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I didn't want to go back to college and start over for another two years - Erica Amoako

Being at DistanceLearningCentre.com has been a life change for me, after a long stay at home and thinking of what to do. I wanted to study Access to Social Work, but I didn't want to go back to college and start over for another two years. I looked on to the internet and saw the DistanceLearningCentre.com website which I browsed around and saw the testimonies other students gave. It gave me the courage to do it because it has been my dream to be a Social Worker for a long time.

My confidence has gained a massive boost, knowing that I am able to complete my access course with good grades I didn't expect I would achieve. My course tutor has been very helpful, encouraging me and helping me to achieve the best grades I can. I thank all the DistanceLearningCentre.com team and my tutor for being there for me when I needed help. Thank you all!!! (Nov 14)

I used the Individual Learning Plan to keep on track to reach each milestone in the time I needed to reach it in - Emma Day

I just want to start by saying that I am so grateful to DistanceLearningCentre.com for giving me this opportunity and broadening my horizons, allowing and helping me to begin this journey of realising my academic potential.

I had my first child when I was 18, I was hoping to go to university but I put those dreams on hold to ensure I could provide for my son by working full time. I've since had a daughter and again put my dream of going to university on hold but still longed for the chance to be able to achieve what I know I'm capable of. Working full time to support my family has been my only choice for the last 12 years, and I'd looked into going to college on numerous occasions but could never afford to leave work, but then I found DistanceLearningCentre.com ... And the rest they say, is history!

I won't say it was easy, far from it in fact. But the tutors and course materials where so helpful and supportive, they made sure I had all I needed to succeed. I used the ILP to constantly keep on track to reach each milestone in the time I needed to reach it in. I only started in October so I was dubious if I could complete within 8 months in time for June moderation. I actually achieved this in less than 6.

I'm so proud of how far I have come, I've pushed myself so hard I now know that I'm more than prepared for university in September. I applied to study Computing Bsc at Edge Hill and thanks to brilliant guidance from my tutor at the time, my application was accepted straight away!

I still can't quite believe it. So I just want to say this, if you're thinking of starting to study with DistanceLearningCentre.com, don't hesitate, just do it. You won't be sorry, and you will open doors to a better and brighter future for yourself. Thank you! (Jun 16)

June 2012 - Lisa Ashton

I have worked in many jobs that I never felt inspired in and wished that one day I could work in a job that I loved. After my grandfather passed away I promised myself that I would re-train and become a Midwife as this was the job I had always wanted to do. A Friend told me about DistanceLearningCentre.com, she said that it was a way of getting qualifications needed to get into university and I could do it all from home as I am a busy mum of four children.

I found the course quite daunting at first but the tutors were always there to lend a hand with weekly phone calls and regular e-mails to check progress and give advice, and before I knew it I was half way through the course. I did find it hard juggling the children and coursework but found that as soon as they were all in bed I had a number of hours to concentrate and complete all the work needed.

After applying to a number of Universities to get on their Midwifery course I was disheartened not to receive a place, but this did not stop me I applied to go into nursing and was lucky to get an acceptance at a University on an Adult Nursing degree. I know that it will take me longer to become a midwife but I will get there in the future I am determined. If you are thinking of doing one of DistanceLearningCentre.com's access courses my advice would be 'go for it', it will give you the skills and confidence to go back into education and get the career that you have always wanted to do.

June 2012 - Serena Bucys

I have always wanted a career in healthcare, I looked into starting University but would not be considered as my A levels were over 5 years old and I needed recent study. When I rang Salford University they recommended DistanceLearningCentre.com. From there I started the Access to Midwifery course in August 2011.

I had left college in 2003 and had not done any study since, doing the course has given me an insight into what I can now expect at University as I have been offered a conditional place at Salford University this September. I would have liked to have gone to my local college to study but this wasn't possible as I could not give up work. The course has been tough and I have had to spend every spare minute on the assessments, especially towards the end as I only got my conditional offer at the end of March and I still had a lot to do to complete for June moderation.

My advice would be to take the full 12 months to complete the course and read through all the induction and handbook information fully, I only found out about DistanceLearningCentre.com courses at the end of July and only really started the main assessments in September after completing all the induction work in the August. Then it's all happened really fast attending open days at universities and applying through UCAS.

I did the level 2 English, Maths and IT because my GCSEs were achieved over 10 years ago in 2001, this added to the amount of work that needed to be completed, it also took me a while to get into study again and I found that I was a third of the way through before I started to get used to it all. I have really enjoyed learning again and although I have found the course extremely hard work and challenging I am proud of what I have achieved and in a way will miss acquiring all the knowledge that I have been doing for the last 9 months.

June 2012 - Alexandra Richardson

I enrolled onto the DistanceLearningCentre.com Access to Higher Education Diploma in Midwifery course as due to my lack of science A levels and the fact some institutions do not count UCAS points from general studies qualifications I was unable to apply for my desired degree course; BSC Midwifery. Studying with DistanceLearningCentre.com has at times been challenging as a lot of self motivation is needed especially due to the fact I had to complete all my assignments in the evening once my toddler had gone to bed. There is a lot of work involved; reading and making notes on the detailed course notes provided, researching extra information to add into the assignments and completing the assignments themselves, however both my tutors were always on hand with prompt replies whenever I had a problem and were always more than willing to help.

DistanceLearningCentre.com was the only access course I was interested in taking as it enabled me to study in my own time at home without having to factor in childcare. It has lived up to my expectations of providing me with what I think is a sound base of scientific knowledge to aid me with my chosen degree course. Despite my nerves prior to my final exam which took place via Skype, the exam went very smoothly and my tutor helped me by providing regular time checks to keep my timing for the essay questions on track! I am currently undertaking a variety of work experience placements and in September I will be applying to Universities and all being well thanks to my qualification from DistanceLearningCentre.com will start my dream degree course the following September.