A few years ago, I wanted to embark on a new career path which required an undergraduate degree (as well as a postgraduate qualification), however, as I had only completed a Carpentry and Joinery qualification, I didn’t have the necessary skills or qualifications required for university level study.

At the time, there were several options (including A levels and foundation degrees), but the Access to HE Diploma at University Centre Reaseheath was the most cost effective, time efficient and tailored to those that had not been in an academic setting for a significant amount of time.

I spoke to several providers of Access to HE diplomas and found the academic team at UCR to be the most approachable, understanding, and supportive. Having not been in an academic setting for seven years, I was quite apprehensive and unsure of what to expect, especially as a mature student, but I was immediately attracted to UCR as the course seemed to be structured in an approachable way, and it was clear that support was there pastorally, and academically, whenever it was required.

The other seemingly unique factor about UCR was the breadth of subjects that were studied during the course. This was appealing, as whilst I had a strong idea of what I wanted to do, I also wanted somewhere that would give me exposure to a variety of different subjects, to ensure I was confident going into my chosen degree course.

The Access to HE Diploma was excellent preparation for degree level study, and it helped me to feel comfortable within an academic setting which was particularly useful as I had been in the workplace since I left school. Part of what enabled me to feel so comfortable was the approachable nature of the academics, all of whom seemingly had an unrivalled understanding of the fact that we were re-entering education, and had previously been out of that setting, for varying degrees of time.

The way the subjects were taught was in a manner which was thought provoking and consistently accessible, and I consider the Access to HE Diploma to have been the best possible start to my academic journey. I feel tremendously fortunate to have been able to spend a year at UCR and I still see it as a highlight of my academic journey.

I was particularly proud of the progress I made during my time at UCR. Having not written anything academic since school seven years prior, I finished the course with the ability to write essays that were evidently to a good standard, as I graduated with a Triple Distinction.