left the armed forces and there just never seemed to be a 'right' time, until I discovered DistanceLearningCentre.com. It was the perfect opportunity to take the plunge and start my journey to becoming a midwife.

I was a little worried about being able to achieve the grades I needed as I was a mature student in full time employment with a young family, but it is achievable as you are able to study in your own time. I enrolled with determination and self-motivation, I completed in time for the November 2014 moderation with mostly distinctions.

I would highly recommend DistanceLearningCentre.com. I found the tutors extremely supportive and as the course is very well structured, I found it easy to follow and achieve the grades I needed. Completing this course is a massive achievement and has definitely prepared me for studying a degree in Midwifery at university in September. (Nov 14)

The extraordinary lengths they went to nurture and encourage me was most appreciated - Olawale Alade

I was tired hopping from one job to the other, I wanted professional credentials. My quest for a University Education to support this goal appeared to have eluded me when I failed to get admission having applied twice through UCAS. DistanceLearningCentre.com was first mentioned whilst sitting with an Admissions Officer at Kings College. She had appraised the degree I obtained eighteen years ago as unsuitable for admission due to it being more than ten years old. She recommended an Access Course, and being a full time worker, that DistanceLearningCentre.com would be best suited to my needs.

Immediately I enrolled, and although I burned with enthusiasm, it was challenging at first. I was however resolute. I retained my shift patterns, working Early Late and Night shifts, and managed to study at every opportunity I had. The support offered by my tutors and the extraordinary lengths they went to nurture and encourage me was most appreciated. I have identified my natural talents and resourcefulness in the helping profession and didn't want to miss out on the enrolment for the 2014 Nursing Program. I am really glad I made it eventually.

Whilst completing my UCAS application in January, I doubted my ability to complete the course early enough and indicated in three of my choices a preference for deferred admission. Early in April, I travelled to Nigeria to attend my brother's wedding where I played the role of father figure. I missed three solid weeks, and on return I felt it would be difficult to achieve my targets. Kingston University however offered me admission with just nine credits to finish. I am very thankful to all my tutors. They supported and encouraged me when things got tough and the going was rough. DistanceLearningCentre.com has given me a unique opportunity and has made my dream possible. I will recommend them to anyone who might be put off by the thought of full time study whilst holding down a job. It is refreshingly invigorating and empowering getting the support tutors on the program can offer. (Nov 14)

Fab5 Award Nominee

When I started working as HCA in August 2012, I quickly realised being in the Mental Health field offers me the unique privilege of using my therapeutic skills to support in a way that I have always wanted. However, having a degree in Guidance and Counselling which I obtained 18 years ago, I knew I needed to achieve qualified Mental Health Nurse status to fully enjoy my work. I quickly set about exploring avenue to enrol for a degree course. It was with disappointment I learnt that my previous degree, being over ten years old, would mean I needed to take Access to Higher Education Course.

I actually thought it was something I could breeze through but half way through my GCSE (Science & Maths) equivalent I was discouraged. Managing a family and coping with full time shift work was not an ideal combination I anticipated it would be. It was a challenging and difficult time for me. The supports and help that the tutors offered me, and in particular, the extra mile tutors offered, was most valuable. At some point, I decided I would have to defer my admission till 2015, but the tutors egged me on. The tutors positive attitude and encouragement they offered, which was genuine and in abundance, gave me renewed hope that I could complete enough credits to meet admission criteria. Without the support of DistanceLearningCentre.com, I would not be at University now. I am so thankful for all the supports given to me and I highly recommend them to anyone who, in spite of their busy schedule, still nurse an ambition of pursing a course of their dreams at University level. It is not too late as you might think and an excellent group of tutors are waiting to offer you a unique experience. (July 15)

More Distinctions than I thought I was capable of - Ellen Rooney

Before the course I was working with an agency waitressing at events all over the UK, whilst I decided what job I wanted to do. I decided nursing was the career for me and began studying an Access to Nursing course with DistanceLearningCentre.com in February 2014. I found studying hard and challenging whilst working full time but I managed to complete in 8 months, with more Distinctions than I thought I was capable of. Studying with DistanceLearningCentre.com is excellent, the staff are friendly and helpful. I would defiantly recommend them to other people. The course has been worthwhile as so far I have been offered interviews with two of my chosen universities, and will hopefully gain a place for adult nursing in September 2015. (Nov 14)

I still wanted to work full time and earn money - Joanna Harper

I work for the NHS as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, once I was in this role I realised that I wanted to become a fully qualified Occupational Therapist, to do this I have to go to university. I didn't complete my A levels, as being young and naive I wanted to work full time and earn money. I found DistanceLearningCentre.com and after discussing with the university I wanted to apply to, I was told that the course would be acceptable, so I enrolled to do the Access to Health Professions.

I didn't realise how tough the course would be, but it is well worth it, every unit I completed I felt was an accomplishment. At the beginning of the year I experienced a personal loss, at one point I didn't think that I would be able to complete the course, but with the help of my tutors I made it. I can't thank them enough. There have been lots of tears and times my laptop nearly went through the window, but I am now applying to my chosen university and hope to become a full time mature student in 2015. (Nov 14)