Shipley College Part-time courses for adults - 2023/24

IRAM
ACCESS TO HE
As a mature student I started my educational journey back in 2018. I didn’t really
know what path or career I wanted to pursue initially, but during my placement
at a primary school some time ago, I came to the realisation that I wanted
to ultimately advance a career into social work.
I was told by university staff last year to enrol in an Access to HE course, and that could
lead to a social work degree. Now I’m almost finished with this course, I can honestly say
so far it has been the most challenging seven months of my life. However, with only two
months left to go, it feels like the time has rushed by. It has been extremely rewarding
since I’ve accomplished so much.
The HE to Social Science team and staff at Shipley College have been incredibly helpful
throughout. I have made lots of new friends with whom I will undoubtedly stay in
contact for a very long time.
Along with our subjects, we have received a lot of additional support, such as with CV
writing and interview preparation. I finally feel ready and prepared to attend university
now that I have all of this in mind. I was offered the opportunity to become a Student
Ambassador, which has opened up an endless amount of additional possibilities for me
throughout the year. As a Student Ambassador for the Access course, I spoke on behalf
of the course at College open events, volunteered my time to help give potential
prospective students an overview of the course itself, and contributed to the content
of the College course guide by giving testimonial talks.
Additionally, I was able to join the NHS Volunteer Service by participating in an online
course, which led to my placement at the Lynfield Mount Ashbrook Ward. I can’t express
my gratitude to the faculty, staff, and other members of Shipley College enough for making
my time here as enjoyable and productive as possible.
All students, particularly mature students such as myself who are wanting to progress
their education into university, should sign up for a course here because of the
encouragement and guidance available.
18. 19.