Stirling students praise life changing access course

“It’s been so worth it. It’s given me the confidence I wouldn’t have had to jump into another course.”

These are the words of Maxine Yates, a former engineer who is on the way to becoming a paramedic, following the completion of the University of Stirling’s flagship Access to Degree Studies programme.

Maxine is one of 42 students who graduated from the University of Stirling access courses at a special celebration event last week.

The programme is for anyone who wants to study an undergraduate degree course, but has few or no formal qualifications, or has been out of full-time education for more than three years.

There are three progression routes available: the general Access to Degree Studies; Access to Nursing Studies; and Access to Science Studies. Successful completion offers pathways to a wide range of undergraduate courses at the University of Stirling in the Faculties of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Stirling Management School, and Health Sciences and Sport.

Positive environment

Reflecting on the Access to Nursing Studies course, Maxine – who is going on to study Paramedic Science at Stirling in September – said: “Everybody in the class was just so involved – it makes for a really good environment. I remember not enjoying school very much, and I left thinking university wasn’t for me. But in coming back to higher education, I’ve discovered I actually love it. Now I can’t wait to come back in September.”

Access to Science Studies student Angela Hay also credited the positive environment at Stirling, and said: “The lecturers were fantastic and everyone lifted each other up. When we started getting our university offer letters through, we were all celebrating together. It’s like you’ve built this little community of people who just want you to do well.”

Many of the students on the Access programme juggle their studies with full-time jobs and parental responsibilities. Maureen Moffat was one of these students. Maureen completed the Access to Nursing Studies course while looking after her four children and holding down a job in the care sector. She said: “I came across lots of challenges, but I’m so proud of myself for keeping going. The support the University gave me was just second to none – it was really amazing.”

Maureen, who has been accepted to study Adult Nursing at Stirling in September, added: “When I think about how much I’ve achieved, I can’t stop smiling. This course totally changed my life. I'm so confident in myself as a person now.”

At this year’s Access celebration ceremony, three students received the annual Jim Bradley Award – named after a late, highly-respected Stirling academic and true advocate for adult learning. The three Jim Bradley Award winners were: Maxine Yates (Nursing Studies); Paband Abdulmuhsin (Science Studies); and Anna Richmond-Ferns (Degree Studies).

Course Director, Dr Yulia Lukyanova said: “Congratulations to all of our Access students – they should be very proud of themselves. They put in the work, and showcased their dedication to learning and achieving their full potential.

“Returning to higher education, or coming into it for the first time, can be daunting, but the opportunities that come with it are worth it. I wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”